I'd keep the tops of the shelves empty, or just place one long/low object on there. Then remove a good bit of the other stuff. You might consider creating more of a focal point on the fireplace by painting the wall above it a darker shade. Right now the dark TV is really the only contrast and it's calling for all the attention. Not everyone likes covering a TV, but I like to have the option. A roller shade that's a similar fabric to your window shades would do the trick inexpensively.

Concur with farmhousemodern that you want to create another focal point to contrast with the TV which right now grabs the eye.

It could be above the fireplace, something on the left (but a dominant object or two, not a lot of stuff), or maybe both.

there is a lot of visual clutter in the bookshelves, on the ground in front of the fireplace, on top of the bookshelves, on the mantle and also on the nearby table.

trim things way back and limit yourself to a few decorative objects. try to keep the tops clear by moving the collection of photos into the top shelf and the books in the lower two. i can't tell what those things are in front of the fireplace (to the left) but i think you could remove them altogether.

good luck!

http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/03/how-to-style-a-bookcase/

I think a darker paint on the walls would be a good idea. I would also leave the tops of the shelves empty, or place a plant on either side of the fireplace, not necessarily dead center. You might consider painting the back of the bookcase the same (darker) color as the walls- this would take the focus off the vast whiteness of it all.

If you're brave enough, grab a can of matte or satin spray in black and paint out the mirror above the mantle. It will pop against all the neutral and take the emphasis away from the television.

I like the organic nature of the bowl above the television but would remove the other 2 items. The key is that less is often more. Keep the scale larger versus a lot of little items. I agree as well, remove the picture frames and retain just one or two in amongst the shelves.

Keep your firebox simple and remove the decorative items & if all else trips you up with the mantle, symmetry is always an easy fix - 2 hurricanes, potted bulbs, etc. Again, go with larger. Good luck!

Plants in front of windows are never a bad idea and there's something very charming about a couple of special pictures nestled among the foliage. Also books and bookcases go well together. If the the tv is going to stay visible and in place some dark colored books to the left of the fireplace would provide some balance.

It looks busy because, well, it is busy. I like what you have on the top right side - plant, bowl, unidentified thingy - and I think that's the right amount of stuff. But on the left side there are 800 framed photos and another 200 on the small table, and it looks as if there is not even enough space to put down a coffee cup. I think you should reduce the number of things to max three on the top shelves left and right, one plus the lamp on the table and none on the middle top shelf (under the mirror). Less is more.

Can you install doors in front of the bookshelves? If not, I actually think you need to fill the left bookshelves to somehow balance the big black TV, rather than empty it. But try to make it more uniform, right now you have standing books, lying books, a sculpture thingy... too much. Maybe some baskets would be a solution - darkish rattan baskets would fit the other colours in the room.

Sorry. "Amongst" the foliage.

Personally, I really can't stand framed photo collections on tabletops and other flat surfaces (my MIL has about ten million in her house and every time I'm there I just want to take a broom to them!). I love family photos, but I think it is so much better to cull the photo display down to the really meaningful ones and keep the rest in an album. Even better, have those meaningful few enlarged, properly framed, and hung in a visually appealing way (there have been many posts on this site about gallery walls and such).

I also agree with sreed that having more black accents would help the TV to blend in a little more, as well as creating a bit more depth and drama in the overall look. In addition to the mirror, you're going to need a screen for that fireplace, right? One in black would be easy to find and would look nice (and the little deer probably should go at that point). And then some smaller black objects would pull it together.

Finally, I think that Young House Love link tequila red has a lot of great advice. As they do in the post, you might want to look at catalogs with a similar aesthetic like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware - they often have really beautiful styling. For instance, check out how PB styled these media centers: http://www.potterybarn.com/coll/col/colmed/?cm_type=lnav They are mostly more filled with things than your shelves, but because there is cohesiveness among the objects, it doesn't look as busy.

This is a fun challenge - good luck!

You have a wonderful space and I envy your fireplace! Do you use it or is it for show - I love the idea of painting the back of it to give a bit of wow. Then to get started on re-envisioning this area I would remove everything except the mirror and the TV (including all the pictures on the table top). You have lots of wonderful photos - with so many what do you think about reframing them? Either many in one frame or flea market frames that can make an interesting wall display. I like the suggestion above of a pair of nice healthy plants in the windows...I agree too with taking all of your books (maybe some from another room too?) and massing them on the side opposite the TV. If you have tv clickers and guides etc - find a great basket or flea market tin or box to store them in (I actually keep my basket near the couch - since that is where I use them). The mantel should have just a few items - either paired for symmetry or grouped on one side - if you use candles make them bigger for visual impact. Invite a friend over when you do this for another pair of eyes - have fun.

It seems like you already know what the problem is...de-clutter. A few little vignettes and a neat stack of books here and there and you're good as gold.

Make a grouping of items that are the same material, color and size.

I have a display on a bookcase that consists of 4 blue glass bottles that are about the same size, but vary at the "shoulder" Then on each end are fat blue glass vases. Since they are all blue glass, they don't look cluttered. I have a mirror behind them so that light can shine through them and show them off better.

Where are you located???? Let me at it, please!!!! I can be there in (insert appropriate travel time here)

You have GREAT stuff, a GREAT canvas for it... it makes my teeth ache to not be able to roll up my sleeves with you and arrange the hell out of it!! One (quick) afternoon, a few glasses of wine... done!

For the record, I don't think you need as much decluttering as many do... yes-- egads!-- there are stuff-lovers lurking here! :)

What about it, AT... send a loyal reader to help another loyal reader out!!! :) How cool a new feature it would be?!?!?

Looks like a great place! I agree with a previous poster about filling the left bookcase with books to balance the TV. I would personally add a big bright-ish piece of art above the mantle, and replace all of the framed photos to the left with the items currently on the mantle, and leave the mantle bare.

SERIOUSLY...

You don't have to paint (anything), don't have to buy new art, and don't have to change your color aesthetic to make this look pulled together and gorgeous.

Trust me.

Don't make me get all Meredith Gray on your ass... "Pick me. Choose me. Love me." Ooops, sorry... guess I did. ;)

The first thing you should do is remove all of the decorative objects from the top and bottom of the unit replacing only the objects that are the most meaningful to you. Only 2-4 meaningful objects should be displayed on your mantle.

Since you have so many pictures, you should remove them from the top of the unit and adjacent table entirely and hang them in a decorative cluster on a nearby wall. Unless they are framed under UV reflective glass, photographs should never be displayed or hung near windows or flourescent light fixtures as UV light will quickly bleach out the image.

Aside from the visual balance issues, it appears from your picture that your television is located in an awkardly low location for comfortable viewing. Look into relocating your television to the center of the wall above the unit where your oval mirror is located. Relocating the TV there will require the removal of its stand and the installation of a wall bracket. The bracket permits you to tilt the TV forward slightly allowing for comfortable viewing anywhere in the room.

If moving the TV over the fireplace mantle is impractical, raise the shelf beneath the TV so that the TV is almost against the top of the unit, and move the TV out closer to the edge of the shelf. If possible, again consider removing the stand and installing a TV wall bracket in the cabinet. The end result should be that the unit will "frame" the TV, balancing it with the shelves on the opposite side of the fireplace, reducing the amount of surrounding blank space and therefore lessening the TV's visual impact on the overall unit.

Rehang your shades so that they hang completely within the perimeter of your window mouldings and cover the whole window when lowered.

Good Luck!

First, remove all the objects ON the mantelpiece from it while still leaving the mirror hanging above. I think you'll immediately notice a calmer, more ordered look to the room.

If you have books to put out, filling the lower bookshelves to the left of the mantel with books will also use the space while looking much less busy. You could bring most of the books to the edge of the shelf, but, here and there, push a few back and put a decorative object in front, in the space that you made in front of the pushed back books. Leave the photos as they are, on the top shelf.

You could also probably put a few of your decorative objects in the spaces to the side/behind the TV but again, you'd have to try this & see what the effect actually is.

It also looks like you either need more, or no, tall decorative objects on the shelf over the TV. Try adding the stuff that was on the mantelpiece to the stuff over the TV. Does the accumulation of tall items make that area look more cluttered, or does it have enough combined mass to work visually? You'd have to do this to find out. If it works, great! If not, get ALL those tall items off the shelf.

I find that collections of photos like that look a bit... grandmotherish. Don't we all have mothers, grandmothers, and great aunt Ednas who have a credenza full of family photos in frames of all shapes and sizes?

The side table on the left looks like it's been crammed into a smallish space. Because it's entirely covered with frames, it doesn't appear to be a place that people actually utilize to rest drinks or books. In that case, is that table necessary? Seems like an additional clutter-collector.

1. You need something eye-catching over the fireplace. That mirror is pretty blah. I would suggest painting the wall over the mantle a color (maybe a dark red?) & hanging up all your photos in matching frames in a grid.

2. On the RHS: instead of those tall vertical objects, I would suggest horizontal ones (or at least something shorter) to avoid competing with the mantle.

3. On the LHS: reduce the clutter! Too many photos in non-matching frames. I would suggest you put them over the mantle; if you don't like that idea, at least put them in matching frames on the shelf.

4. The little table: thin out the number of picture frames there too. As someone said before, there barely looks like there's room for a coffee cup.

5. Fireplace: if you don't actively use it, you could consider putting an arrangement of varying-height candles of the same color. You might also want to consider painting the brick around the fireplace a color; maybe the same one as above the mantle if you use that idea.

let p(too) at it! i get a feeling (call it a hunch?) that he wants to do a little bookshelf organizing/styling...

Yes. I want to see what Patrick can do with this, too! Anyone else?

I commented earlier & came back to see what's happening since. PLEASE, before you do anything drastic, like painting, try to see what happens when you rearrange what you already have. In my opinion, that would do it.

Also, since you are the person that will be living in this house, go with what YOU like. (i.e., if you like collections of photos, & you probably do, since you put them out to begin with, keep them. Just remember they will need dusting).

& please, after considering & trying, and reconfiguring your room, let us know what you did (& maybe, if the results please you, this site will post an "after" photo in a while).

Could you paint the interior of the 2 side bookcases a dark but warm color - so that the TV does not pop so much and the other side would be similarly dark - a bit of balance. Then, fill that left side up a bit with books. Take away all but 2-3 framed photos in any room, they belong is more private part of the house.

Then, get some blinds that fit. I agree with the other poster that they are too small and not properly hung. They should, when down, cover the full interior of the window, overhanging the frame is fine, but being too narrow is jarring.

The rest of clutter stuff is probably fine once you get your wedding photo and it's pals out of there!

As a side note, can you comfortably watch that tv? Could you install a movable mounted arm behind it so that you could swing it out and up to watch? It won't change the balance problem, but it might make the room more pleasant to use...

Let Patrick (the other one) have a go at it!

I would say that rather then declutter you need to redistribute the items that you have and also add some symmetry to your mantel/bookcase. The posted plant that you have above the TV, if you can find and purchase a second arrangement like that they would look great framing the mirror in the center and then maybe add some candlesticks of sorts and on little trinket. You definitely need more books opposite the TV; in between the books you can add some of your objects. In the spaces that you have added objects dont be affraid to layer in a couple of places - a taller object (maybe a finiale) with a smaller picture frame in front of it; won't look cluttered and will create a little depth. Definitely lower the amount of framed pics and the gallery idea from Anna Europe is great, it would compliment your style with a touch of modernism. Unless you have past Christmas misgivings please get rid of the wooden deer; too kitschy for farmhouse modern and too seasonal (I bet you put red bows around them around the holidays and call it a day). Other then some tweaks you have a great space.

I don't have anything new to add because I'm having the same dilemma with my mantle that stretches out over two bookshelves like yours does. But I want to see what it looks like when your done.

Please post after pictures!!

Just painting all the picture frames one color (black?) would really unify things.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/2008-fall-colors-southwest/southwest-22-dave-melanies-craftsman-color-066445

You may find some inspiration taking a look at this finalist from the 2008 color contest, "Dave and Melanie's Craftsman Color". They made really great use of a similar space.

I happen to like what you've done on the right hand side and even in the middle (although it looks seasonal).On the left hand side there are so many small photos and books including those on the side table that it's very busy and there is no central focus so my attention instantly shifts to the right.

I would start by emptying all of the stuff off of the left hand bookcase and the side table. See if you have anything in another room that is either a little larger in scale or graphically bolder that can visually stand up to the mirror and the tv. You may even consider storing your firewood decoratively. Whatever you choose place that and then one or two at a time add your favorite photos and books back taking time to see if it seems finished. You will probably need to find new homes for most of those photos. On the side table you'll probably only have one maybe two.

Wow, those too-small blinds really make everything else look messier than it really is. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who noticed. Fix those first, and the rest of the wall will be much easier to get into shape.

As others have already noted, way too many smallish picture frames, and an odd gap in the shelves on the lower left. The pictures need to migrate to a wall (or possibly to a lower shelf, in limited numbers) - maybe keep one large picture on the upper shelf as an object. Too many objects up top that are too small - replace them with one or two much bigger pieces.

The color also looks a bit washed out to me. YMMV. I like the idea of painting the back of the shelves to match the wall color above - might help make the pale objects pop a bit.

Let Patrick at it! Then post "after" pix, with a description of how the wine-fuelled redecorating afternoon went.

Wow - I don't believe I will ever pay a decorator with all this wonderful help!! 27 posts in one day?!

First, before you think I'm an idiot (I may be too late)- the picture I sent was in no way how I planned on decorating this space or would I let anyone else see it like this!! I had just taken down my Christmas decorations/tree and was playing with my accessories. I should have made it more presentable! Also, my husband had hung the shades wrong and was planning on fixing them the next morning. That's what I get for leaving the room. They are now hanging correctly and look great.

I do agree that the TV steals the show. The room is small and that was the most economical place for it. You can see it fine from the sofa. I have considered painting the inside walls of the shelves the same color as the walls. Would that work? Also I'm slowly collecting books.

The fireplace is not working that is why I have the birch logs in it. I wonder if I can keep those through spring/summer without it looking silly?

I like the idea about putting plants under the windows. Any ideas for containers?

I agree the side table is cluttered. I may move it to the other side of the chair. Not sure yet. Hah I should just take pictures of the entire room and get ya'll to tell me what to do with it.

You all are cracking me up with the comments about the frames. Really, I'm not attached to them...just trying to fill space since we are on a tight budget. I usually have them on the first shelf. Like I said - this picture is not ordinary.

Patrick - I'm located in Mobile, AL.

Thanks for all of your wonderful advice!! I will play around with some of your suggestions and let you know how it goes.

I'm yours for the cost of the plane ticket! :)

I like the idea of darker colors, but I think if you're going to have those bookshelves, then fill them up. Leave the tops bare or put a plant or one, great big enough object.

But making artsy little vignettes on the shelves seems contrived. Books do furnish a room. If you like, go ahead and arrange them by color, although I usually hate that. I'd cover them all in the same brown or dark gray paper, but that's me.

If one side is that TV, then the other side should balance in mass and color.

C'mon, put me in coach! I could be the traveling Nate Berkus to Maxwell's Oprah. :)

Haha did I mention our budget is tight?

I'm working on some of your suggestions and its looking better already. I'm having trouble with the lowest shelf on the left. Not sure what to put there....

Hi Kelly, what a fun dilemma! Funny, before I read Patrick's comment, I was thinking I'd like to come and rearrange.

Just wanted to comment on the lowest shelf on the left. For your lowest shelf you want to put your heaviest items. Do you have some large books? I find if you put weighty items low, that helps cut down on clutter.

I have a million other suggestions too, but you have so much good advice here, I really can't add anything.

One last thing though, can you get rid of the table by the sofa, or is the only place you can put a lamp? It is adding to the clutter and impeding the view to your attractive shelves. Maybe the lamp can go on the top shelf? Not sure what your electrical situation is. If you must have a table, can you get a table which is lower in height?

Good luck. Can't wait to see after pictures!

Great space! It won't take much to make this shine. It is all about creating visual balance and interest.

(FantasticMrFaux, I prefer to think of it as COMPOSED, rather than CONTRIVED. This type of thing rarely comes together by accident, unless you're Vicente Wolf.)

First, think about balancing right and left sides of the fireplace:

As you know, the TV is visually heavy and creates a "black hole" effect in your neutral palette. The TV is also oddly situated above a small shelf that houses the relatively diminutive cable box/DVD equipment. As a result, it feels a bit top heavy.

Balance this on the left by using more visual weight on the lower bookshelves, and less weight on the higher shelves. Here's how:

1) Fill the bottom shelf with books (and I do mean FILL). You can keep most of the books upright, but do add interest by including a stack of books on their sides. Insert the latter on the edge closest to the fireplace.

2) Next bookshelf, working up: Use dark-stained baskets for to corral clutter (such as photo boxes or albums). Using baskets with a dark finish will lend weight. Don't fill the entire shelf with baskets, though. Insert something decorative on the end farthest from the fireplace -- such as a vase or sculpture. Note that the vase/item is placed at the opposite end of the shelf from the side-stacked books below. Subtle variation creates interest, without adding clutter.

3) On the 2nd shelf: Place a few well-chosen decorative items. Perhaps one or two photos (in very simple black frames). A collection of glass paperweights or flower frogs your grandmother owned? A small grouping of vintage brass candlesticks? A trio of Japanese lacquered boxes? The key is to use meaningful things you already own. "Shop" your house. I bet you have lots of things that would work. And... try to include a new texture here. Something shiny or sparkly or metal or lucite... you get the idea.

4) On top of the bookshelf: Place ONE of the tall items (plant or wire form) now on the top of the TV shelves, toward the left corner. Nothing else.

5) On the TV-side shelves, leave the TV and components where they are. On top of the shelves, keep only the low bowl. That's all you need. (I don't think you should screen the TV, because you probably use it all the time. Embrace the reality of your life -- ha ha. But I mean that!)

Now for the center fireplace area:

---Hearth: Remove everything but the wood box. Add a natural steel or black fire screen (and fireplace tools, if you need them). Nothing else.

---Wall: Keep the mirror; you don't need to paint it.

---Mantle: My choice for your Mobile location would be a beautiful medium sized LOW bowl, with a single large Magnolia blossom in it (for summer). I'd work off this simple idea and change it seasonally. Even if that was just a mound of moss or a small branch of shiny Magnolia leaves in winter. Place it right of center.

You WILL need to play around with all this. Have fun with it!

The lower left shelf:
I think it is kinda necessary to fill the lower left shelf with something, if you want balance in the room. You could find some nice boxes or baskets and keep 75% of the framed photos and the other knick-knack in those boxes.

Painting the back of the bookcase is a good idea to make the black TV stand out less. I think both a hot colour or a more demure dark grey would work.

Another trick to restore the balance in the room: If you put two items (plants, photos..) on the right shelf above the TV, you should put one more on the left shelf and preferably something visually heavier.

Looking forward to "after" pictures!

DON'T paint the inside of the cabinets. This will only make it all look busier.

Hey, Kelly... my styling rates are usually more than a plane ticket, so snap up the bargain! ;)

thats a beautiful wall but seems rather difficult...

My first idea was to paint the whole white 'unit' (shelves and fireplace - basically just the bottom half of the wall) a very dark gray color, that way the tv will look more seamless. I would also try to remove some (about half) of those pictures, put them somewhere else in the house.

Maybe it's just me but I don't think that round mirror goes well over the fireplace. I would try something square - maybe you could put those pictures there in a neat box shaped collage.

Arroyo==there's arranged artfully, and then there's arranged to certain death. I like your ideas, and can't wait to see the finished product.

I was referring to those little bits o' nothing, like drumsticks in a milk bottle next to a cute figure of Bambi in a bridesmaid dress on top of a dead bird. You know......

This is how far I have gotten using what I already own. I still think there needs to be something tall on either side of the mirror. Is the basket on the top of the left shelves too much? It def takes your eyes from the tv. We are currently saving up for a piece of art to go over the side chair - so thats why we put a mirror over the mantle. I feel like I have to explain myself so my style does not get attacked ;)

here goes....

http://www.twitpic.com/xz2h9

I agree with those that said not to paint the inside of the bookcases-my husband and I have an incredibly similar fireplace/bookcase arrangement to yours and when we moved into the house the backs of the bookcases were painted the same shade as the walls (with the bookcases being an off-white color). When we painted the walls to suit our taste, we also went with the flow and painted the backs of the bookcases. I couldn't figure out why it just wasn't looking right, until one day it dawned on me to paint the back of the bookcases the same shade as the actual bookcase/mantle. Makes everything look so much more cohesive. It was too hard to focus on anything with the backs of the cases being another shade.

I do like the suggestion of perhaps painting the whole unit a darker color, I've thought of it myself for our situation but I haven't worked up the nerve.

BIG improvement, Kelly! I know some others said not to, but I think you should have some things on the mantel, arranged assymetrically (to the left). I also think you might want to figure out how to incorporate some color - but that's just me. There are always strong and conflicting opinions given on every subject on this site - at some point, you kind of have to go with your gut!

Wow! That's a serious improvement!

Basket looks great.

I think you could still make the left bookcase look more homogeneous but you've definitely come a long way already. And I agree with Patrick-other that you shouldn't paint the bookcases if this is your final colour scheme. The only thing I don't really like is the basket with logs - if the fireplace doesn't work don't waste floor space with something like that. Personally I've never really understood the urge to make old fireplaces look operative - it's not like all lamps are made to look as if they are lit with candles à la 1780 - but that's probably just me.

I think it now looks staged for a real estate open house. I think you've lost "you" in the clean-up process.

Don't be afraid to be a "stuff" person (even around here!) if that's what you are.

And I think that little round end table was helping you balance the mass of the TV.

Maybe I'm just bitter because my dreams of a whirlwind Mobile afternoon makeover seem dashed. ;)

Your update looks marvelous although a teeny bit sterile. But aesthetically really nice. I think it wouldn't hurt to let a few little knickknacks back on the mantle. :)

YOu are getting tons of good ideas!! Helps that the space is gorgeous with the built ins.

I suggest leaving the fireplace wall colour it is, but painting the other ones (window walls) darker. This will make the fireplace wall pop (as opposed to recede if you were to do it a dark colour), and will allow the dark tv to mesh in with the wall above it.

I agree with a previous poster that it would be good to put dark baskets or dark something on the shelf on the left side that mirrors where the tv is.

Good luck...can't wait to see the after's!!

Better! Fixing the blinds made a HUGE difference, didn't it?

The lower shelf still needs more stuff in it. The basket atop the left fireplace probably needs something in it, maybe a large dried flower arrangement. Might help balance the Tee Vee. Another large object above and to the left of the fireplace might help, too - play around and see how it looks. Maybe a small collection of photos could go up there as well. Could you put a lamp next to the basket up there? That might work.

Can you move the logs to the other side of the fireplace? That might help balance out the Tee Vee as well.

They are not BLINDS. They are shades.

looks great now! i agree that you could even put a few things back if you wanted since you seem to have the space and it is so much more simple now. I really like it without the table on the left, it really cleared it out visually.

I've always heard the terms Roman blinds and Roman shades used pretty interchangeably.

Kelly, it's a big improvement -- great job! I agree with others that you have plenty of leeway to put more of your things back in now that you've got a good handle on how to go about grouping objects.

I think I personally would like to see some more greenery -- perhaps some ivy trailing out of that basket?

Between nixing the side table and arranging predominantly dark objects in the left-hand shelf, I think you've really solved the problem of balancing the TV side with the shelf side.

Wow, Kelly! Great job. Now you just need one more thing... a fire in the fireplace. Well done.