Great space. I would do simple changes. Take the books and mix up how they are placed and leave some space between groupings. So, stack 6-8 books with pages facing out to room, then place another group stacked like a book end and keep mixing the look up until you like it. Add a few objects and then remove some to create some open space for the eye to rest.

Use the whole bookshelf. Avoid stacking all on one side. Sorry this is dark but just rough sketch to give you ideas.

Your shelves are so short in height and the wood is so simple and not-precious that I think it would look best if you simply filled the entire space with books, completely. Use bookends on the top shelf, but not just at the ends. Use thin metal ones in several spots.

Then, if you like, take your framed piece and hang that on the outside of the shelves, in the center.

In the photos it appears that your actual shelves are sagging in the middle because of the weight of the books. The simplest way to fix this is to take a few tall books that are just the right height to act as braces and distribute them through the shelves to prop up the next shelf up. Or cut some squares of wood that are the right height and paint them and insert them like books in enough places to prevent the sagging.

If you can get a bigger version of the rug you have that would be great. If not, think about getting another one in the same size and using both on the floor. Or think about picking out a color from the rug and getting a bigger solid rug in that color and then layer your existing rug over the new rug.

If the wire leg hot pink end table is cheap, get 1 or 2 more of them and line them up In that corner.

Better? I’m trying. Not easy for me but your advice makes it fun.

Definitely better.

I think I might take down some of the top shelf balls and put your jacks up there. I also like your kettle balls (if that’s what they are called) up on the top shelf.

Ok, will do, Ital mover. Jacks on the top shelf along with kettle balls? Is that right?

Better?

I would save the colored balls for xmas and put them in a large basket on the coffee table. 1/3 books (hardbacks are best) 1/3 large decor items and 1/3 open space is a good rule of thumb.

It’s looking better and the kettle balls match the pillow on the chair which is what instantly caught my eye. You could also try color coding your books, like a rainbow. I did this with mine and it helped tremendously. You can layer framed art in the back, or candles or odds and ends. I think the jacks should be on a couple books to give it height. I know how hard this is just takes time!

Thank you so much! I’ll keep trying.

I agree with the 1/3 each books, decor and space deco mentioned. It was a big help and improvement for me.

Yes, I would mix up the shapes and not just space the balls along the top shelf. I agree that your present collection of decorative balls are a bit christmas-y. You might not want to invest in different ones but these really inexpensive ones have more of the tropical hues of your other decor and — they light up and change colors!

;)

Rainbow Orb 9.5" 36 LED · More Info

This is what I’ve done today. Got rid of most of the orbs and finally organized the patio plants. I’m liking the progress on the bookshelf but now the desk area has become an eyesore. 🤦‍♀️

Are you DIY inclined?

You could add vertical dividers to the shelves. Better yet, you could recreate the shelves into a cabinet with both open shelves and space with doors -- solid or glass front doors.

You could add a pair of cabinet doors (think upscale overhead kitchen cabinet doors) leaving the center open but adding either a single door or pairs of doors on each end.

Measure what you have and then check out Habitat for Humanity for gently used cabinet doors for possibilities.

Thanks suezbell for the creative ideas.

Try moving the items at both ends of the top shelf in a bit.

Cute pooch.

Nice space. Not an eyesore at all.

If you want to make a more clear distinction between the desk/office area and the sitting area, consider creating an accent wall the width of the desk and, instead of art above the desk.

You could add useful shelving, perhaps including a space for your printer and, perhaps including a box shelf above that with hinge flip u/down doors for hiding some of the stored items

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SVGG5uYIvY

and/or floating shelf with hidden drawer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGgRp4HtWT4

If you want a shelf with drawers easily accessible and visible, there are vids for that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyfzkL6nirs

Are you saying the desk area is a “mess” because the printer is there?

Have you got space for something like this for your printer?

It actually has a Z shape which you can see better if you click on the info link

L-Series Printer Cart, White With Clear Glass · More Info

This is probably too big for anywhere in your space but I liked it and wondered if it was useful outside....

Glass Kitchen Bar Cart WL-03893-FF · More Info

What a cool space! Is it a mid century modern house?

1. Book shelf looks so much better, great job! (I still would try making the books organized by color but that’s just me and def not a necessity).
2. Someone said nice pooch, do you have a dog? I can’t see it and I’ve looked 3x lol
3. Is it the printer you don’t like? Move it to the other side of the desk or on a low table ? Possibly under the desk too if there is leg space
4. Not a fan of the orb in the tray, but that’s just me. Do you have a small plant to put there to bring some of the outside in?

You need to buy a hot neon colors bandanna for the pooch, or a hat with tropical fruit.

Ok, books organized by color as much as I am able. Orb in the tray will be replaced by plant soon. Looking for a nice one. As far as shelves for the office space, well I think I’ll create another post with all my needs to get more help like you guys are offering here. Thanks for the interest, tips and ideas. Keep ‘em coming, please.

Before adding furniture to a relatively small space, make sure you have room for it so it will not crowd you or block a walk path.

Perhaps you could draw, to scale, your room, indicating doors and windows.

Then, on a separate page, draw, to scale, the footprint of each of your furnishings and any furnishings you are considering purchasing so you can move them around to see what fits where and, importantly, what wouldn't fit.

Wow, suez, great advice. Will do just that.

Big improvement on shelving! Nice job. Have you tried swapping chairs with sofa position then put desk behind sofa and put a lamp on desk. Use it like a sofa table. I always do scale drawings to make sure furniture and arrangements work. Worth doing. You have great plants! Might bring one in to add depth to right back corner. Coming along!

Flo! What a great idea! Will try ASAP. Wait for the pics.

BTW, Flo. What do I do about extension cords?

There are various wire management systems on the market. Just depends on what pathway is.

Here are a few.