Can you post some pictures?

Your idea book shows different styles, so would you say your style is eclectic? First order of business is to determine your decor style. Put a few in top search box (eclectic, transitional, modern) to see what you like. Any painter worth anything should be able to paint a straight line - there are tools of the trade to help with that if not.

I need pictures .

Was on vacation. Just got books, etc., off shelves and took pictures. Thanks for any ideas!

Just to amp up the neo for you, here's another photo of corbels that are coming down.

Can the paint and gold leaf be stripped?

Painter says he can do it. He's coming Tuesday.

It's simply a matter of stripping off the old finish, smoothing it, and re-painting. The corbels are decorative and don't actually have any structural reason to be there. They can be removed.

Back to original question: Black cases with white walls and trim?

I would do the book cases white- there are a lot of them in what appears to be a small room. Post after pictures regardless!

Do the walls and the bookcases the same color.