We have friends with a million dollar home in South Florida that has been "done" by a decorator. They have their walls painted some sort of taupe/dark cream/ off white color, and the poles have been painted with the marbelized effect. It is stunning - very rich looking. They brightened up their colors in accents such as paintings, rugs, pillows, etc. They have a modern theme. If I were painting the walls a different color, such as brick or olive, I would probably leave the poles the same color as the woodwork, otherwise it might look a little too busy.