I think you are on the right track.

First off, I think that you realize that since you are constantly looking at this (but not focusing on it) when watching TV, that you don't want too much visual clutter in the other non-TV items. That is just distracting and makes your eye uneasy.

That being said, I would stick to non-color colors as much as possible.

The silver vases and glass frames sound really good.

If you want/need to have photo album storage, then all of the album covers should exactly match and be in a neutral color like ivory linen.

I would look at getting some matching covered boxes or nice baskets in a tone very close to the wood color for many of the openings. This would allow storage in the baskets, but would eliminate the visual clutter your eye sees when looking at the unit. You could then keep dvds, CDs, photo albums in these baskets.

I would see how adding some books with similar color spines grouped together looks as well, if you need book storage.

Beautiful wall unit! Can you post a picture of it populated? I like symmetry too but too much is too match-y match-y. I agree that you are on the right track thinking about getting matching photo boxes or new albums but be sure to measure height of each section before you buy. Here is a post I started a few days ago about ideas to arrange items in my built-ins. But there are some good tips in there that might help. The other trick is to take all your items out, group all like items together (books, vases, ceramics, frames, etc.) then re-arrange them evenly so that they are spread out evenly throughout your wall unit.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg111534566999.html?21

Consider finding dark woven baskets (measure carefully first!) to slide into some of the openings ....

And then add matching items that could be useful too -- large silver or dark wood bowls; chunky silver candlesticks ... or try all fresh white modern bowls and vases and jugs ....

For a change try hanging black and white photos (make them simple -- like a single local tree) mat them alike in creamy white and frame in dark brown wood frames -- and hang them at the back of the larger openings on each side -- and then add a short round vase or jug in front of each one ....

For a fun party idea -- clear the shelves and then add matching glass votives with battery tea lights to each of the shelves -- maybe three voltives in each section ....

Thank you to everyone. I will take a pic the best I can and post ASAP