I like what you did.

Get some lighter color pillows. Lots of colors look great with brown: yellow, blue, pink, cream.......

Thank you. This is a shot of the front door. I like the blue in the wreath. Maybe something like that? Any suggestions on this wanky up centered mantle?

Add more lights and some colorful pillows....for walls also add some life and colors by adding a large original wall art over couch...will enhance the look ...for more artwork check my shop too...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PooArtGallery?ref=profile_shopname

I think what may be throwing you off is that before you had light, medium, & dark & now you seem to have really light & really dark.

I'm really not one for accent walls however perhaps doing the FP wall in a medium color will bring back the balance you are needing.

The one thing I see is your mantel. Obviously, it's not centered over anything. Can you replace it with one that goes from the left wall, all the way over to the bookcases? Then you'll be able to center your art over the firebox. However, be careful about repeating too many like-sized items together. For example, looking at your fireplace wall, a lot of things are square like the firebox. Also, I can't tell what that item is that's on the mantel in the before picture but is hung on the wall above the bookcases in the after pictures. I can't tell what it is and wonder what its purpose is.

I actually like it quite a bit and think you are pretty close. First things that struck me were curtains and tv console. I agree some lamps would help too. My opinion is don't touch the mantel.

I love what you've done! The painted wall looks so great! It does seem a little stark though. You have a bunch of light and a bunch of dark, and not much in between. They feel a little blocky. You need something to break up the chunks. A couple new pillows and a throw and you'll be set. You could either do a color (teal would be lovely, with some texture?), or a print of the colors you're already using (maybe a gingham? Mixed with toile?).

Thank you all so much for the replies. That fireplace wall has been baffled me since I moved in. The whole thing is so off center, I don't know what they were thinking. I've seen so many lovely pictures pulling off only neutrals and can't seem to get it all the way there. Right now I have things randomly placed. The plant on the table, art on the fireplace. The curtains are only up for privacy, and also because I have no idea what to do with these big windows! The little sign is just covering up some weird giant holes that I really need to fill and then take it down. I would like to paint the tv stand urban bronze I think? Everything does seem quite boxy. I love the blue! I have been thinking of a piece of artwork with the beach maybe and working off of that? The giant clock can be relocated.. I was thinking maybe valances with sheers but what color sheers. You guys rock!

Any leftover lumber to remove and cover the built in bookcase? You might be able to get close enough since your painting over.

Remove everything from the fireplace wall.

Size and rehang the mantel so it compliments the firebox. Google Houzz to find instructions and proportion advice.

Place the TV low on the right of the fireplace

Place the bookcase low on the left of the fireplace; paint it the same color as the wall. Fill it with few blue tone or what evertone your curtain will be more important items. one third books, one third stuff and one third space.

Place art over mantel.

Something along these lines but to your taste.

Hang long print or horizontal stripe panels on either side of your windows. Use a dark rod.

An example of fun modern blue tone curtains.....many available on line. Suit yourself.

Floor to ceiling print that coordinates with colors in room of brown and cream

Try these things if you like them and see what you think. The horizontal wall needs to be balanced and putty and screws and a saw wll do it. Google how to install a mantel on Houzz. So much info for specifics height etc. The room looks good, just a bit off balance.

I would suggest you get some throw pillows and throws that are the same light purplish-pink as the flowers in the large picture on the wall. This pastel will add some femininity and contrast from the dark, heavy-looking upholstered pieces. The room really is lovely, and your idea to paint the wood wall the ivory color is great!

Looking at it with a fresh set of eyes helps greatly. I like your idea Kate. I think the best option is to just cover the cubbies. I can't remove them because they are built in. Then center the mantle and work with that. Problem solved! Now..about these windows. They are on a large wall with cathedral ceiling with a peak, so curtains to the ceiling won't work. I would like to leave the top arch uncovered, it gives great light. I'm torn between valances or curtains. I do like the effect of the shears underneath just not the ones that are up there now. Also, I am at a loss for what to put on the coffee table. The plant is just not cutting it. I agree that the pillows need more color.

Here are some photos of projects of ours that might just help you along.

So I have painted this ship lap wall twice. Still seriously considering removing built ins. My question is would it look ok white? My trim SW pure white and walls are pavilion beige. The pure white is bright. Perhaps a different white? Not sure it will go with the furniture style. Please help before I get out my roller again. Thanks

This is where I landed on the fireplace wall. The mantle seems high. Any suggestions how to style it? Not sure about the thing over the tv or the bird art. Everything is returnable except furniture and console. thinking of painting console in white chalk paint. Any lamp suggestions? Especially a floor lamp , also a round table for between couch and love seat. I keep buying and returning. I have a couple threads going on this room and I am not sure how to condense them. I'm having a hard time pulling this together. I like the neutrals with pops of natural and seasonal color. Just wanted to bump up my thread on progress and see what you all think. Thank you very much