The larger picture in the middle would elimate the 'face ' look. so would getting inset white blinds.
other ideas
black.
this one had the wood shelves so I played around w/it on yours. obviously the white beam needs to be the same black color.
or replace the beam w/a walnut or wood veneer?
Here's a white.
what I would suggest is lose those shutters and get matching white inset blinds. (solar shades or a roman shade) at night you could close them.
love this one too. notice the large art, and the stone hearth. look for a remnant piece of black granite, basalt or even a quartz and have it cut for your hearth. or, use large format black tiles.
bring in greenery and wood.
With the either of those, you need an area rug. the carpet isn't having the right effect w/your mod furniture. I'd also do a larger coffee talbe or ottoman. maybe use that glass one in between the two chairs or something.
another idea....see about firring out the sides and doing a wood panel plank.
only one side on this one. u get the idea
Fir out the brick like this, and attach another product. like the wood.
some DIY projects could be a cement overlay,
or a plaster
when the day comes, take out the sides, brind in bigger windows, and do a middle fireplce. (you could easily stucco coat the brick in the middle for a similar look to these
Q
bar table
Q