Art would be much better.

Artwork with greys and natural tones would look really nice. I would frame the artwork in silver metal frame. Alternatively, a mirror would be great, to reflect the chandelier.

I think the Pier 1 piece is too much, and also not the right size. It looks like it's too close to the same aspect ratio as the space over the mantel. I would do art in a dark wood frame to bring your furniture color over to the fireplace wall.

Your dining room has some "gorgeousness" going on within. Yet what seems slightly odd is the painted brick behind the mantle. I'd suggest sheet rocking the brick. (of course removing the mantle pieces before) You've a beautiful fireplace mantel and wood. Why the mantle and trim work is off. have it stripped of paint and bring it back to it's original wood lustre.if that's impossible paint this masterful mantle and surround a deep rich teal.(keep in mind the finish should be low lustre) The wall behind? think frosted glass on it's reversed side...cast a warm aqua glow to the room with the dark teal mantle. A 3 foot panel straight from base of mantle to ceiling. No needed art. Your MANTLE is the art piece

Gorgeous space, I would recommend dark frames the same color as your furniture to add some dimension and repetition to the space. There is a lot of shine in the space already so I don't know if adding a mirror is the best decision. For the table I would add a fun vase with some white or neutral toned flowers. This is a great space, good luck and if you need additional help feel free to contact me!

Great point about bringing the table color up to the mantle in the frames. In my perfect world, we would sheet rock over all of the brick. It is just not in the budget right now, but definitely in the plans for next year. So I am trying to ignore the fact that I hate the brick right now and just be happy that I love the mantle. For the record - the brick is painted the same color as the trim in the room, but does look odd in the photos.

should I have the brick painted gray like the walls? Or just leave it til next year to be sheet rocked over?

I would just leave it till next year to be sheet rocked over. That seems to be the look you are going for so I wouldn't waste time painting, but painting is a quick and cheap makeover. If you think it will be more than a year I would paint. Have a good rest of your day, if you need additional help let me know.

I think the grey over the fireplace would give continunity to the other walls and with the darker wall, would add a dark framed mirror to compliment the dining set and if it was curvy, would compliment the wallpaper. Given the brick was already painted and won't need to be primed, it shouldn't take very long. If you don't like it, go back to what it is now. A year can be a long time if you don't particulary like it.[houzz=]

I like the idea of a large wood mirror leaning or hanging above the mantle…. awesome!

something like this….and then you could just put some candles

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00081591/