I would vote White

White. But make sure to prime, prime, prime. The knots in pine bleeds through paint. (Ask me how I know)
Dee

I would shellac over the knots before I primed. You could also paint it Gravender to blend into the walls. (Or at least the bracing in the back)

I vote white.

My suggestion -- paint high gloss white for the bookcase. Also, place some light colored soft pillows on the sofa set. I see light colored window treatment--I would use the same color for the pillows. If possible run a chair rails throughout the sitting area -- color as the crown molding.

Hope this helps.

Thanks
Jim

I was thinking this color...

And maybe some pillow for the sofa. Embrace the brown
add some teal to make it fun.

The white would be stunning in your room. And definitely make sure it's high gloss and the wood is as smooth as a baby's behind. It makes dusting easier. :)

A light area rug with color would lighten up the room tremendously. Beautiful furniture and your dh did a great job on the shelving!

Thanks everyone for your opinions! So definitely white, and a high gloss to go with the trim. And prime prime prime the knots into submission!

I'm still looking around for throw pillows. I liked these from Ikea but I didn't get them because I wanted to try to find something with a little purple in it. Of course I haven't found anything I like better yet.

Ah I posted before I saw the last two replies!

boxerpups, DH would never let me hear the end of it if I painted the built ins teal! It took 3 years of nagging, pleading, cajolling and completely unsubtle hints to get him to let me paint. Then the first batch of colors I picked he deemed *too pastel*. I was in Home Depot so often getting different samples the paint people ask after my kids now. It might work in my bedroom which is Behr Ultra's Natural Gray. I haven't done anything in there but paint the walls, and that rug and those pillows are gorgeous...

take heed of Pals advice- shellac the knots- they can still "bleed" years after being painted- wood workers spouse here. shellac is available in quarts at HD.

Another vote for fresh high gloss white on the shelving! You could add dark-colored lined baskets to hold stuff -- and some white/brown pottery to higher shelves ....

Perhaps consider adding white or silver lamps to the end tables -- with white shades? Or maybe oil-rubbed bronze with fresh white shades?

I think white also, but since I really like the teal boxerpups suggested, how about teal accents? It really brightens all that brown.

I would paint them same color as the walls. That is a massive bookcase with lots of stuff in it. I think it might be too much if it is white.

I would match the trim. I also like the teal accents!

Yes, too much brown.

Kudos to your DH for building the bookshelves. Lots of good ideas here. Palimpsest made two great suggestions: shellac and painting the bracing to match the walls. Then, I'd opt for semi-gloss trim match, colorful pillows, a muted colorful rug as that hides reality of living with children, and an interesting textured off-white lamp with either a fun or off-white shade for the end-table where your laptop is. If you have enough room on the wall across from the FP, try switching the loveseat and your sofa.

I like the idea of all white. I think if you're hubby is up for just one more project, I'd buy some 2" trim molding and put it on the front of the shelves and sides to cover up the bracing and to give it more of a custom furniture look. I've seen moldings that are preprimed so they're easy to paint.

I had to go back and check what caroleoh meant as I first only took in the rear bracing. Yes, big box stores carry inexpensive trim which will make the unit look finished. I agree, all white rear walls and all shelving & sides. Be sure to allow at least a couple of weeks cure time.

I meant to mention in my other post that I had a hard time getting past the sentence of your DH bringing home end tables. I can't imagine an alternative universe in which my DH would bring home ANYTHING on his own, except food. I think it's great your DH is involved in home decorating, but I thank God mine isn't.:)
Dee