I would paint the entire fireplace including the mantel, all trim and shelving white. I like the Whisper White, but you must bring the paint samples into the room to see for yourself. The sheen on all woodwork should be semi-gloss, easy cleaning and looks crisp. I agree with painting the walls and I would paint the part above the mantel the same color as the walls, Summer Hue is beautiful, but once again I have no idea how that would look in your room. The walls should be flat most brands make a fairly easy to clean flat. If the fireplace were the focal point of the room, it could look very cool and dramatic to paint it a very dark gray almost black. But at least in this picture it seems that the entertainment/shelving unit is the focal point. hmm .... better stop while I am ahead.

I've looked at the pics that you have been sent and they are beautiful but it does not look like it will work if one really studies the details of your lobby/loft. I would recommend a few things. First, remove everything, everyone has said that this is a first step. Next, I would move the glass panels on the stairwell. They are unique but could become a hazard when and if children become involved. if they are glass and they break, it looks like the glass would fall down the stairs and this could be dangerous, and the glass looks outdated. The weights by the window do not look safe either, a slip could end up in another event of broken glass. I see room for a small desk, a large area rug and a few individual chairs but I don't, from studying the picture really see room for an elaborate bookcase. You don't want to block the flow from one room to another and I see that there are rooms on both sides of the area not to mention the door. Bookshelves on the right side of the window seems like it would block or protrude the walk way/hallway to the right but there is one on the left side of the window and under the window maybe a window seat. Good luck and I hope this feedback helps. Sorry I don't have a model to show you.

A photo of the pillar and space would be helpful. Usually people will wrap the pillar in a style that complements their decorating. Occasionally people will create some kind of shelving, or use it to anchor a bookcase or some other structure like the planter in the photo below. Sine it is structural some people will just keep it the way it is. If you search photos you can see some of the treatments. Good luck! [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=]

Try placing an artifact / sculpture in your #bookcase just like this to give a beautiful visual break for your display. Any other ideas regarding this are welcome..! Want more tips? Read @ http://www.bonito.in/2014/how-to-style-a-bookcase-give-your-bookcase-a-makeover/