remove the book case all together you dont need it.

is that stucco on the fireplace or what has been added and can be removed?

would also close up that door if you do not need it.

let the fireplace stand alone flanked with you chairs.

I personally like the idea of keeping the bookcase (going up to the ceiling) and adding a matching one on the other side with the chairs in front of them for a layered effect. I would also consider painting the backs of the bookshelves in a color that would go with your decor scheme. Wallpapering the back is another option. I've attached photos (before and after) of how I painted the back of mine. Gives them depth and interest.

Close up the door, eliminate the bookcase and take the FP to the ceiling with some nice stone you love.

I like built in and stone fireplace

I like the idea of taking the bookcase up to the ceiling. I think it would look better if we close up the door with a bookcase but it's kind of a dark room and that is a south facing door which opens up to a side porch with lots of light, so I am hesitant, The fireplace is white painted brick. There are a bay of windows on the left wall and an opening to the dining room on the right. Even though there is a bay of windows, not very bright because of the covered front porch.

I definitely can appreciate your hesitance to lose that light. What about doing something like this in the picture instead? http://houzz.com/photos/76703

I like that idea! Thanks

what is going on with the fire place, is it painted, covered? I too like the idea of the low book case. this house doesnt need tall book cases at the end of the room. the two windows is a really good idea!

oh and i vote no on the shades for the dining room fixture.

Changing the wall paint color can add TONS of warmth to the room.

I would keep the door, and replace the bookcase with a full built in that would surround the fireplace and extend over the door. If that's too much, then I would renovate the book case to be the same height as the door, right now it looks unbalanced.

Tying into the suggestion immediately above, maybe you wouldn't even have to modify the bookcase to be shorter. Would it be an option to add a beautiful piece of trjm to the top of the door (matching what's on the top of the bookcase of course) to make it taller?