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and they break, it looks like the glass would fall down the stairs and this could be dangerous, and the glass looks outdated.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.

Seems weird not to incorporate it into the design -- I'm all about having things "look intentional" rather than working around them later. Like could the island have connected to this, rather than extending past it? or been L-shaped, so there's room for an extra stool, and also a wall cabinet? Anyway, hard to discuss that in the abstract without kitchen plans. I'm with miacometlady's original advice to not worry about it right now, and decide how to deal with it once the bulk of your kitchen is in place. You might find that you hardly notice it, with all the beautiful new finishes, or it might seem obvious to put some stainless or glass shelves there, or maybe simple is best and one simple hanging picture does the job. Don't stress about it until After. :)

I think I am certainly quite late to reply on this post but nevertheless will put my suggestions here. Go for 2 loveseats in a light/neutral colour against the 7 ft and 15 ft wall. Opposite the 15 ft wall you could put a nice upholstered bench in contrast/printed fabric. Also for a warm glow put a nice standing lamp in the corner between both sofas. You can place a nice mirror on the TV wall and put a nice shelf beneath it and place a lamp there with few knick knacks if the door opens outside in the balcony or is sliding. Also, keep two upholstered ottomans below the mirror which can be pulled for extra seating when required. Place a low height coffee table small one like a 2x2 ft.