I think the mantel is a perfect height. I don’t have an opinion on the fireplace wood trim - I think it looks fine the way it is, though.

The new floors are beautiful.

I am not a fan of gray paint no matter what undertone it has.

If this were mine, I would remove the mantle and tile.

Paint the entire fireplace wall ...to the ceiling a dark charcoal color (since you are into grays) to make the space disappear. I would hang the tv above the fireplace since you can see it from the kitchen as well.

I did a similar thing with a Navy Wall. TV above a Black fireplace opening. The rest of my room is Cool Gray... actually a clean white with an oak floor. ... allows for a variety of decorating options.

I had a similar set-up in a home I once owned. I had the builder-grade tile ripped out, including the floor tile, and replaced it, along with the tile in the entryway. I was able to pony up for some beautiful, expensive tile since I didn't need very much, and a handy guy did the work so it was an affordable project. It made a huge difference -- elevated the room tremendously. P.S. I'm not seeing gray with your new flooring.

No gray please. If you are more of a minimalist, take the mantel off and replace it with a sleeker mantel.

864 TRV Clean Face Gas Fireplace · More Info

Balsamina Residence · More Info

The current mantle is very traditional. If you're going for a more modern look, Tara's suggestions are great.

that fireplace is not your style. at all.

that mantle surround is very traditional, colonial.

I'd remove it, and the tile. Can you do some simple DIY?

remove the tile and get something else. tile up to the ceiling, or tile to where it's currently at, and get a wood beam for the mantle.

Replace the hearth w/a solid piece of stone (check remnants like marble, slate or granite) or look at large basalt tiles.

At the very least, paint it all black. even the tile. (they make a paint for tile. just google "how to paint ceramic floor tiles" and follow directions.

I'd remove that mantle surround and get something more modern.

heck, you could easily just make a simple mantle, prime and paint it

or, just cover up the tile with something like wood planks, shiplap, tongue and groove left over flooring, whatever: Like this. here are some colors you can try

Replace that fan (or do a hanging light, or woven rattan pendant)

Paint the ceiling a bright white, bring in some texture w/jute rug, plants, warm wood accents

maybe something like this? easy enough to redo your fireplace like this. soft white on the walls w/a sage accent wall, textured rug, nice sofa and chairs, natural wood slat accent and plants

those vertical blinds need to go. either leave it bare, or do some type of drapes

Beth,
I am very comfortable with DIY!  ☺  love your ideas. Thank you

Here, copy this. it's almost exactly like your room

you could even do some simple beams on the ceiling!

some other natural elements you can copy

You know what else you could do for the fireplace? A cement overlay (right over the tile)

https://angelarosehome.com/diy-a-cement-look-fireplace/

or a roman clay application.

not difficult at all

look at this link and she shows you how she did the fireplace

http://shealinashley.com/one-room-challenge-reveal-wk-6/

super simple fireplace redo that you could copy. (but please, redo that hearth!!)

Beth! What great ideas! Nailed it!!!

Most of Beth’s ideas lighten up the feel of the room. If you can do certain tasks yourself, it won’t be that expensive to make your room inviting and modern. The lighter fireplace surrounds seem a better choice for your house. Beth usually nails it.

I will only chime in on the height of the mantel, not the style. There are clearances to combustibles required by the fireplace, so you would want to find the installation manual to determine what those rules are. The existing mantel appears to be at a proper height both visually and for clearance.