Yes Yes, paint the trim and bookcase BM dove white...perhaps leave backs of bookcase wood or paint a different color..

I would actually suggest re staining the bookcases a darker color. The issue to me with painting bookcases white is that sometimes it sometimes makes it look cheaper. I know someone with a similar home who tried to paint bookcases and all the trim, and unless it is done professionally you could see the paint streaks and it looked blobbed on, rather than that smooth built in look. If you are staining the floors a darker color it maybe nice to stain the cabinets to match and then just paint the other trim and maybe just the door white.

I love the look of bookcases and all the wood trim in white. Go for it. I like an accent color for the back of the bookcases too. I would add crown molding to the room.

I love the ideaa of painting out the wood to white, building up the mantle and adding crown molding. In the picture submitted by" in a bunker" you will see that he changed out the room's door to a panel door to mimic the doors on the bottom of the bookcases. This is key because the flat door will look kind of cheap in white.

I would definitely paint the wood white and build the bookcases up to the ceiling and finish off above the fireplace with wood trim so the entire wall has a built-in look.

Adding some can lights (or track) above the bookcases and fireplace would brighten up the space and set the stage for the fireplace to be the focal point in the room.

I'd paint everything but the fireplace, see how that looks, and consider painting the fireplace another color as needed. Have fun:)

This room is very similar to one I updated in my house. I will post a before and after pic... The wood in this room was not anything special, so I painted over it. I really do like the shelves painted white. I only put one coat of masonary primer on the fireplace, it freshened it up, and still let the different hues of the bricks come through (I didn't like the red brick.) I also painted the mantle a glossy black.

I agree with painting the trim and bookcases white. There isn't a lot of trim in this room to "save". The white will make the room pop. I wouldn't paint the brass (?), I'm not sure what the reference was to, but I would certainly include painting the mantle! It will look beautiful when you're done!

love the floor and the brick on the fireplace...to unify that wall paint book cases and wall behind the same colour...not white...something dark to bring the wall depth out...pick a colour from one of the tones in the brick...
the remaining walls in the room can be a light tone of that wall colour...paint out the door and frames..add a reclaimed wood to the mantle to create more depth...remove the ceiling fan and install an interesting light fixture, restoration hardware ...use scrims on the windows or linen panels to keep the light bright....

Question to Mellie61: I am considering painting my trim also and was wondering if your trim had a shiny varnish or poly finish and if the white paint adhered well. What prep work did you do before painting. In my test spots the paint scrapes off easily and I tried deglossers. Any suggestions appreciated.

inspiration for your room with the fireplace...as well use primer on your trim and than paint with door and trim paint

I'm not sure how easy it is to do, but if you could get rid of the popcorn ceiling the room would look more contemporary.

Painting the woodwork and door white will certainly brighten and update the room. One suggestion with the windows would be using treatments that use a rod that starts at the ceiling...this brings the eye upward and lengthens the space. I would consider putting crown molding around the room where the walls meet the ceiling. I notice the bookshelves don't go to the ceiling....I would extend them up to the ceiling. Paint the walls a very neutral color such as Benjamin Moore Bar Harbour Beige and accent the crown molding the same color white as the rest of the room. Your ceiling fan seems to overpower the room. I would try and swap out a fan that is flush to the ceiling and maybe not as large. If feasible, I would put in a few strategically placed recessed lights. Anchor your room with an area rug ...not too large, your wood floors look great! Pick a rug that speaks to you, let that be the color pallet for the rest of your room decor. Good luck!

Painting out the bookcases, trim & doors would really update your home. I would recommend cloud white from Benjamin Moore. Changing out the mantel to a more substantial (perhaps a reclaimed beam) would really make your fireplace a focal point in the room. The wall in the photo I added was all oak and we suggested they paint it and the result was fabulous.

with all of these ideas...you must be really confused...best of luck...that is what makes this site fun...everyone has a different vision of the same room...

I'm with Lefty Lynda...suggestion..buy foam board and cut to size to fit into spaces in bookshelves. Cover with wallpaper/beautiful wrapping paper, fabric etc. Much easier to execute AND to change! lsemartha

Love the idea of painting the bookcases and fireplace the same color. Add a fat crown molding to the wall above the bookcases and fireplace. Paint it and the drywall above the bookcases the same color too. It will take away from the fact that the shelves do not go all the way to the ceiling.
The odd door over there should be painted the same color as the wall. There is no need to call attention to it by painting it the trim color. I don't think you could go wrong with either white or another color for the cases but I am kind of partial to that dark gray in ksloggett's post. That is actually the first color that came to me when I read your question. Thanks to ksloggett for putting a pic with it.
Get rid of the popcorn ceiling and change out the ceiling fan. Drapes to the floor.
Post pics of the finished product.

Imagine that...thanks for adding ...love your ideas...

popcorn ceiling can be painted out and moulding added...or if budget permits...a faux tin tile ceiling is amazing with the look I posted

I would beef up the baseboard and, if you are going more traditional, add crown molding. I would like to see a really rich paint color but if you stay with white, choose a creamy rich white. Whatever color you choose, consider a glossy lacquer paint for a more contemporary look for walls, trim, and ceiling. I would add panels to the door and paint the door a glossy black whether you go traditional or contemporary. I would cover the wall surrounding the door (opposite the window, not the sides of the projection) with mirror to reflect light and minimize the odd way it projects into the room. I would paint what looks like the underside of a stair to the left of the door the same as the walls, raise the cupboards to the ceiling, replace the curved crown with straight ogee crown and paint them to match the walls or the door. Paint the backs of the cupboards a darker shade for depth. If traditional I would use full length draperies from ceiling to floor or to be more contemporary, use stacked shutters painted the same as the walls. I would take the brick and extend it to the ceiling, adding a colorful painting perhaps covering a recessed flat screen tv. The brick may be painted the same as walls or cupboards. I would eliminate the ceiling fan or replace it with a lower profile one. If the ceiling is stippled I would have it skimmed to a smooth surface. I would bleach and pickle the floors and add a rug or paint the floor and delineate with diagonal squares outlined in a contrasting color to give the room more visual width. Add lots of colorful art on the walls or family photos framed similarly.

I would go with a black paint and lacquer finish on the bookcases for a great contrast with the slate stone around fireplace. I would then have a design scheme of charcoal, taupe and black with silver accents You can use green, purple or red for additional dramatic accents. Hope that helps! Glamourous designing!

amazing, once you start designing one room...the rest of the house starts to look out of date...we didn't ask what this room is flowing off of and what your taste is in your home...send some pics

It looks like there are some good gray tones in the fireplace. If there are also some grayish veins in the flooring, I would pull from that, and use a darker shade on the bookcases, and maybe that entire back wall, then use a lighter shade on the other walls and door. I think a large scale painting leaning on that mantle would look great, and give you a source of inspiration for the rest of the room.

Unless you are prepared to paint all the millwork in the house, I would not paint any of it. One room with white shelves, trim & door and the rest of the house in oak would look strange to me. If you don't like the shelving units, move them to another room. In this room concentrate on updating the fireplace insert, light fixture, window treatments, paint and furniture.

PS...I personally don't like mirrors over the fireplace. When you are sitting, all it will reflect is the ceiling and fan. Invest in a large framed picture or even two or three tall-slim coordinating prints to sit on the mantle. Hanging a large architectural piece would do the trick also. Drapery rods almost to the ceiling and a room sized rug are needed for warmth. Pick the rug first so your art work will be complimented. So many ideas...!

personally with the look of this lovely home...mirrors...gloss paint...black...will not do it..too contemporary for the rest of your home...and gloss paint shows all imperfections...stick with enhancing but not overdoing this space...all suggestions up until this have been great...you can do it...send pics

I love the fireplace and the floor... The gray and tan color combo is very modern and fresh. This room has the potential for a very clean, modern look. The cabinets are distracting and the trim looks dated, so I would remove them. If you really need the space for storage, it would be better to place a console or shelving on the interior wall, and place a large wall mounted mirror above it, opposite the front windows. It will open the room up. The closet (or whatever it is) looks out of place, but if it is integral to the architecture of the room, perhaps you should camo it by painting the whole interior wall, closet, and door in the same color. Something darker than the rest of the room. Your overall color palette depends on the rug you will be placing in the room, but this space is asking for clean neutral colors with pops of bright color to enhance the clean, modern feel of the rest of the space. The ceiling fan is a dinosaur, and needs to go. I would not replace it, the ceilings are too low for a fan.
I like the idea of a textured area rug and agree that it should not cover too much of the wood floor. A long, rectangular painting with a modern motif and some pops of orange or red above the fireplace would create a stunning focal point for the room, and the colors would really compliment the tan/gray motif of the floor and fireplace.
Window treatments in a neutral linen or similar fabric would compliment the clean bones of the decor and leave you lots of options for fun and colorful accessories. Keep your furnishings light and airy as well, avoiding heavy, over sized pieces that will weigh down the feel of the room.

what is the end use of this room? media, dining, sitting, reading...just curious

I would use the same wall color to paint the bookcases. Check this out

I disagree about painting the bookcases your wall color...paint them white and replace that door...painted white too...like the ideas before about adding some crown too.

Floor is beautiful, cabinets will be nice once they're stained or painted and reaching to the ceiling...you have so many good ideas to look at and decide. The only thing I do feel as well as some...is the brickwork is dated and it would be nice if you could do something to it to change it, ceiling fan would be replaced with a rustic chandelier, and if possible get rid of the popcorn ceiling. Can't wait to see pictures!!

I don't understand what the fuss is about the height of the books cases -- they are fine - just painting the wall the same as the rest of the walls works. On the issue of the stippled ceilings --- it can only be removed if it HAS NOT been painted - if it's been painted - then you will need to put on 3/8 drywall . I don't think you have to paint the brick - it looks nice and I don't think it's dated at all and it will look nice with the painted cabinets. It adds interest and texture. Yes, you probably will want to change out the ceiling fan- but I don't find it offensive. You can judge after your painting is done -- you may find it to be too dark.

Actually we have taken down popcorn ceilings several times.
Wear a mask to protect from breathing particles!
Use a spray bottle of water and work in about 3 ft sq sections. Spread a good dropcloth to catch any overspray and droppings. Spray ceiling and let it set for a couple of minutes per 3 ft section. Use a wide putty knife to scrape stuff off the ceiling. I scrape it right into a drywall mud pan. Empty, as needed into a bag and discard. The mess comes with finishing the seams in the sheet rock. They will probably have to be mudded and sanded to get a smooth surface because when your house was built, it was simpler to spray the ceilings rather than finish them smoothly. Prime then paint.
We have also scraped painted popcorn but it just takes longer and more water to absorb into it.
The ceiling needs to dry a day or so before doing any finish work on it. This whole process will take a few days to complete but is so worth it!

thank imagine that..but do not try this at home...it is a very messy and expensive time consuming venture....paint it out ..crown it ..and call it a day...

I didn't read all the other responses so if I repeat any EXCUSE MEEE! hehe just kidding. Paint the back of the cabinets only or get interesting mirrors but be careful this can make it look like cheep 50's kitch! Get thick blue glass shelves and bubble glass doors panes top and bottom, light the cabinets inside from the top and extend the fireplace to the ceiling with a few cubbyholes in the masonry for your taste in nik naks if you like. otherwise old barn beam for a mantle! use indirect lighting above the cabinets after installing some dental crown molding. use rheostats! Coffer ceiling with a craftsman style!

sdgk: Yes, the wood was glossy. I do not remember the brand of primer I used, but one coat of it, and the paint went on very nicely. : )

DAVY JONES PASSED ON

Yes, Imagine That --- That is the way to remove stippled ceilings but - none of that will work on a ceiling that has been painted with OIL paint. We know - it just is too difficult and it is just easier to cover with new drywall. I don't see anything wrong with stippled ceilings as long as they are in good condition - anyway you can always get a ceiling person to do a knock down finish over it if you want to put the money into it. This is just a knit picky thing people have in their heads lately along with having to have stainless steel appliances . White is making a come back - after everyone has suffered the up -keep of stainless.

No stainless. white Bosch appliances for me...and stipple ceilings..no hang ups just clean and clutter free..and a good paint job...I even pick from the curb and refurbish peoples hang ups..LOL

I actually like the wood. Perhaps it would be easier and look nicer if you painted the walls a color that better compliments the wood in the room. We have a wooden wall in our house and painted the walls in Behr's False Cypress. It looks really nice! When you said you wanted to paint the brass on the fireplace, I'm assuming you're talking about the two strips, and agree that they would look better if painted black. I would replace the door with a nicer, detailed wooden door. I'd recommend getting a simple rug since the wood floors appear to be in good condition and are beautiful. Good luck!

paint bookshelves, walls, trim, door, everything, a calm happy colour such as "honey". you will see the shelves melt into the room and everything placed thereon will appear much brighter and less cluttered. the tv can go to the left of the fireplace on that wall that holds the door on a low credenza with a sofa opposite and two low chairs in front of the credenza/tv. just using side tables with the sofa and a round table between the two chairs leaves the room open to breathe and will not look cluttered. lots of pictures, each having the same lower frame to floor measurement so that they all appear to have a common hanging will also bring somelife to this room. you can do a small table and two chairs at the end of the room opposite the fireplace, and bobs your uncle. in any event, enjoy this journey.

Oh please deliver me from EVER having stainless appliances again! Too much work especially with a 3 year old grandson! And magnets won't hold up his artwork!
I have had popcorn and clean ceilings. No biggy either way but I do prefer clean. I just have never run into enamel paint on popcorn-always latex.
What ever is done in this room, I want to see the end pics. So "get to gettin"!

The color of the wood trim, door, and shelves do not go with your wood floor. The colors just look wrong together, so I say go for the white. It will brighten up the room and actually give it a more traditional look. I would hold off on the suggestion of painting the brick, because you might like the contrast of the brick with the white.

Nothing in the room looks custom, it all looks builder-grade, so don't worry about painting the wood. Adding additional molding to the shelves and beefing up the mantel will give everything a more custom look.

If you can't afford to replace the door with a paneled one, then you can add molding to it that will give the appearance of a paneled door for little money.

Someone said something about not painting because it will look streaky and unprofessional. I used a product called Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations to paint my dated oak kitchen cabinets white. There's no stripping, no sanding, and no priming required. It was extremely easy to use and is very durable. It looks looks so professional that some people thought I got brand new cabinets, and it only took one weekend to do. I included a picture so you can see how the finish looked.

Don't let anyone tell you it's not okay to paint wood and that the house should remain as it is. It isn't as though you have to maintain any historical integrity. It's your house, and you have to do what makes you smile when you walk into the room.

When you paint woodwork you give yourself an additional job in your upkeep and maintenance agenda. When you use the room you've created glaring chips and cracks in the paint will compel you to repaint again and again, no matter how careful you are. Natural wood woodwork looks beautiful as is, and your room as is is lovely with the natural wood.

Thankfully technology has resulted in new paints that are as resistant to chips, cracks, and dings as is wood. Wood requires care, maintenance, and refinishing from time to time. It is ok not to like the look of your home and to want to update it. That is what home ownership is all about. I look forward to seeing which route the homeowner takes on this project.

About the brass strips on the fireplace: check and see if they are held on by magnets. Many times this is all you need to do--peel them off! Everything is black underneath.

I have scraped my share of popcorn ceilings and it was a horrible mess, but totally worth it. I ended up hiring someone to give it a new skim coat of plaster and when it was painted it was the glorious smooth surface I had hoped for. And the custom plaster crown moulding I added would not have looked nearly as good with the old texture.

Wow, I'm overwhelmed at all the great ideas that everyone has posted. Thank you so much. Rather than addressing each comment individually, I think I will address the different aspects of the room. But first a little more about this space: This is the living room of our new house. My wife and I will not move in until mid-April so everyone is going to have to be patient with the "after" photos. If you are looking at the picture (facing the fireplace) your back is to the kitchen. The mystery door leads downstairs to the basement. One other consideration is our budget. We are on a tight budget and we are concerned that some of these ideas may open a can of worms that may lead to more projects we didn't plan on. Let's get started...

The Window
A common theme was to put floor-to-ceiling drapes in to add additional height needed in this room. Light fabrics like linen seemed to be the right way to go to keep plenty of light in the room. A+ to anyone with this idea. We never would have thought of it.

The Ceiling
Only one response included keeping the ceiling fan. Everyone else thought it should go...and we completely agree. That thing is a monster. Adios fan. As for the popcorn ceiling, we'd love to put some crown molding, add wood beams, etc. but this might have to wait.

The Mystery (Basement) Door
We didn't realize how plain that door is until everyone pointed it out. Painting it the wall color and replacing it with a panel door are top picks on our list right now. We might do both.

The Cabinets
The reason those cabinets stick out so far on each side of the fireplace is for the big tube TVs from 1990. Gross. The cabinets also don’t quite reach the ceiling. This was again a 1990s nightmare design. I can hear Ace of Base playing in my head now. The idea here was to save room to display your nasty 90s baskets or even better, two fake plastic matching ferns on each side. So what do we do with cabinets?

Trying to get the cabinets up to the ceiling could be look very patchy. This could start as an extension and end us with us ripping all the cabinets out. But we can’t rip the cabinets out because underneath the cabinets there may not be nice wood floors. So what started as a simple demo job could end up with us calling a floor guy to add new floors that match the wood, match the stain, and look continuous from the rest of the floors in the room. It looks like the cabinets are staying.

We really liked the idea of painting the cabinets and this wall the same color (possibly of grey) and then painting the other walls a slightly lighter color of grey. We still haven’t thrown out the idea of white painted wood and grey walls behind the wood too.

Wall Opposite of the Window
Several replies mentioned adding the TV to this wall. It looks like the TV will probably go opposite the window since we ruled out putting the TV on the cabinets. We could always put the TV above the fireplace but that seems like so 5 years ago. Hopefully the bright light doesn't put too bad of a glare on the TV.

Final Thoughts
We are amazed and overwhelmed at all the thoughtful ideas that you have contributed just for us. Thank you. Since everyone here seems so thoughtful, I will be sure to post our moving date. If anyone is in the area…jk.

I found an almost identical room!
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/where-is-the-kitchen-area-dsvw-vd~94436
Good luck!

I don't know if you've painted your living room yet or not. I was going to tell you that my Mother has a fairly new home with similar built-ins on either side of the fireplace. She has all of her molding in her house, doors, crown molding, and bookcases painted a very slight off white. HOWEVER, the back wall of the bookcases is a stained beadboard (you could just leave the back of yours stained wood, but everything else is painted the off white. The base down is completely painted, the sides and shelves, all off white (you could do white-white if that's what matches the rest of your house). Only the back wall behind the shelves stained. Her's is kinda a darker wood. It looks amazing! I actually had the opposite in my house. Dark stained bookcases and I had beige walls, off white crown and fireplace mantel. I wanted a contrast so I added painted beadboard to the back walk of my built-in's and painted them a green color. Hard to explain the type of green, not an emerald, or an olive, but more like a medium lime color. I loved it. I could probably find pics of both if you'd like to see. I'm new here though and not sure if I'd know how to attach them, but could email them maybe. Regardless of what you decide, good luck!