I would paint the entire fireplace including the mantel, all trim and shelving white. I like the Whisper White, but you must bring the paint samples into the room to see for yourself. The sheen on all woodwork should be semi-gloss, easy cleaning and looks crisp. I agree with painting the walls and I would paint the part above the mantel the same color as the walls, Summer Hue is beautiful, but once again I have no idea how that would look in your room. The walls should be flat most brands make a fairly easy to clean flat. If the fireplace were the focal point of the room, it could look very cool and dramatic to paint it a very dark gray almost black. But at least in this picture it seems that the entertainment/shelving unit is the focal point. hmm .... better stop while I am ahead.

What a beautiful house, Shahbaaz! I live in a similar house - a 150-year-old colonial bungalow in Kumaon. You have already received lots of excellent advice from better-qualified people, so all I would say is, keep its age and heritage character the central theme. The white tiles do clash, I am afraid ... flooring with terracotta tiles would echo the roof and look lovely. The columns and the arches over the doors and windows are amazing. But I'd say, leave it all chuna-painted - there's a beauty and softness to it. Don't let the painters add too much neel (indigo) in the limewash -- in the hills where I live, they put far too much if I don't watch out and the result is a harsh white. Natural lime has a softer, creamy look.

This is a fabulous room. It oozes a bygone charm that you would lose by adding false ceilings and tube lights. Please don't! Go all out to preserve this magnificent floor and the beautiful furniture. That mirror is superb, as is the old painting. Keep the wall colour as is and change the upholstery after polishing and keeping the beautiful wooden furniture. The upholstery is mismatchedat present. But the different styled armchairs look very comfortable. Keep them. No modern furniture will give you such comfort. When you re upholster, refrain from choosing firm foam and such nonsense. It is far better to have good quality down or cotton, which moulds to the body shape. Invest in a high quality traditional patterned Persian or Kashmiri carpet for a restrained stroke of colour. Your upholstery should pick up colours from this carpet. So should the curtains. Please never even consider vinyl blinds, horizontal and vertical. If you tamper with this room and remodel it to be 'modern'- you will lose a treasure.