If you don't have any pattern in this room and that would go with your style, how about a pattern? You have a very neutral room, so almost any color will do. Black will make the stove look more like it belongs here - I don't have a problem with black. The only problem with black is if this is a small room, black in this space may visually chop the room in half (won't give it unity and cohesion). If you chose a color that is the same as your walls, you will create a most cohesive look. I know you didn't ask about the lighting, but I would like to comment, if I may. Ceiling lighting in a living room or bedroom doesn't do anyone any favors. Much better is a table lamp or wall sconce in each corner at chest height.

Your correct, that's not pretty. I would paint the brick and the trim the same color as the walls.

Presently, you are making that brick a "feature" of the room. Also, paint that vent to the right the same color as walls.

Maybe a darker gray that is closer to your sofa? Too late but what did the brick look like before painting? It appears by the size to be cinder block which would need painting. I might have considered a stone application on top of the brick.

"Ceiling lighting in a living room or bedroom doesn't do anyone any favors."--what does that say about all the cans that are ever so popular these days??? But that's hijacking this thread but I have always had a similar opinion and have been confused by the proliferation of cans in living room ceilings.

Would you consider installing tile on the wall behind the stove? You could introduce some great color and pattern and cover up the nondescript concrete masonry unit (cmu) wall.