I think some strategic paint could go a long way for the bookcase etc in this home. Add a chunky mantel to the fireplace. I would try soft beachy colors to tone down all the wood. Even paint the wood above the shelves.
Good luck!

I would do away with the tree balcony and the ladder, at least for now. It draws your eye up (to what?) instead of keeping your focus on the room. Is that a powder room or closet below the balcony? Your new home has lots of potential but don't get distracted by the quirks of this house.

You could always hide the top portion of the stone and add paneling. Then I would suggest doing new cabinets in white.

And I'd be looking for the biggest FLOWER POT in the world, and put a big avocado tree or a ficus or a palm in it. The terra cotta color on the walls is something that goes with Italian style also, and if you think about it, Provence and Tuscan style is heavy on the earth tones. It goes with black, greens as in live plants, the burnt orange/reds in patterned oriental rugs, metallics, you name it, the flower pot color of terra cotta is a very strong adaptable color.

Just an option, not really a suggestion (I'm just having fun with your picture): Close part of the entry and 'balcony' to use as a loft, also close two third of the lower space, maybe add some openings for daylight.

I think I would put doors in front of top and u could stain or paint it 2 toning is great

If you don't wanna spend too much money paint it but don't forget the primer

Lee lee, the white door is actually around the corner, it's a coat closet. I would tear that whole section out, but I think it's the also the closet for bedroom on other end. Moving in April. I agree may nothing up there would make it kinda disappear? I am removing ladder, don't want grandkids up there !

Ringreation, WOW...that's amazing. Can you Sheetrock my wall beside fireplace! Take out bookcase.

To me, it's not the thing I would change first in the room.

Sure :) end of bookcase

I agree with rinqreation, take it down. Once the bookcase is removed, you will notice a new problem area. My concern is that you're not taking advantage of the high ceiling. A large custom unit can be built on the adjacent wall and incorporate the A/C vent into it.

That's the look I was talking about with no bookcase--now the fireplace can shine with a new screen and mantle. 'Current resident's furniture gone!

More fun!

Rinqreation, that is so cool! How about a decorative unit with tv in it? Someone also suggested paneling over top part of fp, but not sure about that. Thanks again!!

P.s. when do you sleep;-)

This is from the house we are leaving. Could something like this work on that wall...without stuff on top?

Dramatic space and light! Go with it!
Drama!
I could see either of two looks: big, bulky, rustic, hunter-lodge with a contemporary feel to it.
Or ultra-modern sleek with huge statement art.
I'd go for the latter, but you know which would make your heart sing.

If you'd close part of the wall opposite the fireplace and place your couches like in that, you could hang your tv on the other side.

And I do sleep, but I got cut back in work hours (quite sad, to be honest, crisis still lingers on) I have more time to do creative things (as long as it don't cost anything).

The problem w closing that room off is it is the dining area & has a low ceiling w skylight. I'm afraid it would be a dark cave in there.

Even if it were just two third of the front? So no full loft, but a wall and a small balcony? Do you know what the 'upstairs' is for?

I hope things get better for you!! Here in Oklahoma the recession is null, we are booming! Lots of jobs & low cost of living.

I guess it is just decorative, a landing. I think below is the closet for a bedroom, otherwise I would completely remove the whole thing. A photographer already feel off the ladder, so I want that ladder gone. I would like to angle the ceiling in the dining & take those posts out, but I bet they are load bearing. It's gonna be fun though!

I meant the diner+skylight box thing. What's up there?

Check out Smart Mural Stix. They do custom murals and can actually replicate your FP stone in a wallpaper mural to go on the wall where you remove the bookcase. It will look like the FP has always been there - I think you'll appreciate the idea.

Forgive me if I am being spatially challenged but would putting the entertainment center on the opposite wall by the patio door work? If so, then you would have more flexibilty in your design. Maybe I just see it that way because the current owners sofa is blocking the fireplace.

Rin, I think that is attic space, entry from garage. Will know more on Thursday .

Nikitasmom, that is certainly an option. Will consider it. Thx

I'd suggest removing the whole bookcase & wood panelling...drywall that area & paint the ENTIRE fireplace wall with an accent colour that shows the fireplace to advantage. Something darkish & rich!
Sylvia / Colour Theory / Toronto,Canada

Everyone has an opinion but I think your fireplace IS the accent and you don't need another color right next to it competing for attenion.

Color therapy- what color(s) would you use for the outside of my house?

I would not remove it because then that weird angled wood part will be all every one sees. Remove that hutch on the wood wall. Then re-veneer the existing FP wall. Google Austin Stone, it comes in some beautiful creamy colors that will look a bit more modern that what you have. Then tone down all the wood with a large area rug a Ficus tree and a throw and some pillows.

What material are those (exterior) panels made of?

Not saying you should paint these colors, just some distraction, both for me as from the stone walls :)

You could use pvc or exterior mdf

Rin, it is all wood. I was thinking about the beams & trim being a rust or terra cotta color?

A bit like this?
Two colors from picked from the stone; a grey tan and a sandy terracotta.
And a rich (chocolate or rust) brown to spice it up.

Burnt orange on the door is perfect! It calls attention to where to enter and gives it a warm, welcoming look. Either color scheme works, though in the mock-up, I especially like the way the the contrast in the first one calls attention to the bold geometric forms of the house structure. In second, I like the way the related, but darker shade above the garage door brings more depth to the overhang -- again, calling attention to the bold geometric shapes.
Just as on the inside, this is a bold, dramatic structure. Embrace it! Play it up! Celebrate the house for what it is.

Nothing has to be same level u could even add a piece to it bolt it down of course your amour is beautiful make it useful

Rin...very nice! Thanks;-))

I think just two colors on the outside for trim then a third stronger color on the door-the burnt orange does look good.

I used to live in Oklahoma firs markrte are big there look around u find what your looking for also I don't know if u are near it gut Broken bow has a furniture store cheep there

Here is the end result. We put plywood in back, painted & added new, better shelves, then added a mantle on fireplace. We love it!M

That's a lovely transformation.

Looks better. Nice angles on that room.

This really depends on your desired design of the room. Never underestimate what a little paint or wallpaper (in the cubbyholes) can do...

Paint just the bookcase a white wash gray.

Thank you for the closure. The bookcase came out fantastic. Everything looks so nice and different. I had to go back to the top to remind myself of how it started out.

NICE job on this room! That black is perfect right there! Enjoy the space!!!!