Does this work in such a brand new house?

Thank you Carol, Donna and onefootonepeel for your comments. I agree Carol, the wide-planked wood flooring (and it looks salvaged?) adds a great deal to the feel.
I have not wanted to know what new owners did with my beloved old Berkeley home. . . but I think I was more attached to living things. . . and apple tree and a climbing rose in the back yard? I had painted a mural - rainbow and clouds - on a wall of what would be my third child's room. It remained until he reached adolescence.

i once painted a mural on a living room wall. i didn't have any furniture, so it looked good there. when the house was sold, the new owners painted it over

I like the mural and agree with you there would be a more harmonious fit if there was crown moulding.

The other key, for me, is the flooring. This is impressively old-looking wide-planked wood.
Fun puzzle, btw.

@nancyintexas - thank you for your comment. . .glad you like this one.
@eagleboi - Jim, thank you for your comments. . . furniture is key as you point out.

With the style of the furniture and rug we're able to see, it works well. Depending on what is used to furnish such a home has a lot to do with the wall covering or vise versa.
Thanks Audrey.

Sure it works.