Hi. The fireplace and surroundings look very traditional. Is the rest of he house that way?

What colors are in the rest of the house?

If you want a timeless traditional look, the mantel works great as is, or painted. If you are looking for a more modern look, the traditional mantel may not work at all, or at least should be painted. Some pictures of the entire space would be helpful along with a description of any other planned changes or advice you desire.

Paint the mantle and walls and side built ins all the same (like the color of the built ins now) and this tile

I agree with painting all the built ins the same. Make it look like they are all one with the fireplace.

I would paint behind the TV Dark Charcoal, blackWatch, Navy, the deepest shade of a color you are using) so the TV disappears. Also, paint above the built ins to the crown the same color, so they look taller, to the ceiling.

I think I'd do it in stages. I'd paint the wall behind the mantel a charcoal as well as the wall above the built-ins, leaving the mantel itself untouched. It's gorgeous. And surround the fireplace with the brick. I think it's cozier. Live with that for a while and if you feel that the built-ins pop too much (I don't think they will), then paint them the charcoal gray as well.

Hi - this is extremely helpful! You all are amazing and very knowledgeable. Here are more pictures. I plan to paint all the walls Sherwin Williams Casa Blanca.
The kitchen cabinets are going to be painted the antique white look ( see picture). The trim is going to be white.

The sofas are going to Goodwill.

Would you all go with the travertine at the top & bottom of the fireplace? I like the idea of not painting the stained wood right away because once it’s painted I can’t go back but am open to painting it darker.

I would not tile the top, that is not a natural look for a traditional fireplace. I would add a wood panel stained or painted to match the mantel like below. I used marble slab here just for ease of creating the mockups. The intent is to show the difference between the painted and stained mantel. Don't forget to add some a nice looking fireplace screen or glass doors to complete the look.

Shown with Solid Brass Fireplace Doors with Half Oval Casting Trim in Old English Brass.

Solid Brass Fireplace Sliding Screen with Oak Leaf Casting Trim in Antique Brass

Before you decide what to paint, I think your paint choice has a lot of pink in the undertone and feels heavy. Be sure to test and see how it feels at different times of the day, if you haven’t done so already.

Something fresher will lighten the room and better complement the wood. I‘d suggest looking into some creamy, light shades.

There are so many tiles that would better enhance the mantle; design below is timeless and eye catching. Be sure to complement wall color in your selection.

Suggest painting the wood above mantle the same as walls, for a calmer, less busy look. The mantle will pop and tie in nicely with the rest of your home. Can’t find a great inspiration picture, but hope this gives you a sense of the look.

Although the woodwork around your fireplace is quite nice it's just distracting to have the wood tone next to the white built-ins. Hanson Wholesale has done a good job in the rendering posted. Yes!! to mounting the tv above the fireplace - I've done that in two houses now and it works quite well. To give some warmth to the fireplace would suggest a think brick veneer instead of tile for the fireplace surround. Would suggest a red brick with an aged look. Good luck!

I’m such a visual person and this is very helpful!!! Thanks so much everyone for all your help!!!