I really like it just the way it is right now. I think all your collections stand out and compliment your color scheme so beautifully.

Love it the way it is. Great job! Where did you get your sofa and chairs? I'm looking for some just like those.

The furniture is all from Ethan Allen. The couch and rattan chair are about 10 years old. The matching chairs are available now - Emerson Chairs.

Your room is very nice and also could use just a little something more. Painting the backs of the built-ins a color like burnt orange would look stunning.

I 2nd the poster board. Then you can easily change it out! Lovely room.

Try Tempaper. Temporary wallpaper that you can peel off with no damage. Contact me if you need discounted pricing.
http://tempaperdesigns.com/
My site: www.discountdesignerfurnishings.com

I was going to make a similar suggestion to bowdavis's - except using wrapping paper!

How do you like your skinny French doors, if you don't mind me asking? I can't decide to go with two wide French doors, or three skinny ones (one would be fixed) between the kitchen and the hall for our reno.

@bubblyjock - I love my French doors. They're original to the home. The large door openings make the rooms feel larger. My house is a 1920s brick Georgian. On the other side of the doors is our family room. We can close the doors for privacy in either room.

Second set of French doors. They flank the fireplace. Lighting not great in this shot.

LOVE Soberg's idea of painting the backs a burnt orange color ... would look stunning with a cowhide rug in same color tone.

Thanks for the feedback, Caroline!

I think painting the back of the bookcases will add drama and depth to the room , and will showcase your pieces better ,the room is neutral enough that itt can take a rich color

I like the idea of painting the back of the bookcases if you want a punch of color. Temporary wallpaper is also a good idea. My first thought was to use grasscloth in a more neutral tone. It would add great texture and blend with the rest of your room - makes a statement without interrupting the feeling of your space.

What a lovely home. We have a 1950's Georgian in Chicago, but glass block windows flank the fireplace. Sooo wish they were french doors! The only thing that could improve this room is a slight pop of color, but burnt orange is already in your collectibles, and you've done a great job composing them. Maybe pulling it into some pillows with a touch of blue?

Beautiful room:-). Actually, I would just change the area rug to something with some pattern or color.

You can actually either paint or wallpaper cardboard cut to the size of the bookcase backs, then if you want to change, it's a very easy switch.

Sorry bowdavis- I didn't look at your comment before I made mine. My mother was an interior designer and that was her thing.

This is the back of my bookcases on either side of fireplace in LR. Happens to be a brick color.

Please don't paint your bookcases burnt orange. Your chair is a burgundy tone. A silvery gray color would be pretty. I would also add fun throw pillows to your off-white chairs.

A pattern is necessary somewhere. Removable wallpaper on the backs of your cases and pillows on your off-white chairs would be just enough pattern to spice up your already lovely room and pull it together. http://www.tempaperdesigns.com

Very sophisticated and timeless room. Nice! Problem is - I can't see how you can improve this room much more. It's already fab. So I would say, make changes to the back of display only if you crave for some change and choose the less permanent options, as suggested by other Houzzers above.

Everything has a subtle pattern.

Caroline, your room is so beautiful. I would add a little color. Maybe a soft blue/gray. Even blue hydrangeas on your table or something with a little color to add some more interest.

I love this room just the way it is. I am hoping once you took pics and truly looked at them, which sometimes help more than just standing in the room, you can realize how nice and calm and peaceful and just plain beautiful this room is.

I am always reassessing my layouts, collections, etc. Thanks so much for all the feedback and comments!!!

I just saw a really amazing thing at Home Depot. It's a sticky type paper that is in the paint department that you can cut to size for the space in the back of bookshelves. You paint this paper, stick it in your shelves and if you don't like it, you can remove it without disturbing the original paint. I have not tried it myself, but the saleslady said it works. The paper was not very expensive either. Who knew?????

Grass cloth would be textural and subtle. I have used it in on the backs of bookcases and looks wonderful!

I think,they need more sheafs with BOOKS!

*shelves

Paint or paper in a color or pattern of your choice. I prefer paper myself. Italian marbleized paper as you might find inside an old book cover would be very appropriate and compiment any color.

@ Mint Design-You really need to look at the dates of the threads you are bumping, they are all old.

Suedonim75. It doesn’t matter how old the thread is - people still have built ins and the question is timeless. New answers can help the rest of us who may have this dilemma

Mint has posted giving advice directly to the OP on several really old threads. Some people don't notice the dates on threads especially when they show up in the column on the right side of the screen.

I'm curious. What is the best product to adhere grass cloth to for the shelves (foam core, poster board, cardboard?) and what do you use for an adhesive besides wallpaper paste? Do you wrap the edges? Love this idea!

Mirror would be really pretty and add sparkle.

@suedonim75 Hum, interesting how this "too old to warrant comment thread" seems to keep reviving itself with comments...

Lol, last comment was 2 years ago, but ok, yup its reviving itself.