That is odd that it is okay to paint but not remove. Many men like "natural wood" and won't paint wood either. Ask you husband if he's ever heard of the phrases. "Don't mess with the nest" or "Happy wife, happy life"! :) Having said that, just paint it off white.

Pretend it's just another wall and paint it the color you want, in an eggshell finish. You can paint what would be the crown moulding and the baseboards a white.