I do a color instead of a neutral. Something pretty like SW's Sea Salt, Beach Glass, Palladian Blue, or Gray Cloud, etc. It'd be hard to get this one wrong. :)

Thank you for the input. I do love the Sea Salt & Beach glass. I'm hesitant to put a color in for resale. Also, this room has poor natural light. Do you think those would still work with lighting?

Improve the lighting , it is needed anyway. I think Sea salt would be very nice with the furniture and it is neutral enough for any buyer . BTW stop thinking what the next guy will want and do what you like, who knows what will be “in” in a couple of years .

Thank you, good advice! I've always loved Sea salt but haven't used it yet. The lighting is definitely on the list to do.

I'm hesitant to put a color in for resale.

Most people will oooh and ahhh over those watery, aqua kind of colors. And, yeah, I think you're going to have an easier time getting a color to look pretty vs. a low chroma, near neutral.

SW Mindful Gray!! Perfect for an office and won’t offend anyone during resale.

Oh yes, SW Sea Salt would be great choice and pretty art where bookcase is now.

Your room is under lit. An over head light is never going to give off an attractive light, so start shopping for lamps. Then, use a colour you want to be surrounded by. Just one more point. Stained trim is never going to create the fresh look that white/off white painted trim will give, but your trim doesn't look very wide, so not a big factor in the room.

I will tell you Sea Salt will tend to look more green than blue in your lighting. Get samples from samplize.com to check 3-4 colors and then you can compare and contrast.

Everyone loves sea salt & it would really freshen up your look.

I wonder if once walls are lightened and your light is improved you might be able to keep the bookcase. Might even paint it a complimentary color. Just something to think about.

I would style bookcase unit and remove items from top. With light cream in shelves, this could work. You need some height in any case.

Thank you for the helpful advice. Im going to take the plunge and paint SW Sea salt. Wondering if any upllighting is a possibility? I've struggled with the stained trim but it will have to stay for now unfortunately. I appreciate your help!

I decided to play with a little mock up for you using SW Sea Salt on walls, SW Chantilly Lace on ceiling and I changed up chair to white, lamp to white etc. it’s a bit rough but I hope you can visualize how pretty and brighter your office can be!

Sorry about picture. The “cropping” function on Houzz isn’t working.

Of course, if you want more masculine look, that can easily be achieved with different art and lamp etc.

Wow! That looks amazing. I can't thank you enough for your time. I will accessorize with more masculine look as my husband works from home.