I think it is a wonderful idea, and will only make the room look better! I say go for it!

Hi there,
You might consider also putting wainscoting in at 32 to 36" high or choose a height that doesn't clash with other horizontal lines in the room.
You could use the bottom of the glass in the doors shown as a reference point.
This will break up the large boring wall space and "shrink" the size of the wall height effectively. Fortunately you can get 4x8 paneling at most lumber/construction stores very inexpensively. It installs quickly and trim is simple to install as well so you get a lot of bang for your decorating buck.

Hope this helps a bit,
Greg

Red Ridge Millwork & Design Ltd.
http://www.redridgewinecellars.com
http://www.allreclaimedwoodfurniture.com

Wainscotting, I didn't even think of that. We have allot of wall space in this room that includes foyer, dining and den, with different ceiling heights. We plan to do some built ins in the den side, but may now do the wainscotting on the other walls. It could help us dress up the dining. Thank you!

Yes, the carpenter is right - it fattens up the crown molding look without much exspence. If he brings that down to 12 inches and he can also do that same trick with the baseboards so they will be 12 inches high . Then you might not need to do the Wainscotting . I think people get carried away with wainscotting and put it in the wrong places and in the wrong style of houses.

I totally agree with Lefty 47. Fooling the eye and increasing the crown moulding and baseboards is the perfect solution. Wainscoting is usually done in the dining room and you could do both in that room.

I think your carpenter is right. It's amazing how trim can change the overall feel of the walls and ceiling. Based upon the picture, I would agree the trim needs to be beefed up a bit. A nice paint job will make it look like one piece.

I'm thankful for these comments. Still worried about the existing corner pieces, will it look odd using them when we extend the trim?

When it's all painted out you will hardly see it.

Totally agree again with Lefty 47 Lynda.