Input needed on columns

Does the wood work look odd without the columns?

I feel like it looks off but im not sure if its just because i'm used to having them there!

This is the area between our livingroom and diningroom. We removed the columns from the woodwork in order to clean them up (they're in rough shape and one of them wasn't straight)

But now that they are down we are loving how much more open and bright it feels.

Would love to hear your thoughts!