curious.....what is on the other side of that wall to the left of the FP? perhaps you can remove or move the wall back? to create a big open space?

Assuming you are staying with white walls and medium to dark wood floors...I would paint or whitewash the brick ti a lighter neutral tone. I can't see the remainder of the room so again I assume you will arrange your furniture in this area....you can angle a chair toward or away from the fireplace (swivel chair) to suggest a quiet relaxing winter retreat, pillows to sit on, etc...depending on your taste and family.
Then, place your larger pieces in the middle of the room in a design convenient for your everyday use.. This way, you acknowledge the fireplace, provide access an yet allow it to take a backseat to the room.

I've attached a panorama photo of the room. The curtains closest to the fireplace are covering sliding doors which open to a sunroom. The small opening just beyond those leads to the kitchen and we plan to take down the wall between there and the hallway.

what space is behind the wall that is seen straight ahead in your original pic? can THAT wall be removed?

It looks like at one time this was a larger space and they built a room to the left of the fireplace, I would want to know about removing that wall too.

I agree that it looks like it was closed off afterwards, or built with the intention of expanding. Beyond the wall is an attached garage. I didn't mention, but it is a two story fireplace extending down into the basement. The design in the basement is exactly the same: oddly shoved in the corner.