I renovating a similar space with a fireplace that has been whitewashed, for reference:

Patricia's suggestion is a really good one. I would recommend doing that, and removing the walnut chest. The best options there would be a tall narrow plant, a narrow, open, lightweight console table, or just nothing at all. As others said, balance isn't really possible. Anything large there feels heavy and oppressive, and highlights the aysmmetry.

What is your style? I recommend adding a built in to the left of the FP to mimic the existing built in on the right. Depending on your style, I would also paint the built ins and fireplace the same color. A darker neutral paint (complimenting your existing style/decor) across that entire wall would look moody and stunning.

Duplicate shelving that is on the right, on the left
Leave shelving white
Leave tv where it is
Leave brick gives room warmth - maybe check mantel and tv are level.

Am I the only one who thinks brick is pretty and painted/shmeared brick is going to look dated soon? It reminds me of shiplap, shiplap everywhere!

I agree with @Emily L that the brick looks pretty and I would keep it as is. However, I don't think that painted or "shmeared" brick is going to look dated. People have been painting brick for a very long time, and it's a classic look, if done correctly.

Cut and paste mock-up

Here are my suggestions:

- Install a narrow built-in on the left of the fireplace to match the ones on the right

- Instead of painting behind the shelves of the built-ins, install wallpaper (peel & stick or other). I show in blue & white but could be nice for example in black & white, grey & white, etc. to match the decor you have in mind.

- Paint the fireplace in a white to match the built-ins

- Make a nice tray decor on your coffee table

- Buy accent pillows in colours to match the wallpaper

I would combine the ideas of BeverlyFLADezner and Patricia Colwell Consulting. Add the built-in on the left side as Beverly shows. Remove the shelves and leave only the lower cabinets from the right side built-in and set TV there as per Patricia.. Add a beautiful piece of Colombian art 5" above the mantel (no wider than the firebox below.) Save the coffee bag for the kitchen or coffee bar area. When styling the shelves use 1/3 books (leaning, standing or lying down with other decor on them,) 1/3 large decor items (identifiable from the seating) and 1/3 open space. Only use a total of three framed photos. Layer them with a larger one behind one medium and one smaller one. Put stands on the backs of other photos and place them on tables throughout the house, or hang them in the hallway for a family gallery. Mat and frame them alike or even blow some up on canvas.

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You guys are awesome!!! I love all your ideas!!! Thank you so much!!

Also, it will be awhile before I can implement those but I really really like the white fireplace and the added built in. I love it!! This is a new construction home so not a lot of changes can happen (out of money 😊). So in the meantime I wanted to paint built ins. Do you mind showing me what that would look like with my brick?

More for reference the paint on island and dining is SW Inverness, green

You have a pretty house. Love your kitchen!

Lovely home! I think you idea of the black built-ins as shown above would fit nicely with the fireplace brick painted white.

I showed my husband what you all designed and he loves it as much as I do!! Getting a quote this weekend!! I’m not sure I can get the built ins added on the left yet but will start with paint and de clutter. Thank you so much for your help!!!

Great! Please share you after pictures!

Lisedv. Forgot to ask: should I use the same white as the walls? SW PURE WHITE and Tricorn black?

I have scheduled someone to paint my fireplace and built ins for Oct 17 but I’m not sure how to pick the white? Should it be the same as my walls which is SW pure white?

I think SW Pure White would be perfect!

One, your house is gorgeous! Two, yes, match the white to what you’re already using.

Glad your husband likes the ideas you got here. Don’t forget to post your progress.

Thank you all so much!! The house is a work in progress! I will post when it’s done. Thanks again!! ❤️

I promised I am posting the update.
I love it!! Thank you everyone for the help.

Ps. Still working on the left side. Mirror not staying. Just need to save up some more Pennie’s!! 😊

Looks very nice! Looking forward to seeing the left side when you're done! 😊

wow. that looks great!

maybe bring in some pulls for the cab doors?

I like the antique chest on that side. maybe a nice piece of art over it

Looks great!

Looks amazing! way to go !!

The room looks wonderful! Agree with @Beth H the antique piece is lovely and just needs a better mirror, or piece of artwork.

Great job!

Thank you everyone!! I’m so happy with it!! It’s the comments on this group that gave me the ideas!

Earlier everyone commented the other side needed another built in. Not in the plans, I do love my walnut chest. Just need a substantial piece of art or something above it for balance.
Stay tuned!

Room looks great! I love black and have in every room in my home! A mirror like this French antique styled oversized one would look amazing over your chest on the left side of the fireplace…than layer a piece of framed art in front of it off set to one side and layer in a slender tall buffet lamp and accessories…beautiful!

Many sizes available..go as big as you can.

🤗

If there's a connecting option with art from the hall? could be a soft-muted green on the mirror's frame. I say this because the black tv and large unit already occupy much of the focal wall... I'd like your art idea, or soften the mirror.

I like with the additional shelves when possible. I felt the dresser and mirror looked too crowded although nice pieces...I white washed my brick fireplace in About an hour and it looked so much better. Good luck. Send pics.

I know from the pictures the chest looks crowded but I promise it is not. Being in the room (which is not large) I feel like another set of bookcases would shrink it even more. Also the cross is there as a place holder. It is an original done for me by an artist friend. I love it but it’s too dark. I love the large mirror idea as well as art. My problem is I only want original paintings and unfortunately my budget doesn’t allow for that. 😩 at the moment. I’ll keep looking!! I do value all your ideas so please keep them coming!!

Final update. Added pulls as suggested. Thanks everyone!!

👍

Looks wonderful. i would perhaps thinks about moving the art from the hall behind the chest to the space over it. the greens would be beautiful there.

yes! that looks really nice

what paint did you end up using?

I used SW Tricorn black in a Satin.
I also moved the cross and added a taller mirror I had stored in my attic until my budget allows for something else. I bought a vintage oil painting to lean against the mirror. It hasn’t arrived yet

Thanks everyone

Looks beautiful! I love the mirror

I think it looks very nice too! I would move the mirror up higher.

Very nice!! I'd like even a taller mirror, or hang that higher.

I'd also like some books in the built in, and a few less "treasures".

Hard to explain, but books help to set off and organize the treasure........: )

When done well, it feels interesting, shows off the the important, and is a bit more peaceful.

I possible to replace the mirror with a taller one it would balance-off with the built-in on the other side of the fireplace. Otherwise, everything looks great!

Thanks again. I really do appreciate all the advice, especially, at the price 😉. The mirror is not hung at all. Just leaning. Mostly because it’s just a place holder until I find one I can afford and like. So I’m not sure I should hang it.
Jan, I think I can get rid of some treasures for sure, maybe 4-5 spots to add books. I’ll work on that!!
Thanks again!!!

These 2 tall mirrors from Ikea are at a good price. I actually have one like the 1st one on top and it's quite nice...

That is a good price! I’ll check them out!! Thank you lisedv!!

I would remove the bedroom dresser-with-mirror. If the dresser is useful in that room, replace the mirror with some nice framed art. Keep the wall unit matching the wall: it fades from the eye but accentuates any colorful items on display. Painting the front of the wall unit black would make IT the focus of the room rather than the fireplace. Select one or two colors for a few accent pieces: a vase, a couple of pillows, a piece of art which includes that color.