Better pic with cabinet doors on (no hardware yet)

That looks like our yellow. I don't have any brilliant ideas on the built-in, except that I dint see anything wrong with white.

I feel like the built in and the fireplace are fighting each other. I would try putting the same color of the built in on the fireplace. I think this side of the room would really look pretty by facing the fireplace with white painted wood, but leaving a little of the brick exposed. I would paint the mantle white too. Against the pale yellow walls, it will look fresh and clean. I just cut out a piece of white paper and drew a fireplace on it and then held it over your photo, and it looks really nice! One more thought, I would take down the picture over the fire place and find a different shape..,maybe a round clock...and do not hang it even with the top of the book case! You want varying heights.

I love the color of your wall. Please advise manufacturer & name of color. Thanks

I agree with Stacy Hudson. Paint the fireplace the same colour as the shelving/cabinet. Leave the black around the firebox. It mimics the TV and would help to balance the room. Also, I'd want to see that picture above the mantel somewhere else. How about something larger, framed maybe a shade or two darker than the cupboard and fireplace. Also, group the small pictures together mostly on one side of the mantel or even in the center. Play with it.

What's on the wall across the the sofa? From where I am it looks completely bare. Just curious.

All your woodwork needs to match so work on the mantel. The picture is hanging higher than the new cabinet's top so you know it is too high. 5" max above the mantel, but I agree it should go elsewhere. Can you see the TV on this wall? Just something you might want to do to the TV part of your cabinet if you're bold.

The wall across from the windows is currently bare. We have a large mirror we plan to hang there which will reflect the view. Open to other suggestions too. The wall color is Behr Moonlit Yellow. It's a bit of a challenging layout, but we're trying to make it both functional and attractive.

Here is another painting that we could use (not hung, just sitting on the mantle). I don't love this one as much though.

Here

I have to say I LOVE your black & white photos on the mantel and cabinet. I don't know if they are all the same size but I would like to see them framed in all the same color frame and displayed, maybe remove items from top shelves and put one frame in each opening. Beautiful photos of beautiful family members deserve a beautiful space.

Sorry, but neither piece of artwork is the right size for this space above the mantel. This one is square (wrong shape) and too large, IMHO. I agree with Stacey Hudson, who stated that she felt as though the fireplace and the built-in unit were "fighting with each other". I get that same impression. I also agree that the present piece of artwork you have above the fireplace and mantel is hung too high. It is also too small, although a pleasing shape for this area.this area would benefit from a larger, rectangular picture.

If you had your first piece of art matted and framed with a substantial frame, you might be able to use it.

To get some interesting ideas about above mantel size and type of items google: how to determine size of items over fire place mantel. Nif too much info and overwhelming or just want answers without research on your part, just let me know and I'll be happy to do the search and come up with some very simplified info
Barbara

Hmmm... Would a mirror work better?

I like mirrors but I really think they need to reflect something beautiful. If you are reflecting the kitchen, I would go with artwork or a round clock.

Very nice job, hanny. Enjoy the room.

Lovely