Hello, Suzanne, I Design cabinetry and renovations, therefore my advice would be to paint leave the wall color the same as the rest of the room, paint your built-ins white. Do not go all the way up the fireplace wall with white paint or millwork if you plan on stopping at an 8 foot height and there is ample space left above it. You've shared an elevation drawing and that's how I would keep it just so that the focal point will remain on the center which will be the highest point. My suggestions are based on the images of the space you have provided and the mention of the new light fixture you will be adding. I feel that painting the triangles above the built-ins will take away from the beauty of your cathedral ceilings. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your reply. If I understand you correctly, you are saying to paint the triangles and above my TV the wall color, not white, correct?

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Correct. I do like your elevation with the fireplace wall a little taller than the shelving. I feel this would emphasize the architecture of the space. Leaving the triangles and area above the tv the wall color and not painting it white would maintain your ceiling's architecture as well. My thoughts are to not take away from its style, instead we add to it and improve it. Painting that area white would be - in my opinion - a disservice to your home's existing style.

Okay, great. Yes, the top of my TV is currently higher than 8', so with the molding framing the TV and then a crown, the middle section will probably be around 9' tall.

Thank you so much for your time!