I personally wouldn't paint the wood, it also depends on the rest of the house and its style.

Oh, gosh. That oak is just beautiful. Also, the style is very clean and would go with many décor schemes. I wouldn't paint it, but I am a wood lover and think you cannot improve on nature unless the wood is damaged. Could you post pix of other parts of the room/your style of décor or thoughts in that area? I don't think painting the baseboards white would detract, but so much depends on what else is going to happen in the space. Also, the top of the walls seem 'bare' with the beauty of the mantle, what do others think? Could molding work or is there too little space? Just thinking...

Leave it as it as it's where so much of the warmth and charm of your home comes from.

I would paint it. As it is now the white tile is drawing your eye to it.

Definitely keep the wood, its really nice. I think what you need though is some drama. I would paint the walls each side of the fireplace a dark color. I am not sure what the paint colour you have chosen looks like but I would make sure you go on the darker side of the grey spectrum instead of anything light. This will make the wood more rich and interesting looking.
Good luck

^ The example Natalie posted is nice.
I would either keep the wood as is or paint it a more dramatic color, like an off-black - depending on your style and other decor. I don't think I'd paint it white unless you were going to change out the floors, hearth and surround to a darker color.

You could consider staining it a darker color....Oak in general takes stain very well and consistently. We have painted many oak mantels, entertainment centers, etc as the natural color of red/white oak can be a bit of a driving force for your design choices.....If you aren't in love with it, pick the things you do love, and then decide on what direction you need to go on the mantle!

I would not paint either i think that color is great. I would by a mirror and place it on the mantle do not hang it on the wall. place it on the mantle a little tilted with accessories on each side beautiful. Ballards has some nice sunburst mirrors, pier 1...then change each side up a bit maybe a candle or two..and on the other side a flower arrangement. That fireplace can look stunning. Here is a photo of a white fireplace it doesn't stand out as much as the wood.. And I love the white trim

see the white really doesn't stand out as much as the wood I love this as well but the wood is real pretty

I would leave it... it looks great!

Thank you everyone for your input! After reading the comments, I think we're leaning toward leaving the fireplace as is and painting the room's baseboards white. The oak matches the hardwood and cabinets in the kitchen, to which the family room is open. @Natalie, love the pic you posted....makes us feel better about leaving the fireplace as is!

It's so beautiful as it is!

glad you will leave it.

Keep the natural colour, it seems very nice. Consider changing the colour on the wall, if you have to change something.

Please, a coat of white paint is not a cure-all for everything that ails your decor. It is flat and lacks the interest and depth of wood. Paint is great for inferior wood, but not for such a beautiful piece. Paint only as a last resort and keep the natural beauty of the wood. (Just my not so humble opinion.) ;)

Now in 2018 do designers feel the same way? We have been considering painting our fireplace trim white. Would you remove upper wood columns and trim?? Paint all the wood and center white? Considering painting the walls.