@BeverlyFLADeziner, I don't think I want white cabinets and a white bookcase. I agree that a warmer look would be nice. I love the painted blue and dark gray bookcases you posted with the shaker style doors. Would you recommend I have all the cabinets painted to match whatever color I have on the bookcase?

Yes.

Another thought would be to wallpaper or paint the interior of the wall of bookshelves. Or adhere paper/paint thin poster board and fix that to the back of the book shelves to lighten the space. I would remove a lot of the shelves, change up the appearance of the shelving a bit. Mix media (tv?), books, art, etc. in the expanse. A way of working with what you have vs. tearing it all out or painting it all.

It turns out that my husband would prefer we don't have any of the cabinetry painted in the office. I'm still planning to reface the drawers and doors because I really don't like the raised panel look. I like the idea of removing some shelves in the bookcase and having everything stained in a darker color like an espresso or mocha color. Would that look good with the travertine floor and Taj Mahal countertops? And what shelves should I have removed?

having everything stained in a darker color like an espresso or mocha color.

Would be cheaper to replace than 'having' the job done. Because a proper stain job requires the removal of all of the current finish first. Quite labor intensive & may not even be possible if any part of the bookcases is made of veneered sheet products. Veneers are almost always too thin to stand up to the refinishing process.

In order to compromise with my hubby, how would it look to keep the bookcase color as is and have the cabinets painted Alabaster?

Never mind. I think that might look terrible. I had a company restain cabinets at our previous house some years back. I don't recall it being more expensive than new cabinets and they did an excellent job, but I see what you mean about the bookcase. I think I'll call that same company again and have them come take a look to see what they think. Thank you for all the input.

Update: The Taj Mahal countertops have been installed. They look much better than the speckly granite that was there before. I kept the mirrored backsplash behind the wet bar and removed the wood paneling over the other counter. We'll just paint that wall to match the rest of the walls. 

I recently discovered that a former business associate of ours is dating a very talented interior designer, so I reached out to him to see if she would be willing to do a one hour paid consult with me to help formulate a plan for our home office. Fortunately, she agreed and we did a virtual consult. She said that adding doors to the bottom of the bookcase is a good idea, but that it would be difficult to match the existing stain, so she recommends that we have the bookcase painted Dove White and keep the rest of the cabinets as is. This is the design board for the room she provided, which I like, but I'm having a hard time visualizing a white bookcase with the wood cabinets. I'm thinking I might move forward with all the design board elements and see what the room looks like without changing the bookcase at all (except to declutter). I can always move forward later with adding the doors and painting the bookcase. What do you all think?

​Or another option would be to paint the face and shelves of the bookcase, but leave the natural wood paneling in the back, like in these photos.

I decided to buy the white desk because I think I'll like the look of the butterscotch desk chair with it and I was able to buy an open box for over $900 less. But I'm still undecided about the bookcase and cabinets. If I have them all painted white, will the white desk (and warm gray barrel chairs) be too much white with the other elements in the design for the room? Or should I leave the cabinets and bookcase in the natural wood color? I'm having trouble visualizing.

Here is the design with the white desk and warm gray barrel chairs.

Oops, I meant to post this to my other thread with the poll and discussion about the design.

@drsaj Have you been happy with your white desk from Pottery Barn? I am looking at getting the same one, but hesitant because of Pottery Barn's bad reviews.

@lasvca, I ended up canceling the order for the white desk and ordered the desk in the gray wash color instead. The desk was delivered a little over a week ago and we really like it. It's very sturdy and well made. The white desk wouldn't have offered enough contrast in the room with the now white painted cabinets and bookcase. Anyway, while we were waiting for the desk, it went on sale. (I think it's still on sale.) So I requested a price match, but they wouldn't do it, even though we hadn't received the desk at that time. (It's in their policy.) But the customer rep I spoke with offered me a $300 gift card for the difference, which I happily accepted. We're still waiting on 2 custom fabric barrel chairs that I also ordered from PB. They're set to arrive in September. I've seen the bad reviews, too, but thankfully I haven't had any issues with my orders so far.

@drsaj Thank you! I am torn between the white and the gray wash. Thanks for your input. I missed the sale. I don't think it is on sale anymore.

@lasvca, I'm sorry you missed the sale! As for the colors, I think the gray wash would look good with almost any decor. To me, it has a more grown-up feel and doesn't lean as feminine. Keep in mind that the white desk has a painted and smooth finish whereas the gray wash doesn't. I had to purchase a mat for the top of the gray wash desk in order to be able to write on a smooth surface. Also, if you order either desk, you might want their touch-up kit for any little nicks in the finish, especially the gray wash because it's a unique color. PB is sending me a free touch up kit because there was a tiny nick in one of the drawer fronts upon delivery. You have to note and report any flaws upon delivery. Whichever desk you choose, you'll be happy with the quality.

@drsaj I am still trying to decide on the livingston desk. i just wanted to get an update and see if you are still happy with it. What are you thoughts on the finish? Both the gray and white are on sale right now.

I have got to decide and move on! Thanks for any input