There are some e-bay sellers and followers of Henredon. I think one of your pieces is on here for $895. The slide out piece is for a bar.
http://www.ebay.com/cln/7465susanh/Henredon/90876650019

Hurray! For me the value and authenticity of the piece is not the issue or the deciding factor. Your husband likes it and doesn't want to change it. You need a solution so you are happy in this room and that will work for both of you. Just as you wanted to paint the hardware to change the piece, I think you should "paint" the whole room with some new colors and accessories to get to the solution. Hope that made sense.

It's like I have a personal opinion that there is not really any "bad" color - just "bad" color choices ( which I've made plenty of ). Colors are rarely completely, totally alone without another color, or the effects of light, having an impact on the color. The "bad" color just needs the right color partners around it to help it be great. Textures, shapes, materials are basically the same. If something is not working for you, look around to see why. Then, find the easiest thing to fix. Who knows? This might not be true exactly 100% of the time. But, it always helps me to step back and look at the bigger picture to see if I can work with something instead of fighting with it.

You asked about pillows and there are tons out there, but you need to decide what YOUR style is going to be first. The pillows are very prominent in you room and make a big style statement. The other accessories in the shelves and tables will have to blend with them.

Examples of pillows for "World Traveler":
• Asian/British Colonial: Sparkly, satin brocades with an influence of India - you can go all out India with elephants and monkeys or reign it in with the British Colonial "library" feel using sari prints that contain the brass colors. (Brass is a big and easy component to Indian styles).
• Still sparkly, there are beautiful Asian prints that range from elegantly simple Japan-inspired patterns to bold, complex Chinese-inspired patterns.
• Botanical prints with an Audubon flare are appropriate and can be in shiny cottons or more casual coarser fabrics. These can be plants, insects, fruits, etc. but look sort of like they came out of an science journal or encyclopedia.
• Old World Linen. Remember the old movies where everyone was wearing the white linen suit and straw hat as the porter moved their steam trunks around. lol! There is a really popular trend right now to use burlap, canvas and linens. Lots of DIY projects online. And some of them are even in extremely elegant settings.
• Abstracts: There are always some sort of abstract or geometric that will blend with a theme. In this case, I would say to consider whether it will make your room look like a garden room or an art/collectible room.
• I could go on and on about World Traveler themes: World history (e.g. Greek/Roman busts and "artifacts"), American history (e.g. Southwest, Circus memorabilia), Aboriginal lifestyle (e.g. baskets, masks, animal skins, etc.)...

FOR YOU: Just shy away from most rustic or primitive materials. Your wood and leather need to be balanced.

What I would do is this:
Consider all your wood and leather and brick as your base/foundation - dark and heavy.
To balance that, I would bring in off-white, linen-type fabric to lighten and soften the room.
Embellish with brass and more shiny accent accessories (Shiny: glazed enamel, satins/brocades/, glass, marble)

Choose and place these carefully to create focal points, not chaos. One or two bigger items will look like art & collectible. Lots of small baubles looks like a cottage at best and a flea market at worst.
In your shelves, use the glass enclosed areas to put a single special piece in each or about 3 "matching" items. Behind the glass doors, the items look like they are your private museum collectibles. Move the books to open shelves with bookends.

I would run a curtain rod inside the window alcove and hang breezy-looking, barely, off-white panels (not a yellowish, more grayish white) on each side to soften the wood and leather. (love the blinds, I have some like this)

Then place ONE beautiful, shiny, patterned pillow (any of the styles mentioned above) with teal on each side of the sofa. Make sure they are bold and bright. Let the pillows stand out! Put a white throw slung over sofa side if you like. Or maybe an embroidered off-white bolster in the middle. Then, I'd look for a couple of shiny asian garden stools to sit on each side as tables.

On the sofa across the room, I'd place an assortment of smaller pillows mainly the off-white linen to bring it across to the other side of the room and maybe a hint of the teal.

I think you also need a piece of wall art to make a statement, set the tone of the room and include your teal over your fireplace or just to the side of it. Beyond that, the art on your walls doesn't have to be big or prominent. In fact they shouldn't fight for attention, just be there to reinforce the style you selected. ( I've attached a pic for inspiration. However, I suspect it may be too dark for the room. )

The rug. I think you can do a lot better with this, but you may have attachments to it. I understand. If it were me, I'd get something that looked lighter. I'm partial to oatmeal shag rugs (Home Depot & Lowes has them at a great price. If they get ruined from traffic or spills, big deal. They have a pretty good assortment of economical rugs, actually). A short loop in a contemporary trellis pattern or water-color wash would be good, too.

See if you can find a brass-like tray to sit on the ottoman and add a few accessories to the "table top".

I've added some pics of items that are artful but pretty basic. Have fun shopping!!!

Oh, and back to your furniture pieces!! lol. With the suggestions shown above and with them placed in a bank on their current wall, I'd just put highly reflective teal satin-ish fabric in the backside of each open panel. If you want to up the impact of the shelves, you can get small battery operated spot lights and underlights to put in the cubicles that won't alter the furniture. Use the methods jewelry stores use to get us to buy the gems in their cases.

@Sarainitaly

I would remove the glass doors and add solid panels to conceal the kind of kayos/abstract/Juxter position of so many materials eg glass, brass. wood.
Just because it is from the early70s dose not mean it has to retain the decor.
It is not "ANTIQUE" ,the value will not appriciate nor depreciate on this one, it is now down to estetics.

My other suggestion would be to paint it Chineese red and patiena it with glaze of brown to give a aged look in certain areas.

Or paint it black first with (primer) then paint over the black dried primer with Fire engine red, ox blood red or Navajo red, but before the second color is completely dry you sand it with 220 grit to bring hints of black through the red (scuffing) then add some hints of gild gold as accents to areas of the piece or create a pattern using stenciling like shapes of cherry blossom flowers.

This can be done in whatever color you choose for your hardware, if you go gold then brass hardware not too polish would compliment, if you go nickel plated hardware then silverleaf would go well. keeping it all on a subtle tones.

Either way you chose, find some Asian art such as head of Buddha if you don't have any objections, a incense burner, books etc to finish it off and use your new shrine when you need quite time then with those solid doors I suggested that everyone objects too, you can now close your sacred altar away for when you have guests that may be of a different belief, as to not offend or just be you and keep it open, but if it is open all the time,you'll loose the art work on the outside paneling.

Remember, the piece has a asian estetics and therefore technically can go in a red hue as well, add a pop to the metal hardware by making them nickel plated ,brings the piece out of the "dark " ages and personalize it, it's not writing in stone that it has to stay brown, dark walnut to be beautiful and original.
Go red and blod, leave the rest to those country folks.

Wow Connie, I have some work for you ; super suggestions!
Where are those pillows from. They're great!

@Sarainitaly

Glass is much more dense than wood, removing "glass doors and replacing them with solids or ply will NOT make it heavier in any way and the R in my companies name means Rescued and this piece needed to be rescued by reviving it in some subtle way, I never mention fabrics, paint, news brass accents, LED lights, all the other stuff others mentioned that would make the piece look like a crate & barrel knock off.

I just said uniform it, by doing away with the abstract materials used.
I like clean lines, modern but direct, no question marks, is it this or is it that, what is it suppose to be, bar or display case, book shelves or breakfront?

Such fabulous suggestions Connie.....amazing! Now, if only I had some sort of budget LOL. This carpet was actually ordered for another room but didn't work so wound up in the Living Room. It's kind of like a "pass by" room as it is the only room on that level and it needs the most help. This room can really shine but has been sorely neglected due to budget. "Old World Linen" is going to be my new mantra!! Going to keep re-reading your suggestions as I think and shop. I can't, for the life of me, find something I like for over the fireplace. MY plan was to ditch the mahogany cabinets and add bulit in's to the sides of fireplace. But since cabinets are saying, don't see that happening (probably wouldn't have had the budget for at leaast a few years anyhow). I know it won't fit at all into Old World Linen theme but here's a pic of what is above my loveseat. Don't know what it is about this picture but I loveee it and husband hateees it (so I hide it in the living room :). Was planning on adding another funky/fun framed pic to right of fireplace to tie it in? Hmmmmm...

Pictures are messing with me again. Will try again. And, OH by the way.....my husband said the cabinets weren't that heavy? He was laughing because he said it was a tactic to make me think it was a real struggle to move so I wouldn't make him move the other 3 cabinets........gotta love the way my marriage works lol

Heres the wall across from couch.......This was with a different pillow and sans small end table with fern. Love all the pictures you posted Connie....you are spot on with what I would love to find!! I think I must have purchased 20+ pillows and tried them out on these couches. Will take another pic of what I have now to see if it works any better. My eyes are exhausted from looking too hard!

RRR - Thanks for reply.

"Glass is much more dense than wood, removing "glass doors and replacing them with solids or ply will NOT make it heavier in any way"

Wow, really? I never knew that. That seems bizarre to me. Bu, I don't get the *Asian* feel from these either. I thought the pieces I saw online, painted either white, red or blue looked cute, but for Erin's home, I think the natural wood and brass of the pieces look quite nice.

Searching for self adhesive wallpaper to cover the mirrors. Very tempted just to order mahogany contact paper as my DIY projects always flop lol. Here are ideas I'm kicking around.....One is a privacy window covering (the leaves). It's suppose to give a stained glass feel? Connie, could find very limited teal! Sara, thank you so much for giving me the idea to switch the doors,,,really the only way it will work with wallpaper to cover the mirrors!! Trying to download....may be one at a time. Thx so much!

Here are a couple of more window adhesives? I was going to buy craftboard and attach, cut and place In front of mirrors.....but if I can just attach vinyl removable wallpaper that won't damage the mirrors, I'm thinking that may be the way to go

World Travelers keeps running through my mind, Connie. Do you think if I swap the kitchen clock for my Happiness pic, it would work better? Here's a pic of the kitchen clock. THX

We purchased 7 pieces of the Henredon campaign furniture for our master bedroom in 1969-1970, and love them to this day. They have worked in both contemporary and traditional style houses. We have had the brass relaquered; Henredon's wood finish is still so beautiful, I would not recommend painting it. The finish on our furniture is not mahogany and certainly not oak - it may be pecan or walnut. I don't remember what we paid, but it was huge for newlyweds, with the big pieces well over $1000. This was high quality furniture - sell it rather than ruin it with an amateur paint job.

If you use double-sided tape, you can use any kind of paper product such as a slightly heavier gift wrap paper or craft paper. Less expensive, easier to remove (compared to contact paper or wallpaper) if you change your mind, and a better selection. And easier to do that wrapping foam board, although honestly I've wrapped foam board and it's not that hard to do.

Cut the paper to the size of the mirror, apply double sided tape all around the edge of the back of the paper, and press to apply. I don't find contact paper easy to apply - it seems to bubble and stick in all the wrong places because the adhesive is all over. The double sided tape around the edges will be much easier to apply smoothly, and as long as the paper is not flimsy thin, it should apply easily.

I had to laugh about your husband's strategy for making the cupboards seem heavier - sounds like something I would do!

Hooray I changed the doors....thank you again Sara MWAH...it.looks so much better. Screws came out and went in like butter and fit beautifully. Because I knew it was too easy, as I was mopping the wood doors on top bumped together as I walked in front of the cabinets. OMG. But I figured it out and the doors sit quietly and in perfect harmony. Watch out John Holmes!
Heres a couple of more pics of wall to Left of Cabinet. That big old armoire holds a TV. Because my beloved husband is usually found snoring in front of the extra large big-screen in the Living Room (Discovery Channel or Ancient Aliens or Bigfoot shows...yet another thing we do not agree on!) my girls and their friends use this room more.
Connie....do you see how I already tried with the World Traveler kind-of-pillow with map? I now see you were thinking of teal blue--don't know why I think of teal as a green. Have to start my quest again!

Wow, so glad the great suggestion worked!

Amazing how one little change, like switching the doors, made a world of difference!

A heavily slubbed silk would also look beautiful to cover the mirrors. I'd cut a piece of thin cardboard and a piece of fabric, both a bit larger than the mirror. Then use a spray glue (craft store item) on the cardboard. Apply the fabric to the cardboard. Then cut both pieces together to the correct size. Use double sided tape on the back, to apply.

Love the way you have changed the doors. Will the 4th piece be making an appearance?

For items to use on the shelves, you can use spray paint if you have items that are the right size and shape but not the right color, for example a ceramic vase or urn. Or thrift stores are a great place to look for things. Books can be covered with paper that is in your color scheme.

Partim's suggestion made me think of grasscloth done in the same manner. I like the idea of some texture back there.

LOVE it! I love things uniform! It looks so much better. :OD
love the pillows, too. Can't wait to see the next step complete.

Hi, @erinbono. I love the way the doors look now! The fact that it was so easy is also great.

Yes, I think your cherry pic would really be showcased on that kitchen wall! Absolutely! I love the strength of the kitchen wall color against the stark white. The color of the wall will "mat" the cherry pic.

I think the clock would be a great accent in the living room, but it needs to be in a smaller area. It doesn't seem big enough to go where your cherry pic is right now.

Are you needing to bring a little red into the living room? I see a bit of maroon in the rug. ( Seems like the rug would work under the dining table? ) Look at the pillow pic I sent again. I think the tiny splash of red helps tie in your current rug for your living room. If you want to bring a red color in, just try to keep it brighter. Don't bring in any more colors that are "muddy". Look for something you would call "crisp".

Where the pillow came from...
ArtPillow shop on etsy sells pillows and pillow covers. Two of these for $60 - a bit pricy for pillows, but if you use them not only as a pillow, but as one of your pieces of art, you are getting double the value.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/180431678/your-choice-decorative-pillow-cover-with?ref=shop_home_active_2

About the map pic...
I included this as an example that map wall art doesn't have to be so traditional. That one is ( I think ) 50"x40" for about $350-$400 on WorldMarket.com. For me, that's a lot of money. BUT, look at the pic below. It's 36" x 24" for $15.99. You still have to frame it, but it doesn't have to be expensive to get the look into your room. There are lots to choose from and you can find something you love. Something that size would probably be a good proportion where the cherry pic is and the colors would bring your accent color to this wall while the pillows are linen below it. A nice balance to the other sofa with linen on the window and the accent color on the sofa. :)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Map-of-the-World-Art-Poster-Print-36x24-/161233143257?pt=Art_Prints&hash=item258a3e85d9

I always start with online searches for product research. It's too frustrating to drive around town on scavenger hunts. I don't have big budgets, either.

About the garden stools...
Again, this is about getting a lot for the investment - On the sides of the sofa, they build your focal point. They serve as tables. They bring a light-reflecting, brighter polished finish to contrast the leather. They add your accent color which minimizes the need for more "stuff" to bring it into the room. They reinforce your theme. If they are made well, you can sit on them. They aren't hard to find during this time of the year when everyone has their seasonal inventory out. But another similar option is a large glazed planter pot/urn with a brass tray or glass on top. ( Just don't sit on it, lol )

Again, more advice ( sorry ). Get your basic room done with what you can afford so you have your colors, textures and themes worked out. Then, if you want heirloom quality, upgrade the individual pieces as time and money allows. I once knew a young woman that got her first home and didn't want to put up a Christmas tree because she didn't have the money for all the best ornaments! I explained to her that heirlooms take time to collect and invest in. But, there was no reason to forgo a tree until she had everything. Seems like most of us do that with our homes, too.

I think half the fun is getting the most out of as little as possible. For example, you can find miles of brass on ebay. Most curtains are super simple and fabric stores have inspiration waiting on every aisle. I know being economical isn't chic, but it's my reality. I'd rather be creative than live without! So, I always start online with home improvement stores, auction sites ( if they have pics and are reliable ) and craft stores. For example, our Hobby Lobby has so much to choose from in accessories, I tend to get lost. I'm not crazy about their "furniture". But, a glazed pot? You betcha! After all the economical resources are considered and I decide I have to find something in particular, I move on up the "prestige" shopping ladder, lol. Don't get me wrong. I love nice things. But, I'm a realist, too. So, I unabashedly admit that I shop for deals and am not above DIY!

You are having fun! Love what is happening here. I am still wondering about that Happiness art with the red rug in the foyer!!!!

Sorry, @erinbono. I forgot to address your comment on the fireplace. I have a brick fireplace and I don't want holes in it so I don't put anything there. If you have the sofa/window area done and balanced across the room around the loveseat with the linen and spot color, and fill in the "new" curio wall... I'd just keep the fireplace clean and simple with a couple of tall brass candleholders on the right hand side. Not centered. This would balance with the TV armoire. Maybe just a small teal "collectible" to the left of the candlesticks to create a group of 3 items.

abbyjean :) Happiness sign is just too "lost" over the foyer bench. And with the "Home" under the stairs, it is just too many words being thrown at you as soon as you open the door. lol Blew my small budget on the foyer rug/starburst mirror/light fixture for the foyer and now have to be patient with the living room.
Connie thank you again for you for your insightful and awesome ideas! I'm starting my 24/7 work schedule so probably won't have be on Houzz much until next week. But right now I'm going to peruse e-bay for brass accessories :)
Verdict is still out on whether hubs will agree to bring back in the 4th cabinet. He stored it in a corner next to extra fridge in garage and now wedged in there as he recently inherited all of these tool cabinets. Not going to push it for now......he was searching through the living room cabinets today for the extra cable remote for quite awhile. Not a clue that the cabinets looked any different. Soo funny!

Map reproductions are a great idea for wall art. These can be maps of any era....I think early 19th century of Europe, Pacific, US might look fine and less of a cliche than the ~1500 world map. The more I think about it, the more excited I get about the decorative options that will coordinate with this beautiful furniture, inspired by Connie's great detailed ideas. How about old Ohwhyhee (Hawaii); maps, grasscloth, "imports" from "New England", Asian ceramics, rustic mix....things an imaginary missionary turned merchant family might have had in Hawaii in 1830 or so.

My work is getting hectic, too. I've got advertising deadlines to meet. Just a couple of quick photoshop before and afters for "the girl's room". Take care.

Have them powder coated. You can chose from over 200 colors. Google powder coaters in your local area. The powder coat finish will last a life time.

Oh Connie--thank you soo much! The potential is so exciting...love, love love!

Change out hardware to brush nickel, long pulls. You could wallpaper over mirrors. To give it a updated look. Not so 1980s. Choose a contemporary look in paper.

I wouldn't even spend money to try and fix them. The last owners left them because they didn't want them. That should tell you something. Instead sell on Craig's list then buy a long 5ft to 6 ft buffet style cabinet over it put a big 4ox40 art, in bold colors. Or a big 45" sunburst mirror. Hang 7" from top. Add a big base lamp with drum style shade to one end. Add accessories, maybe something you collect, not too many. A tall vase with real flowers would also work. Add a big tree or palm to corner to fill space. Your husband will love it when done. These cabinets went out in the 70s. Sorry.

Your room is nice but needs color. Add a brighter area rug, maybe go a teal. Add same color pillows to furn. Paint brick white, and get a new solid black screen no gold. Put that table and lamp right next to sofa. Not in corner. Serves no purpose. Add a big palm there instead. I'm thinking you have TV in Armoire? It's a big piece and looks too big for room. Maybe another way to arrange room to Max out space another pic taken from firepl. could TV be moved to wall where old cabs are now? Then put armoire there instead. Think scale, if it feels wrong it probably is.

Can the tops come off cabinets. So they look like pic above in post? If so could you then move TV there?

Name of company that made them are Inside drawers. They don't look vintage to me. But can't really tell on a phone.

any updates? new pics?

I have a unit same idea, I took some shelves out took the glass doors off , took the top off put our tv in it and then where the old tv space is (little square hole) I put a fake fireplace in.

Sorry sara....no updates. I'm searching and thinking but getting nowhere quick. This poor room always gets neglected. LOVE the photohop that Connie did and curtains are at the top of my list. Change are coming but budget keeps getting in the way. Boooo

@erinbono.. don't give up .. "All good things come to those who wait"

I agree with your husband in that the cabinets are nice. If you refinish the hardware make sure to etch the finish before paint to reduce future chipping. You can tarnish them, Youtube patina finishes for help. It is really easy and very effective and good looking.

It would be a tragedy to alter those cabinets any further- please don't paint them or ruin the brass! I know many people willing to pay a pretty penny to have that "look".

Anywhere you look brass is coming back into fashion. These cabinets are unbelievable. Realistically the brass can not be painted, you may be able to have another finish electroplated to the metal, but it will be costly. Check out websites on campaign furniture or on Houzz and you will see how expensive these are. I recently priced out vintage bed stands at $1,650 each and they were not mahogany. Sell them do not alter them. They are a statement!

Just happened to come across this post while browsing the web. I worked for Suniland Furniture in Houston in the 1980's. These are Henredon's Scene One collection. It was a vast collection----and a very popular one. These are not mahogany---I am pretty sure these are pecan with a very dark stain. I sold hundreds of these pieces. I have friends who have these bookcases. They still look great today. However, the pieces you have were never $10,000. They were more like $3500 but keep in mind that this was the mid to late 1980's. It certainly would be more if you were to replace them with similar quality.

I love your wall unit...don't touch it..I really think it is unique..brass and brushed gold is coming back strong. It would work best in a modern mid-century design. What is the decor of the room it is in?

Well, I am REALLY late to THIS party, but I just stumbled on this while doing some research on vintage Henredon Scene One collection.

By now I am sure that you've probably painted them but thought I'd let you know what it was that you had… if it has a Henredon hallmark, generally on the inside of a drawer, then this is definitely Henredon Scene One. It is also likely walnut based on the color, but could be pecan or oak, but it was never made in mahogany. The brass hardware that you hate is solid brass. This collection was introduced in the early 1970's and is STILL coveted by collectors of fine furniture today. If the photo depicts the condition accurately, they were STUNNING!

We have the same 3 pieces in your photo plus 2 angled end cabinets. If it is in great condition, the 3 pieces in your photo, in their original state, would fetch somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,000 and up today, which is based on recent sales at online sites, antique auctions, and even eBay. To purchase similar Henredon pieces today, I would venture to guess they would probably cost $10,000 & up

Henredon makes some of the finest furniture anywhere. Their vintage furniture collections, like the Scene One pieces in your photo, are found at estate sales or are passed on to loved ones.

Hopefully your husband was able to barter with you, but if not, I hope your project was successful and that you'll treasure these pieces for years to come.

respect your husbands love of this....try to put yourself in his place, you know, how mad would you be if he compromised something you love. its not worth it!!! try some beautiful wallpaper and cut to fit over mirrors and double sticky tape it in.

Old thread

Make it a humidor cigar & lighted bar for the shared "Cave", add photos of your family's adventures, and brighten up the backs with papered or fabrics covered over foam board or luan ply so you can pop it off (use Velcro if you have to)

Remove some of those shelves and put bigger pieces of art, statues, tall vases etc to fit the piece in style and scale. (& have storage so that's a plus!)

Antique brass is back in fashion for fixtures this year, and you have the real deal.

Try to work with it before you devalue the piece and stage it to a authentic look that is to your personal taste...if it's not a fit, move it to a different space, or $ell it to some one who could appreciate its grand statement.

They are Henredon Scene one oak not custom but worth a lot. Look on eBay. Just the pulls are $35 each

2014 Dilemma, folks! Let's help someone who has a dilemma today!

I hope you listened to your husband and left them alone. Beautiful Henredon.