I would wall paper the back walls of the bookcases and add hardware the the lower doors. For the fireplace its really perfect, but I would paint the fireplace wall to really make it a focal point and make it stand out, pick the most dominant color from your sofa or pillows. Then remove the candles sticks add something that goes low across the mantel and add sconces on each sid of the tv and a couple lanterns at mantel bottom floor and you can place this candle sticks down there and find a wicker basket for the wood and use only one. Here's a few photos of my ideas. Have fun decorating 😊
the sad thing about having a t.v. over a mantelpiece is that a lot of the time you are looking at a dark blank, instead of what could be a real focal point. I would suggest. . . since the shelves on your builtins are sparsely furnished; that you pick either the left or the right bookcase to put your t.v. in, by removing shelves and then adding a door to close when the t.v. is not in use. A mantelpiece is a wonderful way to express your originality and creativity. You could hang a nice work of art on the wall where the t.v. is or a mirror. And then add whatever you choose by the season or just whim. In a way a mantelpiece teaches about styling and taste and innovation. It is a microcosm of your whole aesthetic approach to decorating.
Good suggestions. I too think that fabric or wallpaper in the back of the shelves, and painting the chimney breast a different colour (from the shelf back pattern) would help. I would also chunk up the surround and mantle, the trim seems a bit narrow IMO.
I have tiles just like this around my fireplace. Am anxious for solutions.
Either paint it a different color or strip it and stain it
I don't know about the mantle, but I'd try mirrors and various bright fabrics on the back of the the built ins.
I would wall paper the back walls of the bookcases and add hardware the the lower doors. For the fireplace its really perfect, but I would paint the fireplace wall to really make it a focal point and make it stand out, pick the most dominant color from your sofa or pillows. Then remove the candles sticks add something that goes low across the mantel and add sconces on each sid of the tv and a couple lanterns at mantel bottom floor and you can place this candle sticks down there and find a wicker basket for the wood and use only one. Here's a few photos of my ideas. Have fun decorating 😊
A low garland that goes with the season, so it over hangs just slightly. Remove the candles. Choose from colors throughout the room.
the sad thing about having a t.v. over a mantelpiece is that a lot of the time you are looking at a dark blank, instead of what could be a real focal point. I would suggest. . . since the shelves on your builtins are sparsely furnished; that you pick either the left or the right bookcase to put your t.v. in, by removing shelves and then adding a door to close when the t.v. is not in use. A mantelpiece is a wonderful way to express your originality and creativity. You could hang a nice work of art on the wall where the t.v. is or a mirror. And then add whatever you choose by the season or just whim. In a way a mantelpiece teaches about styling and taste and innovation. It is a microcosm of your whole aesthetic approach to decorating.
I would paint the backs of the cabinets with a pop of color, and maybe along the fireplace. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/78813062209350755/
I would consider doing a built-in box for the TV or frame it.... https://www.pinterest.com/pin/391109548863214322/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/443182419563063981/
Good suggestions. I too think that fabric or wallpaper in the back of the shelves, and painting the chimney breast a different colour (from the shelf back pattern) would help. I would also chunk up the surround and mantle, the trim seems a bit narrow IMO.
Is there room beneath the TV to put a beautiful thick stained length of timber on top of your mantel?