Our Entryway

A painter is coming tomorrow to paint our entryway.  My husband typically paints our rooms (he enjoys it and does it well) and as a result, I've been spoiled because if I don't like the color midway, he can stop painting.  Naturally, I'm stressing a bit to pick the 'right' color.  I don't think I can tell the painter to stop if I don't like the color.  Well, I guess I can, but it would be expensive and I probably would look like a fool.

Realtor Picture

The picture above is our entryway; this was the previous owner's picture.  The walls are a mocha brown color (blah).  And, you can see the red living room in the background (ick).

My style is leaning towards lots of contrast - white, black and antique woods.  We painted our family room over Christmas break BM White Dove. LOVE this color.  It has the slightest warmth without being too yellowish.  I am considering this color for the entry way too, but we don't get a lot of natural light so I am also considering BM Linen White.

Phase 1 of the entryway is to paint the walls.

Phase 2 will be to paint staircase banister,  rip out the carpeted runner, add new runner, get a new front door (with glass panels) and potentially make the windows wider flanking the front door to let in more natural light.

Phase 3 will be making the entryway larger by knocking out a shower that currently exists in our downstairs bathroom (behind the wall where the console sits, in the photo above).  I would like to make the entryway into the living room larger too and finally, add paneling/moulding.

Here are some pictures of my current inspiration.

Obviously, all my inspiration pictures have paneled moulding, high ceilings, lots of light and are the entries are large.  I haven't even left the gate and I already have 4 strikes against me.  But, I think we can get 3/4 of the way home;  the higher ceilings are the only sticking point.  

For the time being, I hope to achieve somewhat of "the look" by choosing a lighter paint color!!  Wish me luck!