You could go topless. Think of a picture frame that has just 3 sides -- right left and top. Just a 3-sided frame around the firebox and no mantel. The frame would have to be noncombustible and wide enough, say, 8 inches, for safety reasons. Or you could even go frameless, if you want to be really contemporary. Do a google search of modern fireplace. It will turn up lots of pictures that will help you visualize the possibilities. Most people have a fixed idea that a fireplace has to have a really dressed up look that becomes the big center of attention in the room. But you can tone it down -- and probably save yourself a lot of money, if you're receptive to the idea of keeping it not so imposing. Just make sure that the surround immediately around the firebox is a noncombustible material. Try the google search for ideas. If more questions, come back here. Have fun. Good luck.

looks to me like an accent wall color is the way to go. though in my old house now that I think about it too, I had the kitchen and dining room 2 different colors with a line running down the middle. never even thought twice about it. I think I'm nervous now because this wall is my biggest focal point in the whole house cuz it holds the fireplace and drybar cabinets entering into the kitchen. I'm literally so confused on what to do it's not even funny. I really hope I figure this out soon. Seems like when I google inspirational photos that most people just do all one color. As I like that thought I always wanted that spa blue color to go behind all my white cabinets. Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that will look good. Maybe I should mix accent walls or something. Who ever thought paint could be SO CONFUSING. It's really not normal to be this stressed out over color is it?

Salmon, Idaho...I don't know where that is but it sounds nice! The island could turn 90 degrees...but the fridge probably won't work on the other wall, if you have the door outside. I mean, you could make it fit, but the fridge will be blocking your view of the door..and a bit of the banquette. However, if you don't plan to have an under counter fridge, you might want to make the large fridge more accessible to everyone. What do you plan to have? Do you need a freezer? Would that be downstairs or in the mudroom? Do you want a big range or do you need a wall oven? I just drew a basic layout (popular right now) with fridge and range across from prep sink and clean up on the other wall. Make sure you know how you want to use the space and adjust the layout, accordingly :) Oh, and if you want stools on the opposite side, I believe an island should be 3 1/2' across...and most walkways are 3 1/2' to 4' depending on access to appliances, etc.

Anglophilia- We love the idea of the “triangle of light”. It will do so much for the space. I totally understand your rant of lack of tables/lights! You can find me reading pitifully curled up next to the only lamp in the room, with my drink out of arms reach on the coffee table. I think that these suggested ideas of where/what types of tables and lights to add in will make this a much better space to hang out in. Artemis_ma- Thank you for the insight! I appreciate it. That seems to be the general consensus of what to change in this room. I love this red brick, so I’d much rather design a room around it than to paint it! Lascatx- Great advice, thanks. And thank you for the helpful LED information, I’m sure that will make all the difference. We’ve already started the hunt for a new rug—we’re excited to see what that does for the room and where to go from there (for the coffee table, etc). Artdreamer- Thank you for the advice! We used to have a beautiful palm tree in the corner, but unfortunately it only lived a year or so. Not sure if I just don’t have good luck with plants, or if it didn’t like our cold, dark winters. We may try again! Those are great rug suggestions, and I like the idea of adding a mirror to reflect light to further brighten the room. Thanks! K Fitz- No problem! I’m sure it will be more messy and difficult than the internet makes it seem (aren’t home projects always this way?) but… 1) We plan to follow this set of directions to remove the brick: https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Damaged-Brick ). 2) We will then cut the brick in half (either with a circular saw or by hand with a chisel https://www.thisoldhouse.com/more/how-to-hand-cut-brick ). 3) We will then re-insert the brick, pushing it back in until it is flush with the rest of the brick wall.