I wish your kitchen cabinetry and the entertainment center were the same finish for a more coordinated look in such a small space. Lack of lighting (other than one lamp and what appears to be light from a skylight) is the main issue that might force you to go with white. If you can improve the lighting, I think you can add some color if you want to. How about installing some LED lighting in the e-center? Your end tables are too short for the sofa; replace them and add table lamps for that side of the room at night (see chart below for measurements.) You could move the floor lamp slightly behind the two chairs for a reading spot. Last step would be lowering the three pictures so they are centered 5' above the floor and only one hand's breadth apart. A more interesting way to hang them would be vertically where the lamp is now with the middle one centered 5' above the floor and one hand's breadth between them. If two are the same size and one different, use the larger one in the center for a focal point. May be the camera angle that makes them look different sizes.

Thanks for the feedback. The wall unit is solid cherry and the previous owners had it custom built so we’ll leave it natural.

My question is really more about how to transition paint colors given the wall and soffit arrangement, not addressing the other design issues I’m sure I’ll be back for in a few years. We had to do some drywall work so I need to pick a color for the living room area.

Totally understand but it was custom for previous owners now you need to make it your own...no transition..would stick with simply white...add a much needed neutral rug to help ground the room and lighten it up for a more cohesive look......all three finishes are really fighting eachother..the ceiling the wood floors and cherry cabinets..somethings gotta give...

Unify the paint if you can't unify the wood surfaces, but coordinating the wood will make a bigger difference.

Thanks for the input, all Simply White it is!

When we bought the house 7 years ago, the wood on the ceiling was less noticeable; the knots have bled through over the years. We’re going to re-do the space in 4-5 years so maybe at that point we’ll look at doing something different with the ceiling. For now, I’m going to live with the rest of it as is and assemble my Pinterest board. :)

I would keep the wall the simply white!