It looks nice but impersonal. Do you have any items with some color that you could use? More like the snack tray on the bottom?

Well I actually decided. :)

I find the best hellp is arrange and then take a picture -- the camera sees more than what our eyes see iMO.

I agree! I have 10 different pictures that I took and kept looking at to weed out.

The area needs a sense of purpose.

First:

-you need filler strips for the sides of the built-ins

-Instead of miscellaneous decor, give this space a function and go from there. Where is this----kitchen? Set up a coffee station, wine bar, etc.

It stores all my cookbooks and it's based in the dining room / kitchen area. I love it.

Jackie I would add some of your cookbooks on the shelves then as well. That would help quite a bit.

I have one up at the top right.. more?

The best shelves are ones that serve a purpose or have something in common. You might consider placing some dessert cookbooks and the a collection of tiered plates. I see you have one already. Just one example. Or, leave your "hello" sign and set it up as a self-serve area for guests

This are between the dining and kitchen serves more as a bulter's pantry where you would add something functional. Nothing on your shelves relate. The eye likes consistency, repetition, simplicity and function. While that sounds simple, paring down to the basics is sometimes harder to achieve than adding item after item that do not function together.

These areas are great for setting aside a function you want out of the kitchen: appetizer area, self-serve coffee bar, wine bar, etc.

Although I appreciate your input I don't drink wine, coffee and no need for anything extra. We built those shelves for the purpose of just decor and the cabinet for cookbooks. I think it looks fine as is for our home. If after having it for awhile we decide to adjust it then we'll go from there.

I am glad you were able to resolve this.

I think I would just add a few more cookbooks.