White or a soft gray would look nice

have you thought of the colours: cream, red or white, if you can manage them.

Traditional Living Room by Seattle Architects & Designers Paul Moon Design

Traditional Living Room by Seattle Architects & Designers Paul Moon Design

A look similar to this would work in the living room if you like high drama. The shiny ceiling is a stretch ceiling. That's what we do, contact us for more info.

What look are you going for? Traditional or contemporary?

Dove gray with slate gray cabinets. Add touches of red as an accent color.

Look at BM Elmira White...it has a rich, deep color of cement (looks better than it sounds)

With the archway and these nice large rooms, but not much natural light, you want a creamy white - not a bright white. Take them the color numbers from these sw links and they can get close - http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7541-grecian-ivory/ The oyster / pearl colors in this off-white are going to help the black feel warm, where a stark white would unfortuneately feel a bit hard. You could paint the entry area with the door and the window, a bit deeper shade just in that alcove, so your gorgeous archway "reads out" - then you might do just that area with http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7542-naturel/ If your ceilings are over 9', then put the slightly deeper tone on the ceiling too - it will make the room feel warm and yet, full of light.
Ugo, you may want to go and inquire about a grout stain and stain your grout black too from above so that the grid doesn't show up so much.
This neutral color will allow you to pursue any style within and is particulary good for displaying large scale art, which this room seems ideal for.

Ugo, you have so many options. Mixing black and brown together is really nice. Since you have both brown and black tiles, I assume you are painting the cabinets, what about gray for them? I agree with soft white walls being pretty, but then am thinking what about a warm caramel color? I would start though by getting an area rug for under your dining table. A glass dining table and warm wood chairs. A bold curtain in a brown geometric.

waooow thanks everyone but its very likely i will try a crew of 2's ideas. I love beige and maybe sahara but not caramel, i want the room to be bright because i read a lot and my kids need a well lit house. Thanks alot all your ideas are great i will post pictures once i begin the painting work.