I'd paint it the same color as the trim so it recedes and is not so bossy. Unless you are very handy, it's probably not a DIY job. I would also take the stuff off the top to not draw attention to how tall it is.

Do you use all that storage space? Could you replace it with a console?

We use it, but have other storage. that would be expensive, i would think, to take it out. Maybe not expensive?

There is a pass through to the kitchen behind the tv.

So, it's actually attached to the wall behind it? Do you know how that was accomplished? Your room has such pretty light!

Yes, it is attached to the wall.

I think it would be cheaper to have it removed than to get it professionally painted.

If you remove it you may have some carpet issues and will have to do some wall patching. It will be either bare under there or the carpet under it will be damaged, possibly fixable.

Should i take the little things off the sheleves….change the big things on top?

I wouldn't put anything on top. Your lladro definitely looks lost on the shelves. I would replace them with a couple of large colorful items or large items with a lot of texture.

You can probably shop your house for replacements. Do the boxes from the top fit on those shelves?

They might!

I agree with taking everything off the top. Could you try it with just one shelf and something large and simple on it.

Could the upper doors be removed to open up at each end? Could cover backs with pretty wallpaper or such?

Yep - nothing at all on top. Stuff up there just makes the piece even more huge.

Good point

One of the side cabinets contains a bar with a sink.

I would remove the total unit and replace with a larger screen TV

I agree. Remove the large built-in (dated and a space-waster) and hang the TV on the wall.

Would love to do that, but seeems like a huge job. probably many things in this house would be considered dated. i am almost 78 and want to make what I have better.

And once you start…..

Remove everything on top and paint it the wall color.

My first thought was to take everying off the top. Then take things off the shelves above the TV. Than in some way I would cover the shelves with doors if you can find something like you have. From your description, I am thinking there is a pass through behind the TV so I would just cover the little shelves with something to make your unit more streamlined. Since your doors would be difficult to replicate, I would think of somethig opaque like glass or wood painted black or...?