I don't think the wall is unbalanced! Each item has a purpose and they are obvious when you look at the wall.

While I like the brick, I’d paint the whole wall, including the brick, door and bookcase in the same color. At a second look I see your trimwork is the same nice, warm shade of chestnut, so try painting the door and its surrounding wall a match to the wood. More work, but I’d want to add a slim , shallow bookcase between the door and the firepace. Pretty room., whats going on the wall opposite the sofa? I suggest filling the top three shelves with books.

just curious why you think the fireplace needs updating. I have a similar one except the mantle and hearth are slabs of cement stained black.

I like the fireplace and the bookcase. I would paint the wall and the door a red clay. (I'm not suggesting painting the door frame a darker color, I just used it to show where the door is. ) I would paint the wall matte and the frame and door satin. If you want you, could do the whole room this color. Don't paint the wood molding, though.

very nice mockup, houssson. If its easy, how about doing the same only in white…just to see .

It seems a shame to remove the beautiful elements to make the door work. That book case and fireplace are awesome as is. I see the 'unbalanced' you are talking about but I agree Houssaon's mock up is a step in a better direction than ripping it all out and ruining your brick with paint. If the book case were smaller, stand alone vs built in look that could work but again I don't think it's worth the loss.

Yes to removing the bookcase it is in no way a good idea there as it is . Is this the only way to get to the garage?I do not agree you have balance at all. Houssaon has at least given a bit of balance with color.Have you seen bookcase doors that might be the anser. I like the brick so no painting it for sure.The bookcase doors are not cheap but it seems to me you need that balance to really address the situation that is why I ask if this is the only way to access the garage

I will suggest either removing the bookcase or building a surround around the door to the garage that will mimic the bookcase. Will suggest painting all the wood at that end of the room a semigloss white and painting the fireplace as well. The wood wall base and crown in the room looks quite dated. Would suggest painting that as well. Lastly will suggest leaving the wood ceiling beams as they are.

Does the flooring extend under the bookcase? even if it does, it would likely need to be refinished

Is there any way that the door can be made/cladded to look less like an exterior door?

I would disassemble the bookcase and move it elsewhere. Your fireplace looks nice as is.

To me, it seems that you feel the wall is unbalanced because both large objects are battling to be the focal point of the room. I think your fireplace is beautiful, do not paint it— leave it as is. In my opinion, you could either remove the bookcase or paint it the same color as the rest of the wall (white), to make your fireplace stand out. Good luck!

Your room already has balance. What you are asking for is symmetry

OK so I created the symmetry you wanted.

Now you'll want to add something to the blank wall that will put you right back at the place you started.

I for sure would not try to add a bookshelf between fireplace and door. It will take up “breathing space “ and elbow room that affects how you feel when you approach and go through the door.

I wouldn’t remove the cabinetry, because I like have books, a few objects, and storage space. Unless I had some great antique I needed that spot for— like a writing desk or china hutch. Or a specific piece of art. If you want to try the balance - with- white, you could try cutting poster board to fit the shelf backs. If you do like to use and arrange shelves, you can use your arrangement colors to create some balance with the white door wall, as shown by tachch. And it depends on whether you have mostly dark objects , where a white or light background would set them off, or a collection of white china or pottery. I wouldn’t go out and buy sets of cookbooks or random doors-dads that don’t mean anything to you , just to fill shelves, though. Then you might also want different art on mantel than is shown in the photo.

Thank you I like removing it and adding a smaller item or picture to balance. The brick is nice and gives the rustic look to the room.

I would paint everything white except the brick and enjoy the storage (I have lots of books). As it is your doors and baseboards are white, the dark beam and crown just lower the ceiling.

Don't waste your money. There are lots of ways for your room to have more texture and interest short of ripping out perfectly good storage cabinets and shelving.

BTW your area rug is woefully undersized for the room. 8x10 minimum size for this area.

If you remove the bookcase, you will need to match and extend the trim at the ceiling. What about painting the back of the bookcase the same as the walls. If that isn't enough, try painting the whole upper section only of the book case to match the wall paint.

I would try that before completely removing it.

Good luck!

Or, paint the bookcase white.

Like what Beverly did with the green cabinet. Please explain why that, to me, works better than anthing else pictured. Also, having a large painting on the side wall…and I’d like to see that painting more fully filled with the same green color…. Nice !

Having a large piece of art on the side wall can wave of sophistication and add more color and life to your room. some pictures to give you a better idea :)

Thank you for the suggestions. I have enough comments to move forward

I suggest you paint the bricks and bookcase the same white as your walls.

I’d be concerned about removing the bookcase as the floors might need repairing and it’s also a nice feature. Just thinking how to resolve door issue and creating a focal wall could be the answer. Consider painting both sides of fireplace a bluish shade that complements walls/brick/wood. Door will disappear (update handle to black) and bookcase will look more up to date (rethink accessories/add black hardware).

Consider updating mantle so as to work with the low ceiling and add a large piece of art near door. At some point, suggest a larger rug to ground the seating and add complementary cushions.

Look on line for inspiration, no matter what route you take and have a plan. I’d hold off on doing anything to fireplace until everything else is done - I think its warmth ties in well with the wood in floor/beams/trim.

following, love all the ideas. looking forward to seeing the final outcome.