I agree with Patricia that the bookshelves could be lightened up. You can paint or paper foamcore and put in the back of the shelves. That way, it's permanent.

Artwork over the fireplace would brighten it up. You can hang it with Command picture hanging strips so you don't have to put holes in the wood.

Are the shelves removable? Looks like they are. Then I would do that. Might have to paint the wall and patch the floor if you remove them. If the shelves are not removable, I would paint them the color of your woodwork...looks white, is it? But would leave the fireplace as it is. Beautiful!

Wood like other surfaces will get dirty over time, especially on a fireplace. I would clean it with a wood cleaning product or just detergent and water.

I would paint the book shelf the trim color in a satin finish.

Although still dark, it would look really stunning if you painted the metal and surround black,and even the hearth, using suitable high heat paint. Then add vibrant artwork and complimentary cushions on seating to pull the room together.

I would leave your bookcase as is and re-accessorize. It just takes patience and lots of rearranging, but there is a lot of inspiration on line. You could pick out a color from the art and paint the back of the shelves. That whole wall would be a lovely focal point in room.

Thanks. That gives me some ideas. I have kept the space over the fireplace intentionally empty because we have so much beautiful art on every wall—usually two-three painting per space. I felt the eye needed a resting place. I like the idea of painting the backs of the shelves. Maybe a minor change will prepare me for a bigger one.

If you use the fireplace, don’t put valuable art above it. I did that once and regret it.

Just an additional thought if not wanting to add anything above fireplace would be to enhance the wood, In case there is build up from the fireplace.

When was the last time you updated your lighting? Did you think to install lighting inside the shelves? With the new LEDs this would be a great time to do that before painting the walnut. I bet you'll have a totally new look if the lighting is improved.

I would reiterate an earlier suggestion to enhance the shelves by covering the back wall with painted poster or foam core board. I would not paint the wood, itself. Give it a try, first. If you really love the look, then (perhaps?) paint. But try it first. Also....I have found that I have become “blind” to the art in my home. I suggest that you take it all down. ALL of it. Then....really look at it. What do you love? What do you want the eye to focus on? I would place that artwork over your mantle. And leave the rest of the art off the walls for a while.

That is scary. We have a large collection of original art we have carefully selected over the years. It has been rearranged some. We love every piece we have. Really,really love it. I’m in agreement with decluttering and painting foam board for back of some shelves but that still leaves me with a bare mantel. The fireplace was designed by the architect who did this home and has been featured in architectural magazine. The fireplace I’d ventless gas now. It is surrounded by a marble that we found that many people practically fall into. You can see millions of years down and many of the pieces have fossils that you can see. It wasn’t expensive particularly, we just waited until one caught our eye. I think I will post another picture of the other side of the room. That will give you helpful folks a better idea of living room’s style. Again, I appreciate and welcome your comments. Please excuse the messiness. Who wants to clean very much when you are in the middle of a pandemic!

Beautiful room and home! I’d just get the FP wood a professional cleaning to remove grease, dirt, ashes... Surely that will lighten the wood!

Thank you. I’m going to do that.

Please don't paint the wood!

Lighting is definitely the key here. I used to work in an art gallery in Paris, France, and the right lighting on your art, in your shelves and above the fireplace will change everything about this room! Styling the shelves with 1/3 books, 1/3 larger decor items and 1/3 open space is important, and will help the eye move easily from art to shelves and back to art. Have you collected any sculpture that can hang on the wall above the fireplace? The horizontal piece with flowers and sheep might look nice at the fireplace, but much will depend on its value and how much heat rises from the firebox. You might also consider installing an actual mantel piece to block some of that heat. I think a metal one would add a bit of glimmer to that dark area that could be nice. A bespoke brass or stainless mantel might work for you. Your fire screen in the last photo appears to have both brass and stainless trim, although that may be a photo distortion.

P

How do I get to a comment about a question I asked. I need the info in the comment

I took the advice of the folks who said don’t paint the wood, clean it. I did and the wood is beautiful. Thanks to your advice.

After. ....and decluttering all the shelves.

Great start! Now when you style the shelves remember to use 1/3 books, 1/3 large decor items and 1/3 open space.

The wood is beautiful. So glad you didn't paint it.

Beautiful home. Your art adds to the peaceful environment . The wood fireplace warms it.