The bookshelves look pretty good--you certainly have some nice things. However, some of the shelves look crowded (top right and bottom left). Let your objects breathe and it will look even better.

Any better?

I would have the shelf sections the same height. Left shelf, raise the lowest shelf to match the right and put the frame on the bottom.

I would flip he books so the spine faces correctly. Even if muted colors, visually this will help. Neutral pallet is one thing but to me it doesn't look good to have the books facing that direction.

to me the objects aren't balanced as far as scale or placement. Feels mismatched (baskets- one woven, one fabric?)

Hi! Those are great shelves! Uneven is totally fine. I get that you don't want a bunch of colors but it will pop more if you add some splashes of one color. Like maybe pull the red from the flower painting and add/exchange some red items for pops of color. Also books look neat stacked flat, large to small if you want something other than traditional set up.

I also agree some personal items would be great (although there was a nicer way to explain this than the other poster.) When people come over they love to ask about them. If you don't have anything no worries, hit your local flea market or antique mall and find some things you love. They will add so much warmth and interest to your home!

I like the last photo that uploaded and it is less cluttered so the objects show better. I would also suggest adding some books to the left column for some balance with the right shelving. To me, the frame feels wrong being so low and the bottom shelf on the right, the bicycle, perhaps is too big for that shelf. You can also add books on the shelf instead stacked on top of each other. I hope this is helpful.

The basic main issue I see is there is too much. Remember the shelf design guideline. 1/3 items/1/3 books; and 1/3 open space. I tend to also like larger pieces lower on the shelving system because it helps "ground" everything. The large picture is too large for the bookcases. But, you could hang it on the outside of the bookcase, balancing it on the other side with something on the outside as well. I'll find a photo for you.

this is done well. Notice how much "white" space there is. Notice how the hippo is on a higher shelf but below on bottom right are two large vases to balance that. Use this as example. Also, notice how layering can open up white space. Second shelf from the bottom, left has 3 items. Looks like a book in the background, a framed piece next layered in front of the book, and then a decorative box of a contrasting color! in front of it all. Very nice technique here.

You can also get a large easel and set it off to one side for a favorite painting or oversized book.

Thank you everyone! So I removed the large picture as advised and tried to make it 1/3 books. Any better?

Yes, much better. I suggest that you turn the books on the left shelf so that we can see the titles. Keep looking for personal items to swap in.