Are you asking about the space on the right? I see kid toys, maybe a shelf unit with baskets to hide toys. IKEA makes a nice one called Expedit in various sizes, finishes and basket choices.

If the space is too small for a shelf or cabinet, honestly even just a nicer basket (or set of baskets) for the toys would probably help you feel better about the space. Pottery Barn has some utility baskets that I think would go with the overall feel of the room.

I'm talking about the space on both sides of the fireplace. Needs for DVD/Blu-ray's, books and decor.

Bookcases flush with the front plane of the fireplace w/ a "secret" door where the archway is.

how-to-build-a-secret-bookcase-door

@acroteria, that is an awesome idea!

Builtin bookcases with small cabinets with doors at the bottom would be perfect!

We had a similar set up and and ended up building a cabinet base (solid doors) for lowers and open bookshelves top...on both sides. Looks like the base cabinets could be fairly deep and therefore provide ample storage for the toys.

I think dark wood built-in shelves the same height as the fireplace mantel on both sides would look great, with the fireplace mantel becoming an extension of the shelving.

I would do a built in book case on the left with a cabinet below to store electronics and other living area stuff like board games. I would consider replacing the mantle with something that ties in with the new built in on the left. The TV looks extremely small for the area. Maybe a furnishing on the right side.

Two bookcases, one on each side of the fireplace, mantle height will bring balance to your chaos. Use basket to put same item in. Do not crowd the book cases.

Definitely needs balance on each side of the fireplace. Get matching bookcases with adjustable shelves. Maybe 2 nice big baskets on the hearth for more toy storage.

HI -- I can see closed storage is what you need most . I think if you could put two full height cabinets for each side of the fireplace and also a closed cabinet that is shallow for the TV above . Have then all the same wood or material for a modern clean look. The large cabinets could be locked to keep the children out . One can hold all the media and the other for toys and books etc. for the child . If you do this they will have to be screwed to the wall to be safe .

Groveraxle what program did you mark this up in? Thanks!

Something with doors you can close--I see toys in the corner, etc.

http://houzz.com/photos/8076336

Go to the Houzz photo section and search for "fireplace and cabinets" and you will see lots of ideas.

@rosebud3, I like that! I really think built-ins flush with the fireplace are the answer here.

If you want this to become a stunning focal point, you'll have to start over. First, eliminate the mantle and tile the fireplace from floor to ceiling. Install cabinets with doors on both sides to hide toys. Place shelves above the cabinets with space for the TV. Make the tile stand out by selecting something really pretty and letting it speak for itself. No art work or ledges needed!

I also love the bookcases/secret door idea. I would also get a mantle surround with mantle, legs, for more complete look. As pictured by rosebud.

@andyran, I use Photoshop Elements.

Maybe, tile all the way up with same tile, or different stone like rock. Of course remove mantel, it does nothing for the space but collect dust. Can still attach tv to wall after, then go with the other posters ideas of cabinets on the base of both sides with shelves above them. Maybe able to use stock cabinets at home stores. Can DIY whole thing for a beautiful affect. Also notch out a hole for electronics, cords to pass thru so nothing hangs in view or is exposed to fireplace heat. Good luck.

Groveraxle, that is one beautiful Bassett Hound.

Thanks, buddysgal. He was a very handsome boy, and the best dog I ever had.

Thanks Groveraxle!

It is all about balance...shelves both sides

Balance, symmetry. Book case on both sides or a built in bookcase and both sides can have a low bench seat that opens up to a hidden compartment for the kids toys.You can even upholster the cover of the hidden compartment.

For the TV panel because it is raised just place beadboard or plywood with decorative trim and corbels.the corbels should be at the very top right under the top decorative trim that will frame and provide a 'complete' look for the whole project.

You could also revamp the fireplace with a change of the tile. Depending on your budget, marble,granite or translucent Quartz stone slabs or again beadboard or plywood with decorative trim and corbels under the mantle.

I haven't seen this suggested yet but I built this for a client out of barn wood. I would build a Custom TV cabinet to the right that is designed to have the TV recess behind the cabinet when the TV is not in use. It would clean the space up not having the TV in sight all the time. With the push of the remote control button the TV raises up from the back of the cabinet to an acceptable viewing height. when it is not in use it simply push the "down" arrow. The TV lowers and looks like a regular cabinet that is built to hold toys, books, or whatever you choose. Plan B is a more traditional look such as this that I built:

Another option other than built-ins...chests with drawers on each side for storage. Toys could go in bottom drawers. Put mirrors above each chest to reflect light as I can tell there is a nearby window.

- Wall to wall and floor to ceiling Built- in cabinets with doors to provide storage and decluttering on the left side of fireplace.

- Shelving system on the right side of fireplace with very few books enhanced with lovely glass bowls, clock, or precious and airy items.

- If you desire to keep the TV on the wall, increase to a more substantial size in order to balance things out. That TV is way to small.

- Call an electrician and get a direct plug in for the TV cables. Never have cables hanging on wall. They are a liability and unsightly.

Have fun,
Chougarou,

No question bookcases are in order. If you can go custom, do it. Even semi DIY by using store bought, attach and trim it out with some interesting trim. You've got great ceiling height. But what I think you are going to run into when you do this is your fireplace is going to get "lost" in the project. Consider when you do the shelves to address the fireplace as well. Lots of options. Stone, ship lap, picture framing etc. then not only will you have storage, you'll have a really attractive entire wall.

we had the same issue. we did custom book cases that were a bit deeper than the original fireplace. this allowed us to push the fireplace out, which created a recess space for the tv (to keep It away from the rising heat of the fireplace). tv components are behind the glass doors ... don't forget the child locks!
the cabinets actually gave our room hight warmth and substance. custom made by a family member kept our costs way down too.
Ps ... yes we're watching cartoons this morning ...

I could easily see on both sides of the fireplace lower cabinets. They can be used for storage as well as additional seating areas. Add a upholstered back. Then I would build in shelfs at the height of door height on either side of the fire place and perhaps extending them over the door opening. This would solve your book storage problems. Giving the space a functional, classic yet modern solution. Just a thought.

I have a few blog posts that may help you out with your overall design project.

www.timothyriversinteriors.com/blog

Happy Designing!

a chest!

I see industrial look. Galvanized pipe or black pipe (floor to ceiling) with reclaimed barn wood shelves. Baskets on the bottom for kids toys.
Hide the TV behind a large, colorful piece of art on hinges. Punch up some color to brighten things up and if possible add some small pot lights on a rheostat to wash down the front of the shelves.

If this is the focal point coming into the home then it really needs help. Two identical bookshelves on each side of the fireplace that mimic a hutch style shelving system (base for storage and upper with open shelving) and height should come about 12-18 inches from ceiling. Fireplace should be completely redone in stackstone to the ceiling. A large mantel shelf done in same wood should replace the existing one. Depending on the depth of wall on the sides of the fireplace, the biggest impact would be to have the fireplace extend atleast 4 inches from the shelving but if this isn't practical flush shelving is next best... but the fireplace should be the star of the show for this wall.

Cabinets on the lower portions, floating shelves on the upper portion. (Unless your on a budget, than shelves all the way are more suitable). I would replace the mental that is there with something that matches the shelving that goes in, not only in color but finish and shape. This will give the illusion that it is all one. Maybe a texture or patterned wall paper between the shelves to give it depth and character.

The TV is to small and too high for over the fireplace. Typically TV should be as close to eye level as possible, visually taking up 2/3rds - 3/4s of the available space. And if that is a gas fireplace as it appears to be, the wires are super easy to run behind the wall, you should check if electrical can go behind a wall in your area (not sure what wires are there) to store the components on the cabinets mentioned earlier.

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Add a similar / same bookcase to the right of FP to balance the wall and use this IKEA basket along the bottom shelf to help corral kid stuff! Always a good thing. Make sure that bookcases are attached to wall so that they can not topple onto your child! But I want to be honest here. The TV is lost over the mantle, as it is so small. I am not sure why you didn't consider putting TV to the right of the FP. If you ever do move it, consider a cubby holder to place the TV on to the right of FP. More storage!

I have a blog post that may help you out.

http://timothyriversinteriors.com/2015/05/30/how-to-design-a-living-room-that-architectural-digest-would-photograph/

Happy Designing!

I would do built ins with a mirror back to really add drama!