I agree. Match or compliment the brick/fire box. Make this as seamless and unobtrusive as possible. That's the easiest way to prevent the eye from picking out "after thought" projects/fixes. Too bad you can't use the faux brick in this application. I would like to say "Koodos" for bring the fireplace up to code before listing. Not everyone would do that! What's the current flooring? Is that vinyl, laminate, engineered hardwood?

The hearth is the main issue. Technically, you must have the hearth to meet code. It is a wood burning fireplace with a gas log installed. There is no code that says you can remove the hearth if you install a gas log into a wood burning fireplace. So I highly recommend against removing it because you will likely need to put it back if and when you sell your home. With that said, the way the hearth is built throws everything off. So how about taking what you have and working with it: Extend the hearth the entire width of the fireplace wall. Replace the mantel with a reclaimed wood beam that also spans the entire wall. Change out that fireplace door and have some new grills made to match. Get a nice potted plant. Now the fireplace does not give the illusion that it is taking shrinking the room, it becomes part of the room. Here's what you end up with: Shown above: Craftsman Fireplace Door in Forged Iron by: Hansen Wholesale

You will need to plan to water frequently. Generally where are you located such as nearest large city and state or country? What is happy as a potted plant in NH might not be the same as TX. What is the light level like over the course of the day? It looks quite shaded from this photo. Have you considered pots with vines such as clematis or mandevilla vine growing up the wrought iron columns, or are you firm on wanting hanging plants?

To start I need to see all four walls of the space and why is the furniture not facing the FP. IMO if there is a TV in the space I would remove all the shelving form the left side get a nice low cabinet and mount the TV above the cabinet so the TV and the FP can share the focal point.