Remove the white panelling and the floral decor. Keep it simple. Maybe fireplace is removable?

I would paint it the same color as the wall... creating a texture, rather than a contrast.

Longer term I would consider filling in the angle with framing and drywall and making the face level with that of the lower wall.

We use this fireplace every winter. I choose not to remove. It’s in great shape. Just need suggestions on updating the look. ☺️

What you do might depend on what the rest of the room looks like. For instance, if the rest of the room has cottagey charm, I wouldn't remove the flower mural. If it's more modern, I'd say sorry to the artist and yes, remove it. Could you post more pics, showing how the fireplace sits in the room?

I do think the white panelling is, um, dubious. Very dubious.

New photo

Looking to update this corner without a lot of expensive.

Remove the “grass” planter and clock, which is vey heavy in apprarance. Some pretty color vases in varying heights would add dimension and interest at a low price.

TY

The white above the fireplace is a distraction.

Those triangular niches are designed to hold a TV. Is there a reason you're not using it for the TV?

The overall appearance of the room could be improved with the selection of a more colorful floral rug IMO>

I feel the tv in the corner is too high. The tv placed on the wall to the right is something I am considering. The rug definitely needs changed out. I love your picks. Great advice. TY

I’d also like to change out the tile that surrounds the fireplace with something different. Any suggestions?

A few more angles

I think it's a wonderful vintage folly. I would start by painting it the same color as the walls, and then think about it a lot.

I might consider mirrored insets, or hammered copper. I like the direction the planter takes it. I might add thick vintage candle holders I might look for an even showier vintage planter, a truly unique item that is jsut perfect. (I like your clock placement.

For the surround, I would pick a tile with a ridged surface or antique look in your favorite color from the fruit display Just simple squares.

Not totally sold on this but it has merits!

You can browse through "planters" on this webiste to see what else is available

https://www.chairish.com/product/8762613/20th-century-italian-white-ceramic-double-headed-swan-planter

Also, you could play around with the idea of peel and stick wallpaper fr the framed area

For now, remove the corner paneling and the flower mural and paint that whole area the wall color (except maybe the upper surface, if it's wood; then white/cream for that, like the fireplace trim). Then treat both levels as a stepped mantel, accessorized as one.

Later, if/when budget permits, maybe redo the woodwork around the fireplace to treat the corner area as the mantel and everything below as fireplace surround (as in @housegal200's photo above)? This will need a good finish carpenter with an eye for scale/proportion and details.

Nice house!

This might be perfect for the crazy corner, in the green and mauve

https://www.astekhome.com/products/portofino-peel-stick-wallpaper-d-psad413?variant=42712806457584&srsltid=ASuE1wQruSlDiQdMOBKXkIiVCorz7dP70VQ0SbWbyNBIZm_FdY-9LI0zGOk

TY! That’s beautiful peel & stick wall paper.

Paint the white panel over the fireplace the same color as the wall. Hang art, or a stained glass window from the ceiling from a chain in the corner over the fireplace.