We built a home and somewhere along the way the details were left out about what the finish would be under the bar top of the island. My husband and I assumed it would be wrapped with panels that match the cabinets, especially because part of the island has cabinets on it. But apparently that wasn’t what the plan actually said, so it didn’t get done that way, leaving it sheetrock with flat paint. As parents of young children, this area is prone to messes. It already has stains from spilled milk and food, kicks and knee bumps. We added some wood trim to make it look more custom, but I can’t decide what to paint it for the life of me! Do I paint it dark like the cabinets (which are a dark brownish charcoal stain, not painted), light grey to tie in the backsplash, or white? Or a pop of color? There will be edges that butt up against dark cabinets so I don’t want it to clash. What should I do?? Im attaching pictures of my living room that opens to it to give an idea of the other colors in play.

Note: We contacted the cabinet company after closing on the house and the quote for panels was $1100 without installation, so that is just not an option anymore.