You are on the right track with your designs, that brick needs to go. You will need to design the mantel surround to meet clearances to the fireplace opening, so the legs will need to be smaller. Here's a mockup of a surround that would fit well in width:

I grabbed the image from this resource: https://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=122873

Fireplace doors are my specialty: https://www.hansenwholesale.com/fireplace-doors

Wow, what a difference your design makes!!! 😍Thank you so much! I didn’t even consider the leg size and width.

I would update the fireplace. Here’s an example of my former brick, and after adding a veneer, new mantle, new door & limestone hearth:

I love the designs you have chosen! I would definitely go with one of them and no keep the upper brick exposed.

In would like to see the whole space since above the FP IMO is the last choice for TV placement and IMO the shelving is too small for the size of the FP so I would remove the shelving and jusy hangart above the cabinets