Is your fireplace free-standing like the one pictured? It would help to have a floor plan or photo to visualize your predicament.

Hi, without seeing a picture of you room, is it possible to have the TV next to the fireplace?

no, it's more typical-it's placed right in the middle of the wall. We haven't moved in yet, so no pics. Room is probably 16w X 24L The floorplan is like the ones you see where they have the fireplace in the middle and bookshelves flanking either side.

yes I guess so, just feels a little like two large pieces competing in the same room

You're actually fortunate to have the built-ins and TV storage already in place. The currently popular TV above the fireplace configuration is not always optimal for comfortable viewing. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer not to see a large black screen as fireplace decor.

No sorry for the miscommunication, I currently don't have built ins-am hoping to create some. The pic above is probably something that I'll recreate. I'm wondering about whether to just paint out the brick-it's already been painted a yucky beige-or should I drywall around and do moulding or tile. Not sure with a wood burning fireplace what my options really are?