No, i would not paint the wood, it will add a nice contrast with the lighter walls.

No, don't paint the wood. It is rich and warm. Don't cheapen it with white paint.

White trim became all the rage when they stopped using beautiful wood trim and started building homes with builders grade junk wood trim. I wouldn't paint it.

Also I would put a table in that alcove, the chair seems kinda useless.

Thanks for all your great advice!

I would never paint that gorgeous trim! This isn't cheap trim from the 80s, this is high quality craftsmanship! I think one the walls are fresh and bright it will help immensely. It is possible the trim needs to be cleaned, but I'm not a professional that can suggest the correct products to use.

I was wondering the same thing, so I just bought some specialized wood cleaning product. Thanks so much!