hmmm can we see the whole room........white washing it, is probably the bes thing and painting the insert. if you could have a white mantel that would be great but i see the brick is built in. you could have a carpenter make you a box that sleeves over that in white. and i would get rid of the lamp on the left and the whit book cases on the right. add some curtains.

Sure! Thanks for looking :)
Here's another view. The room is long and the picture window is not centered on the fireplace. The room is 21' x 14.9' and hearth sticks out 14".

pull that couch out of the corner and put it centered under the window. is there two bookcases on the left? if so move one to either side. put the two chairs slightly in front of them angled. move the brown console behind the floating part of the sofa. the couch goes well with the fireplace, now seeing it all it looks fine. I would just have the box built in white to go over the brick mantel to tie it all in. you need some end tables and lamps. love the feel, nice light airy and cottagy.