The Little Blank Wall

So we have this little blank wall between the dining room and the stairs where the stair railing is attached. And we don't know what color to paint it. Here are the arguments.

We could paint it white to match the ceiling overhang portion that it is attached to. This would create a clear delineation between the two rooms. But it would also interrupt the flow.

We could paint it 'Oat Straw' like the living room and stairway as you see it as you walk up the stairs. But from the dining room, it actually looks like part of the dining room.

We could paint it 'Iced Tea' like the dining room and it would blend right in. But like I said, you see it as you walk up the stairs, so maybe it's intruding where there should really be 'Oat Straw.'

Suggestions anyone?