Why are you looking to block off access to the family room? If it's permanent, I'd have it sheet rocked over and do matching white bookcases on either side of the fireplace, but one shelf lower so as to not compete with the height. I agree the this mirror is too large and or could use some larger accessories to balance it out.

The room appears long and narrow, I agree with moving the mirror. Maybe on the right hand wall may make the room look shorter. Maybe remove the rocker, and keep the Lazyboy. It looks like a curtain into what you call the family room, change to saloon doors, just an idea? Appears you are working on a limited budget maybe two-tone paint to shorten the room as well. What about drape color?

Why is the door to family room blocked? Agree with mrsory to drywall the door if you need it blocked & add matching bookcases on that side as well, but I disagree with everyone to lower the shelves. I would add cabinet doors at the bottom as you normally see with such bookcases & take the shelves clear up with crown molding along the ceiling.

Agree with trying to replace the rocker with something more up to date. Hang some art on the wall & dress the shelves with 1/3 books, 1/3 collections & 1/3 empty space. Bring in some color with the collections & some small pillow on the sofa & chairs.

I put the boookshelves on the left to prevent access to the other room. it will be framed in and drywalled at a future date. hubby is adamant until that date that the booshelves be removed. ok. will save for carpenter. hubby wants the shelves flanking the tv for surround sound speakers.

rocking chair is dated. its from the 50's. saving for something new.

flooring too. saving....

will be painting revere pewter. current colour is pale green. other rooms are pale pink.

pics are still boxed.

Removed the black shelves from the opening between living room and family room and placed them in the kitchen for much needed storage. We will get a black fridge and am thinking of changing cabinet hardware to black?

It's nice you aren't going to stainless as so many do.

Is the rocker comfy? I'd keep it and lose the much more dated recliner instead.

To your original question: I'd remove the mirror. I'd remove the mantel too. It's too high and too narrow. When you do the shelves, I'd do a chunky wood mantel all the way across and wood shelves underneath. Or paint the fireplace brick and do the mantel and shelves in white.

TV needs to be moved to the center of the wall with two chairs flanking it.

Also.... Remove the green chair or leave it? And the expanse of wall. What arrangement of pics? Where to place? I have an assortment. All sizes. Give me an idea of aesthitics?

@groveraxle, i did try tv centered , my first go'round.but my recliner, ugly as it is, is comfy and i couldnt see the tv.

My impression too is that the mantel is too high. Your idea of wood straight across when i close in that opening feels right.

Pics from today

Then put the TV in the center of the wall and put the recliner facing the fireplace. Put the TV on one of those swivel thingies so you can turn it to watch.

Late here now. I'll come back in the morning to discuss your art.

have been busy dealing with trades these past few days and painting. the first coat of revere pewter looked awful. I thought I made a mistake. but with the second coat I sighed with pleasure. I love it. will paint on.

I'm fussing with the living room arrangement before presenting hubby with the request to move the TV and cabinet to the other end of the wall. I am just not comfortable in that recliner with my 'needs' at my left hand. I am right handed. Photo attached. Have played with photo arrangements as well. All statements below are questions....

• The multi photo arrangement I envision to be family photos.

• The large left one to be a landscape print. Or should there even be a photo here?

• I believe the fireplace is too high and the available space above is too narrow. It is certainly too high for a mirror. Probably too high for a framed print. I do have a collection of candle holders but not entirely enamored of the idea of loading the mantle with much of anything. The hearth is almost 12" high.

• I think the bookcase existing on the right end of the fireplace must go so I deleted it from the arrangement. Even when the opening on the left is framed in, drywalled, I think bookcases on either side of the fireplace would be too much? Is the wall on either side too plain?

• And yes, the railing at the entry will disappear at some point. Hubby placed the ottoman and insists it remain.

What do you think? I will take another actual photo. It's hard starting all over and scrounging for style and elegance.

• 

Your mock up looks good. If you do a picture to the left of the TV, don't do a landscape format; use portrait format instead. I would use a floor lamp behind the recliner rather than a table lamp on the TV cabinet.

Let me see what I can do for your fireplace wall.

Ooooh i like the cupboards. Has a frank lloyd wright vibe. And the mantel. Nice. Something to save up and work towards.