We are hoping to update and add functionality to our living space in the basement - currently the fireplace is on one end of the room and the TV on the other making it horribly unfunctinoal and a design nightmare. We would like to update the brick to stone and also add shelving with base cabinets on either side of the fireplace. The intention would be to put the TV on one of the cabinets and make the space look more modern and also be more functional.

As the pictures show, the shelving and cabinets will not be built in - there isn't the space for it. My question is will this look funny? I've seen pictures of this type of update and it looks okay (although not as great as built-ins) -- thoughts?

Also, in the pictures you will notice a window cutout in the wall (this looks into the bar area) - we could either close this window or make it smaller... but would this look weird with the shelving and cabinetry?

A lot of unknowns and we're just not entirely sold on the whole idea.

Does anyone have any ideas to make the space more functional and modern while working with the structure we have? I'm totally stumped and really want the space ready for fires and football next fall!!

Thank you so much for ANY help!! (PS please ignore the horrible decorating... this is a case of we moved in and forgot to give this area and decor TLC!)