Yes, to cornicing and a picture rail. I've also put up a ceiling rose. I was planning to paint the ceiling, ceiling rose and down to the picture rail white - and do the same in all the bedrooms and public rooms. You've got me thinking now about matching the ceiling colour to the wall colour... ;-)

Most Fired Earth paint colours are available in masonry paint, it's expensive (compared to standard masonry paint) but goes on a dream, with great coverage. Gives you a great choice of colours, we went with Stone Ocre, although on a more modern house, it looks much nicer than white or magnolia (IMHO).

Hello headers13, Looking nice! Not much of a mess at all! Normally I'd suggest the idea of dark chimney breast and lighter walls.. Since you have dark cabinets going in then perhaps consider the other way around.. Usually alcoves are better lighter as they then look further away.. Chimney breast to the fore.. Standing out with a beautiful mirror.... I normally don't recommend shelving in alcoves either.. Just a personal taste.. However.... What about approaching it with the idea of scale colouring.. with dark at bottom and working it's way lighter up the shelves.... So you could have dark chimney breast and dark bottom shelves and gradually take the shades up till you get to a creamy white at the top... Ceilings are really gr8 in Whitening by Little Greene.. It would give it a different feel and this style of painting is really in.... You can do it with walls too, see image... Also to lighten the look of the shelving... consider darker and fuller shelves at the bottom and lighten towards the top... This creates the idea of openness with the shelving, thus giving the fireplace the focal point it deserves... : ))

Hi, I'm currently going through the same issue, Trying to find the right combo of paints to paint the hallway. I am looking to panel the part beneath the dado to prevent the ever so frustrating scuffing which occurs at sharp corners and am unsure on the colour combo. I was considering grey and white too but I'm scared that it may make the space feel too cold and dull especially as the only light will be through the door which won't be much. What colour combo's would you recommend to make the space feel luxurious and modern, yet not too clinical and cold?? I'd like the paint to be dulux preferably. what is the quality of Valspar paint like, I've seen it at DIY stores but don't know if it reaches standard of dulux? any reviews?? thanks