I would find a way to frame them in and then paint them all the different color so basically your framing the bookshelf from floor to ceiling leaving the windows as feature piece

I would raise the mantel to the same height as the cases and paint it all dlightly darker than the fireplace tile.

I would never paint oak. It never looks like the inspiration in your head because the wood grain always bleeds through. Dark is back in--maybe have them stripped and stained darker. But I would change A LOT before I would tackle that cabinetry/trim. It's very neutral and you could so a lot with colors etc in more replaceable parts of your home.

Upgrade all your lighting to 3500 - 4000K LEDs, including LEDs under the upper cabinets and switch to a soft white tile backsplash in warmer tones that wont' be too cool with your warm floors. When budget allows, install matching wood floors in the living room, strip the kitchen ones and have them all stained a cooler color. In the living room, remove the crown pieces on all three sections to look more like the kitchen cabinetry. Reno the fireplace with black tiles and take it to the ceiling between the two windows. Then stain all the cabinetry and window frames black. Even if the grain shows through it will be pretty. Mount a larger non-glare TV on the wall opposite the sofa. Install blackout shades or drapes.

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I really like Jan’s feedback. And I would also create a decorative box same color to put TV on and raise it up slightly like 4” so doesn’t look like it’s in a hole.

Hmmmm I think the oak actually looks quite nice. Would you consider a different rug with more color? What about painting the back of the built ins so the items on display pop? With small kids, the toys can be overwhelming but that time won’t be forever. I recommend clearing out whatever you can from the built ins and the tops of them to make things less cluttered.

Another option- try changing the fireplace surround. You can mock it up with colorful paper to see what looks good in your space.

Think into the future….there soon will be fewer big toys. Edit the contents of the open shelving to reduce clutter. Hang the TV above a console on the wall across from the sofa and close the blinds to reduce glare from the window if you watch TV during the day. Be sure you have seating for guests when entertaining. Hang a piece of framed art where the TV is now.

Agree with Jan about losing the faux greenery ASAP. It draws the eye upwards and accentuates the busy, irregular cabinetry.

IMO the shelves are just cluttered and mesy looking I actually would remove the shelves and just keep the bottom cabunets then mount the TV above one cabinet on an articulating arm and a nice piece of art above the other cabinet keeping everything below the windows and the bonus the TV will be at proper viewing height, I aree the lighting should all be changes to LED bulbs and I prefer 4000K . You do not seem to have much furniture in that space could you post pics of the whole space . I also agree no fake flowers or greenery ever anywhere. If removing the shelves is too much then take everything off the shelves and read some ideas of how to decorate shelves for a nice simple uncluttered look. Once the light bulbs are all changed then decide if you need to paint . I think that wall helps balance all the oak in the kitchen , I don't love oak but it is there and painting only that wall IMO will not look right,

I like the honey oak, but it needs a better compliment in your carpet color, sofa color, and room layout. By moving TV, which is too high and requires sideways viewing, opposite the sofa wall you will take the focus away from the oak shelves. Those shelf units look deep and if the shelves are removable, you can try a light color backing board ( remove shelves, fit backing board in, replace shelves).
Warmer metallic tone in accessories and lighting will also help. I like all white ceiling fans because they don’t attract undue attention, especially when in use. Take your time working with a local decorator Na create a story board of possible 1) furniture, 2) carpet, 3) fixtures and accessories to warm up and compliment your space.

You need an overall plan for the two oak areas. Just slapping paint on the living room piece might make you sorry when you figure out how to change the kitchen. If you are doing this yourself, be prepared for a lot of work. Whether you re-stain or paint either or both areas, you have to sand the heck out of every part to remove the current finish, and for painting you need a coat of primer, more sanding, and two coats of paint. You absolutely CAN cover oak. I have been doing that throughout my entire house after buying a home from an oak lover. Every single cabinet (I.e. entire kitchen and 4 bathrooms) had the same oak cabinetry. So far, I’ve done the kitchen and painted two bathroom vanities.
Personally, I would not do black. It sucks the light out of your home unless done strategically with a clear cut design plan. For a family with young children, white or ivory in the kitchen and even a happy color in the living room would work. But only as part of an overall plan. If you want to practice, paint the living room wall unit to match your wall color first. Here are before and after of a small guest bathroom vanity. It is painted SW Urban Bronze but photographs darker.

I would move the TV , place a few large, pretty items over the fireplace, paint the outside of the cabinets a dark gray green, something that works with your sofa and doesn't pull the carpet and fireplace tile too pink. ( I left the oak on the inside of the shelving area. Paint is tough to keep up on shelves and I like the hint of oak.

Do you need blinds or could you simply remove them.

I moved to a new home a couple of years ago, removed the old drapes and never replaced them except for in my bedroom. I found that I liked the bare windows and all the natural light.

My sister used up down blinds in her home, but needs to control the light so you can see the TV. She has more and larger windows.

My mom taught us to use fewer, larger décor items.

Below are some images of a home we did for a client. Please note all of the wood used. You can easily style things to make the wood look good and work with the rest of your space.

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I would replace the carpet before I messed with the oak. The fluffy white one in the Mt. Washington Ski House looks great, but may not be good with children; however, think about a light rug with warm colors in it.

Grandma speaking: I recomment that you and the children put away all the toys before you go to bed. Then take out just what will be played with that day. If you don't have a place to store them overnight, then build or buy a container.