Another psych-out, this choice can fool you into thinking it's art. In fact, a Houzz member told me she bought a DVD of paintings to use for interior photography styling. I never would have thought of that.
If you have an open fireplace, your andirons can make a beautiful statement. Used to provide air circulation underneath the logs and to reduce wear and tear on the bottom of the firebox, andirons come in a variety of finishes and a range of styles from traditional to contemporary.
Make sure all of your fire needs are handy. Find that long lighter for a gas-burning fireplace or a pile of dry logs, kindling, newspaper and long matches for a wood-burning fireplace or woodstove.
I have a family room with dark library paneling with a dining area in the back (like this photo). I do not wish to use the dining area for dining furniture but would like to incorporate it to be an extension of the family room, maybe painting the fireplace brick and one dining wall, any better ideas?