Can you post a pic? Have you looked in the ideabooks on houzz yet?

Yes, a pic would be most helpful.

OOPS!! My bad! I forgot to attach photo!!

Artwork in frames could mimic the horizontal lines of the shelving unit without building actual shelving unit. Or just ready made shelves on that side would work too without much expense.

I like pic. idea. Since that area is popped out, pictures would keep the balance of the walls. It appears that the hearth continues to the wall, you may want to think about maybe a log holder in this area to visually balance the cabinet on the other side.

I had considered the shelves and the logs but didn't trust my judgement.. Thanks for confirming. Should I paint the buit-in the same color as walls or trim? To fit with the midcentury modern style of the house, should we paint the bricks?

If the house is truly MCM and it wasn't painted then, I don't see the point of doing it now if you are going to keep MCM. If you are just looking to change, that's up to you. You will find many threads both for and against painting. Just do a houzz ideabook search.

I don't mind the white cabinet/shelving unit being white if that is what you like. But I would paint the wall on the left the same as the rest of the room. The white makes it look like you ran out of paint. You can always put white shelves up if you go that route.

I like the log idea that Your Mantel Co suggested. Still like the art versus more shelves though.

Thanks, handyman! The white cabinet just gives me a Cottage - y feel. The house just needs a general uplift. BTW, the couple became engaged on Friday.Hmm...........I wonder if it will be a Navy wedding.....

Paint cabinets, brick that is on and around fireplace, and wall all same color. Then add a mantle from a really pretty reclaimed old beam.

bichonluver, congrats on the engagement! A Navy wedding will be special!

Well paint the cabinets whatever, but paint that wall to match the rest of the room. :)

I agree about painting that wall the same color as the rest of the room. I'd add a large piece of artwork there. And kudos to your son for not making the mistake of putting the big TV over the mantel. :)

Thanks everyone! Suggestions are great. Fred S., His fiancee and I are working quickly to bring the house up to speed before my son comes out of his trance! lol

That trance generally wears off right after the utterance of the words "I have a headache" ;D

Ha ha! Have you been talking to my husband? I now own stock in Tylenol! lol

No. It is just a medical fact. It is both a symptom and side effect of marriage ;D

bichonluver, you are having way too much fun! You also sound like the kind of mom every man loves and every daughter-in-law hopes for! Congrats!

@happy, they keep trying to trap me here.
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/random-houzz-trends-on-national-level-dsvw-vd~756366
I cannot be contained! :D

:)

That is probably where the cat pole is going to have to go :D

Ha Ha!! I do foster dogs pulled from high kill shelters....

Two wooden ladders next to each other. One going up and the other to come down.

do they come with instructions?

Women or cats?

Fred, if you really wanted out, you could borrow one of chook's ladders and make a break for it! :D

ROFL !

My ladder comes with instructions.

This the tiny dining room where I was thinking of hanging the large mirror from the bedroom

Furniture is actually dark brown!

Is that a conversation height dining set?

Yes. I would like to beef up the finish (it has traveled with him all over with him and is kind of tired looking :( I would the like to add seat cushions in orange or turquoise for color. I am thinking that because the room is so small, the curtains should be neutral to blend in with the wall.

You might be right about changing out the curtains to a neutral color because you are going to want to put some art up with orange and turquoise in there. The mirror will help open the room up. The height of the table is going to change the height that you'll hang the art. We have two sets of counter height dining tables. At first I though it was a mistake, but we are a tall family and we love it. Lol. Change out the curtains, put up the mirror and add some art and then decide if you want chair cushions. Maybe a good waxing with some all natural beeswax would perk up the table. By the time they get married you'll have that place *in ship shape* :D

Let's hope so! May 18! Happasaclam, are you a Marine by any chance???! :)

I've got a son that's a former Marine and a son-in-law that's a SSgt. Semper Fi! :D

Son got out as a Sergeant! :))

Bravo Zulu to you for having 2 selfless men in your family. They are the cream of the cream of the crop! When Josh was at OCS in Pensacola, he had a Marine drill sergeant who stood about 4' 8" and who had to finally salute Josh as an officer. Josh said that man terrified us and no matter what rank I am, I will salute HIM!! lol

bichon and happy, future son in law just made corporal in the USMC reserves! So proud of him! Was on active duty in Iraq in '07. New to the marine family, but happy to be here.