First, we relocated the television and reconfigured the bookshelf. Some simple and thoughtful carpentry so that it looked like it was designed this way. Then, we painted everything a bluey gray (Boothbay Gray by @benjaminmoore). The subtle color brings interest and defines the built-in as its own element. Finally, we styled the heck out of it. Our bookshelf styling strategy: large decor (framed art, mini lamp, big boxes and vessels, etc.), then plants, then books, and finally small decor.
