Agree with lamps on the side tables to cozy it up. You could make some changes but I think its very nice as is. I might simplify the shelves and put a piece of art on the partial wall facing the window.

Thanks @erinsean, i think i'll try teal!
I agree about lighting--I have a small lamp on the right hand side on the built-in and then the overhead fan has a light. The issue is that I only have two outlets in the room. if you look at the first picture for reference, the first outlet is by the left gray chair and the other on the right hand side of the couch, closest to window (but that one is already full with a sound system box and heater hiding). I'll add this to the original post too :) Maybe I could unplug the heater to have a lamp there and try to hide the cord.

How about a washed out grey-blue Monaco rug? Or any sort of washed out Monaco rug for that matter?

@junco East Georgia zone 8a Thank you! I'll look for some lamps once I figure out that outlet issue. Any suggestions on substantial items for the shelves? I'm guessing the books, plants and the painting aren't substantial enough?

Thanks @Jilly! I was thinking of painting the terra cotta pot too- Maybe the color of the accent color once I decide on that. I have white paint but I know we are trying to get away from that lol :)The white side tables are functional so we can put our drinks, books, computers there but I do like the idea of a floor lamp by the window (will need to free up that plug) but I can't do a table lamp on the other side since there's no plug over there (closest one is by the left gray chair)

Thanks @Janie Gibbs-BRING SOPHIE BACK - so when you say "big, tall green plant on the right side close to the window", would that be behind the gray chair? Like in between the built in and the chair?

Are you craving color because you want it or because you think you need it? Personally I think this room is a great monochromatic space which lends itself to a sophisticated feel because it doesn't have color. I wouldnt add any but I would add a few elements to bring in more texture to the space. Some textural but neutral pillows like the morrocan wedding pillows, some heavier drapes in linen or faux linen some rattan for texture a chunky throw. I would consider doing some woven shades behind the drapery panels and wallpapering the fireplace wall with a grass cloth. Id also drop a great light in there. Ignore exact colors of these products as some (woven shades, light) would be better in a different color. Posting for visuals

Maxim 14404 Bali 15" Woven String Dual Shade Pendant - Natural · More Info

Borneo Light Grey Geometric Grasscloth Wallpaper Bolt · More Info

Moroccan Wedding Blanket Style Design Down Filled Throw Pillow, Style 3 · More Info

Moroccan Wedding Blanket Style Design Down Filled Throw Pillow, Style 1 · More Info

Chunky Knit Throw · More Info

Aruba White Striped Linen Sheer Curtain Single Panel, 50"x108" · More Info

Radiance Cordless Privacy Weave Bamboo Roman Shade, Driftwood 35"x64" · More Info

Safavieh Remi End Table, Brown Multi · More Info

Thanks @katrina_ellen ! I was actually thinking of moving the painting that's on the top shelf to the partial wall, do you think that would work? It was a live painting done at our wedding so I'd like to still keep it there.

Can you give examples on how to simplify the shelves? Should it not have any books or plants?

Having trouble with pictures they went in all out of order.

thank you @Design Interior South! That's a great question- I guess it's some of both. I find that color makes me happy and more energized (I work from home so I see this space all day) but I guess I thought it needed it too. I didn't realize that monochrome can be sophisticated :) Good outlook and appreciate the thoughts on adding more texture!

Books and plants are great on the shelves. It's just that 1) there is too much open space on the bottom surface (top of the cabinets), 2) the dark thing on the middle left shelf next to the plant is not working there, 3) the things on both top shelves need to be identifiable . I like the wedding picture--maybe stand it up on one of those plate holders or hang it on the wall as you mentioned. The middle shelf on the right is ok, depending on what you find for the bottom. Try googling "shelf styling" to see what others have done.

Adding some wood and textures plus some color of your choice and repeating that color 3 times would warm up all your cool colors. Some restyling of your shelves and perhaps a different fan or chandelier would be frosting on the cake.

Your home should reflect your personality. Do you love the way the room looks? Does your heart sing when you walk into the room? Do you feel like a 10 when you are sitting on your sofa?

Some people love really clean neutral palettes. My one sister in law's favorite color is white. Her decor and home is mostly white on white with a few touches of color here and there. She doesn't wear many colors, her closet is full of navy, gray, white and beige. I love color, my closet reflects my love of color, so does my home. I have color on the walls in the bedrooms, bathrooms kitchen and dining room and am getting a colorful sofa for my living room.

There are no neutral spaces in my home.

Most people I know are somewhere between me and my sister in law, but only you know what is going to bring you joy.

If you're skipping lamps because your outlet is full, you might consider having double outlets switched to quads next time you have an electrician for something. The cheap and temporary fix is a plug strip or one of those ones things that plugs right in and provides two or three plugs where there was one. You, of course, need to be careful how much you plug into those things ... don't want to be plugging in a bunch of appliances that'll overload the circuit, but if we're talking about adding a lamp, that's probably not going to be flipping most breakers.

@BlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA - Good idea! I have a plug strip that I can use right now.

@Design Interior South Wow!! Your mock-up makes quite an impact. I see you're in Apex, NC- I'm in Charlotte- Cool :)

Theresa cool! Love Charlotte. I go there monthly for business. ;). We have been in the Raleigh area 13 years. When we moved to NC I wanted to move to Charlotte and my husband wanted Raleigh LOL! He won ;)

Your room is nice but it could be great.

I think the upper shelves are too high. The center of a piece of art on a wall should be at 5 feet, irrespective of the height of a ceiling.

If the shelves can't be easily moved, I'd avoid putting tall things on the upper shelves. For example, a large pothos plant on the top shelf would give you a great pop of energizing green, and keep the eye lower.

Here's a "blank slate" picture in case anyone with better computer skills than me wants to take a crack at styling your shelves. I'll be back a bit later with some ideas.

You have a lot of things that are too small. You should be able to easily identify an item, and appreciate its appearance, from the kitchen. Don't be afraid to leave some open space e.g. I would not put anything on your mantle, because you can only put tiny things on it.

Your photos and wall art would look much better hung on a wall. Pick a hallway and install a picture ledge at eye level, and prop your small items on it. (Ikea has them or DIY if you're crafty.) Take advantage of your shelves' depth to display 3D objects. It will give your room life and interest.

I am a firm believer that every sitting spot should have a lamp and table accessible to it. Overhead lighting is generally terribly unflattering to people. Large shadows are cast downward. You can have a wall outlet wired to a wall switch so that you can turn lamps on whenever you enter the room.

@Design Interior South - Neat! Maybe I'll contact you the next time you are in town! I'm hesitant to put more work into the room since I've done a lot already but I love your rendering.

@partim Thanks! Ironically I had the two pothos plants on the top shelves before but then moved them. I'll have to move them back. I look forward to see more from you later. Maybe I could hang the painting and frames on that partial wall like a gallery wall almost.

@Jennifer Hogan Great points and questions! I don't know the answer yet- I feel like I can go both ways lol I like the look of neutral but maybe I prefer to

"live" in color.

This is a rough rendering. Fewer but, larger objects. A variety of shape and texture. The colors don't need to be garish if you prefer more muted tones.

I prefer a picture ledge (or a pair of them) to a gallery wall, which I find are hard to really do well, and can't be switched around.

Have to say I love Design Interior South's recommendations. And I'm normally drawn to color!! But your space is lovely and the textures she suggested just really makes it all pop. And I also like your rug.

I'm going to go against the tide here. Your room is lovely but I think the sofa placement closes off the room and the TV over the FP just doesn't work for me. I'd put the sofa on the window wall with the chairs opposite and put the TV on the left cabinet on a swivel base. Good luck

I think the sofa would be cramped in that position and not allow for end tables due to the door and the built in cabinet. it would also mean the chaise portion of the sofa imposes on the fireplace or if it can be flipped impede the walking ace since the room is shallower from windows to entrance side than it is from dining room to fireplace .

Just my opinion but I think the room looks cramped now. I think it is an ottoman not a chaise. A floor lamp could go on the FP end and the end table at the open end.

@Design Interior South Thank you! I like the examples of other pillows too. What are your thoughts about the current shelf styling?

following

Theresa- Design Interior South is fantastic designer. If possible, get her to your home to consult and help you finalize decisions. Money well spent!

The chests on each side of the fireplace, consider painting them, the walls behind and the shelves a darker color than the walls making them look more custom.

Not loving the little white end tables with the baskets or any of the pillows.

Move the ottoman to coffee table position and add a tray…thinking of coral for your accents.

A mix of these Sarah Richardson fabrics…two of the same print for the chairs and two of another print, but do lumbars for the sofa.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/400249159/designer-sarah-richardson-kravet-fabric?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=coral+and+gray+and+taupe+throw+pillows&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1

Janie Gibbs-BRING SOPHIE BACK .....Where did Sophie go? curious

Whatever you do - Don't change that rug!

@JudyG Designs very pretty!

thanks @shirlpp! It’s very soft and comfy to sit/lay on too

I think that no matter what you do to the shelves they are still going to look too skimpy. I would remove them and replace with large colorful art. Then use the fabrics/rug that Judy G. posted above, That combo would be gorgeous in your lovely room!

Pop color on 3 levels might I suggest a few red accessories. For instance large red vase on floor, red pillows, and balance some red accessories on the shelves.

Your room is beautiful Here’s an example of simply bringing in a POP color. Low, mid level and high. Odd numbers.

If you don't care for bright colors, you can get interest with texture and shape. For example, a low flat roughly-carved wood bowl or wicker basked, with a shiny metal bowl or vase, with a matte finish flower pot.

Theresa do you need the shelves for storage? Are they there because the items on them are needing a place to land? Currently they look like a catch all. If you want the shelving there what goes on them needs to be intentional. Less is more when the items are well thought out and placed. What happens here depends on what you are willing to change overall about that wall. Wallpaper? Paint? This will factor in before you even get to the "what do I put here ?" phase. So I would ask myself what I am willing to do first.

@ JudyG Designs Thanks! Coral is one of my favorite colors.

@Design Interior South - The idea with the shelves was to mimic a built-in look and to add additional decor/storage for books, plants. I could maybe do removable wallpaper.

To my eye the shelves look like decor, not storage. Storage is "Where on earth am I going to put my XXXX?" Decor is "What can I put on these shelves to make this area look good?

I think part of what make the shelves feel light and not like built-ins is that they have no side and they extend past the cabinets below them and over the mantle. not sure there's much that can be done about the latter, but to address the former, something anchoring them to the wall could help. Could be literally something anchoring them, like a decorative bracket, or something that gives a vertical feel that gives a feeling of connection with the cabinets below, like the trailing plants that some have mocked up. You could also try something like stacking books on their sides or adding a book end to normally stacked books.

Removable wallpaper would be a large investment. Is that your option of choice because you are afraid of placing regular wallpaper up? Is paint an option. Are the cabinets permanently attached?

@Design Interior South Yes- just nervous if future buyers wouldn't like it (this isn't our forever home and will probably spend 2-3 more years here) Paint is an option but I would need to hire, I don't trust myself to paint lol. Yes they are :/

I think you should have chosen one or the other. Built ins and floating shelves are making this area cramped and distracting from the nice looking fireplace.

I agree with yumelizabeth. Those 2 cabinets seem out of place(too much depth) - since they look like kitchen cabinets that are just there. I'd reconsider those.

The sofa, chairs, rug and fireplace are lovely.

See how finished this one looks. Even though there is a lot of depth on the cabinets, the hearth comes out to meet it and there's finishing around the shelves.

Your two chairs would have looked fine next to the fireplace w/o the cabinets.