I’d definitely start by taking everything out and selectively putting it back in. Before you paint the bookshelves try light colored frames and accessories on the shelves. Bring in a light colored rug and a larger piece of artwork over the fireplace.

all i see is a fireplace and bookshelves. (and a lot of clutter). can we see the desk? the rest of the room?

The color is nice on the walls. If you paint the bookshelves the same white as the mantle it would lighten up the room a lot. What about the lighting? what do you have for that?

Can't see the window.

consider putting the photos in a photo album. all of those pictures, knick=knacks, china, candle sticks and other bric-brac, really take on a chaotic look. Display the important ones and put away the others.

The wedding photo is too small above the mantle. you could get it reframed, or hang it on a smaller wall. find a larger piece of art to go above the FP.

Two other perspectives ... replacing the light fixture is also on my to do list!

Seems like my office is always the dumping ground and I am ready to reclaim it 💪🏼

Also should say I am inclined to get rid of the sofa ... other than my dogs nobody uses it and it just takes up space and limits the options for how to arrange the room.

Love these ideas, especially the window seat. I've always wanted one and that bay window behind where the desk is currently would be perfect. :)

following for updates

Why the wide stiles on the bookcase portion? Is that filler?

I would have the shelves portion re-built to eliminate that. Get beefier shelves and paint it all white or maybe paint behind the shelves w/ a darker tone of your wall cover. Like in one of the pix that Beth posted above.

I think you could do the seats like any of these. Paint them to match the book case, or the same color as the wall or a shade darker

@ci_lantro, no idea on the bookcase sides. The shelves go flush to the wall behind it. I like the idea of having them rebuilt to eliminate.

Update: the project is underway! Today I am doing prep work on the frame (deglossing/cleaning/filling nail holes), tomorrow prep the rest and prime, Sunday paint! Will let it cure for a week before selectively decorating the shelves next weekend.

Also planning to rearrange furniture next weekend, replacing the art over the fireplace, and hanging some white linen curtains for the windows from Ikea to help brighten the space until we replace the blinds. Will share an update later this weekend! 🤨💪

Are you removing the "boards" in the front of your bookcase? Can't wait to see the after!

Built-ins have been deglossed and primed! Plan to do first coat on these tomorrow and do the prep and priming of the shelves and drawer fronts too 😅

Much preferred the wood look of your cabinets to white painted ones.

Do de-clutter entire room -- shelves, mantel, etc.

Since you've begun painting, at least paint them the same white as the fireplace.

suezbell - I think she said that's just the primer coat. Let's give her time to finish the painting. I think they'll be white.

Following

Looking good it's alot of work but Ithink you'll love them painted!

Slow and steady progress (that whole job thing really gets in the way of my projects at home 😤)! Everything has been painted, but going to leave the shelves off for a few weeks to let the paint cure more before putting everything back together. I also have some touch up work to do on the adjacent walls where I “slipped” and where the tape pulled off the paint. 😜

Those bookcases look so nice. I've been following since this thread started. Can't wait to see the rest.

A few weeks and I am making a lot of progress! Still looking for the “right” art for over the fireplace and chandelier to replace the existing fixture. Also have some touch-up paint and half the room left to organize (not shown 🤪), but I am getting really excited about how it looks so far!

looks great

looks great

Wonderful transformation! I love the wedding portrait that was over the fireplace, but think it is a bit small for that space. I do hope you found a spot for it in the room.

Really pretty. The bookcases look great with the wall color. Are you getting a new rug too or just haven't put it back?

Bookcases look great but I think there's still too much clutter in them. My general impression of the "before" room was that it looked dark & outdated. You need lighter & brighter window coverings. The furniture looks oppressive & old fashioned. Not sure how easy it is to build a window seat but yes to that if it's possible. Get rid of the couch...maybe a chaise with a small table next to it, cute & modern floor lamp for lighting. Definitely a larger modern ceiling fixture.