Diningroom Redo

After nearly 17 years in our home we are slowly starting to redo the rooms. For years I had a hutch top with no bottom (long story). We have been looking for a bottom to either match or one that came close, but every time we thought we were close to finding one it would either be the wrong style or color. Then Christmas Eve I found out Marc had been frantically searching for one to give me for Christmas.....long story short....Christmas Eve he brought home this bottom (and yes we put it in the house Christmas Eve which made for good times) but as you can see by the photo they are not the same style or color...so now the dilemma is what color to paint the two pieces to make them more cohesive......LOL.

 I love all of the storage but I'm stumped as to how I should proceed next. Leaning toward painting the pieces white, but my family thinks a dark brown or black would be better. I found three sites (this one has great ideas for painting your furniture white and this one and this one gives you tips for getting a smooth black finish) , with some great ideas but would love your opinions.

As a reference point here is another view of the room. The two wooden arm chairs are getting new fabric, and as soon as possible I intend to replace the frilly blue curtains with panels. I'm hoping to persuade Marc to trim the wall below with panels and the top part is going to be painted a sage green! We still have not decided what to do with the flooring. Everyone says wood floors but I'm thinking Berber carpet. Only time will tell. So.......anyone have any ideas? LOL