Nadine -- I think the cabinets will look great. What about cabinets with doors below to hide the toys/games and open shelving above for books? I thought I would throw out a couple of other storage ideas from one cluttered toy mom to another BTW -- THANK YOU for posting the honest pictures of your room; it's so helpful to see that other peoples' houses also look like a toy factory exploded in the living room. :) Storage furniture that we have in our living room: coffee table with baskets that we use to sort and store various toys, including Mr. Potato Head + accessories, furniture and dollies from the Loving Family (Or something like that -- the dollhouse thing with the twins and multi-racial families) series; ABC blocks, small cars; Soft bowling set. Ikea pine coffee table Baskets that hide the toys so it looks like a nice pine coffee table instead: Ikea baskets This table is chipper chicken but it's a work horse. Looks nice and nothing kids try to do to it hurts it, and it holds a TON of toys. We only bought six baskets to fit in the table, but it could easily hold 12 (I always wanted to go back for more, but DH never got around to it). Cleans up easy peasy with dish soap or even soft scrub (for those bigger oops moments). We also went with a TV unit that includes two side units with storage doors and bookcases above, plus we had a separate console built for underneath the TV that holds more baskets of toys (it fits the same size baskets as fit in our ikea coffee table). Here's a picture for inspiration: I know entertainment centers are generally pretty $$$, but the reason I was showing mine is that it was actually an entertainment center for our old projection screen TV, which they don't make anymore -- plus a console we had a custom cabinet maker build for us to match. A lot of people are getting rid of their old 3 piece entertainment centers that were made for projection TVs -- you might be able to find something on Craigslist, ebay or a second hand store that is good condition for a low price, which you could then modify by adding a console (also fairly inexpensive through local custom cabinet shops). :) Notice in the picture the giant laundry basket full of balls and the smaller lined baskets with books and other toys. Baskets are KEY. I keep them sorted by type of toy so that it's easier for the kids to find what they're looking for. Those baskets came from Michael's and I only buy them when they're 50% off + the coupon. :-) I like these baskets because they're sturdy, but look really nice and the liner is totally washable. Here are the baskets from Michaels: So I don't have much to add for your fireplace, but there is a lot you can accomplish with some minor furniture redos.

I don't think the floating shelves flanking a hood are best used as décor. I would place small plates, bowls, some oils, some spices if out of sunlight, teapot, some mugs, a bit of pottery. Things that have turnover in your household: USED a lot so they are washed or wiped off before dust/grease collect. Don't put grandma's depression glass to sit. Some grease mixed with dust is a bad combo. I don't think grease is the issue as much as dust. Get the CFM for your space that is appropriate....don't boost the CFM due to floating shelves..it's more about the size of your room overall. Make the shelves really useable with the right depth and length..positioned properly...not an excessive amount of shelving, choose a good material and this will be a great addition to your space. I personally believe when one sees pics of kitchen walls voided of cabinets that a lot of dishes are stored in drawers below counter, or a hutch or the like. Every household is different..some people also do not accumulate more than what they use for their number of people, no more, and in that case perhaps it all goes on floating shelves...and the "turnaround" is quick so no dust. I think households have ample dishes/crockery/serving ware/etc, and so other wall cupboards and/or drawers are part of the overall.

does any place else in the room have shiplap? shiplap tends to be more of a country style look. (see above pic w/the glass doors) I mean, I don't see your kitchen as being overly mcm. Looks like gray shaker cabs? or are they white? in any case, mcm doesn't really come into play here this is mcm these last two are similar to your stove wall w/an off-set window. In fact, this set up is exactly like yours. look at the one wall w/no cabs and the vent like you want. I like the larger window too. Seems to me like you have adequate storage. is that one upper cabinet going to make or break it for you?? How wide is the island? can you put storage on the overhang side? where's the micro? what are those tall cabinets on the left side?

Sending pics of our ebony/country white stairs, fireplace with white mantel and kitchen island thats visible from living room ( in case that has to be considered to pick the colors of floating shelves)