I am certainly no expert but if the room is separated from the others, why not show off the original woodwork? :)

Hi.... Your picture is really dark, is there a way to get a better picture?

Can we have a picture of a room that's been painted with the white trim?

I like the woodwork!

Hi.....I agree with unwantedadvice, I would let the room stand on its own as far as the trim and keep the original
wood. I would suggest you paint the fireplace brick BM Kendall Charcoal and also paint out the brass
trim on the fireplace screen.

Are you painting this room? It's looks unfinished behind the TV? Don't forget you can always use wallpaper inside the shelves for some colour.

Thanks for the replies! Attached is a better picture. We removed a mirror from above the fireplace and we'll be matching the paint color of the rest of the room. We have decided to paint the window trim and baseboards white to match the rest of the room. However, we are still undecided on the book shelfs and fire place. All suggestions are appreciated!

The fireplace itself needs some help, but the bookcases are nice. You also need some pillows and throws if you are keeping that couch.

This picture is from the open house, so we have new furniture now in the room. We have also cleaned the black soot off of the fire place. thanks!

I think I would take down the track lighting too. Seems off ? Leave the bookcases and white wash the fireplace ;)

Now that I see the FP and bookcases in the full context of the room, I can better appreciate your dilemma! It looks more attractive than in your first photo, for sure. However, I can see your painted baseboard in the adjoining room, so as you planned, continue that into this room, leave the bookshelves their original color and then just lighten up the fireplace only. It's a beautiful room, though - enjoy your space!

As has been said in many discussions, I would leave the bookcases as they are. First of all, I love them. They bring a great, rich character to the room.

I, too, live in a house from the 20s and have a lot of natural wood. Once you paint the bookcases, it would be very hard to restore them to their original condition. Also, some people look for the original character of a home when house hunting so the bookcases may add value if you ever decide to sell your home.

It all looks heavenly! I'd just give those bricks a bit of a polish.