Can you post a better pic?

Black seems like a poor choice. The stuff on the shelves on either side just disappear into shadow. I would keep the wood mantle and go with a color that compliments it, and the other furniture in the room. Any tertiary color from green to brown would be an improvement.

I'm afraid I agree with Bryce. You have lost all visual detail by painting the wall and shelves black. Your accessories are lost. Painting the surround white will create a very graphic looking wall, basically what will pop out will be the surround and tv. That's it. It will be very inconsistent with the rest of your decor. I agree something earthy, a nice sage or soft gold would be nice with either the wood tone surround or you could paint it white and paint the shelf interiors white.

Here is a better pic, I appreciate the comments, I may just have to re-paint everything? I think the black was a mistake.

definitely not the right choice but there is hope
i would paint the surrounding (inside area) fireplace a bamboo stalk color
and the wall a serene green
i think that would show your displays up and brighten up the room to it's full potential
good luck ! would like to see the after pic too - barbara

Well there are ways to do black:
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/5-smashing-black-and-white-homes-stsetivw-vs~1659685

However you can see how different these are from your home, which looks nice by the way. You could do something like this:


White surround, black inset, white shelves and colored wall. Doing all the wood in white (or something creamy) would look more like builtins.

I agree with 'Bryce Engstrom: Architect'. You can also add a casement around the TV to either accent the wall or mantle.

http://www.mediadecor.com/the-edge.html

Does anyone have any suggestions on best way to cover the black mistake the easiest & most efficient way? I like the idea of white on shelves

I would paint the mantle white, leave the tiles around the fireplace opening, black. Paint the bookshelves white and paint another color ( not too dark) above the fireplace.

ask the paint store for a good primer before repainting, there are some paints with primer built in for better coverage over a dark color, but I would think at least 2 coats after the primer will be needed.

Thank you I will ask, I want to do it ASAP now that it's a confirmed "mistake". I want it fixed. I felt it wasn't right, & now I know

Yep, the paint store will help you with primer. Live and learn, good luck going forward!

I don't think black was a bad choice...if that is what you wanted them we can make it work. I would suggest painting the back of the shelves an accent color to help brighten up the space and make the items on the shelves pop instead of getting lost. I would then paint the mantel white to have a great contrast and make the black tiles stand out.

I agree with Stanton Designs about the mantle and accent color in the back of the shelves and I really like the way the TV disappears with the black paint. Also blends with the black metal spindles on the stair case.

I like your instinct to use the black and try to make the wall come together with your flat screen TV and fireplace. I see where you are headed, but the entire wall is going TOO Dark. You need to lighten up this with some contrasting accents pieces-- or better yet, paint the inside of your bookshelves a lighter shade that coordinates with the overall color of your butterscotch colored mantle and fireplace.

Here are some other black room ideas that I put in an idea file for my own future design projects. Designers pull off this look best when they counter the dark color with some form of contrast to make the black and accents "pop"... http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4738325/thumbs/Black-Rooms

Here are some additional ideas in my idea file on entertainment centers-- http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/quser/cynthia_hamil/Entertainment

Here's an idea, this is more stark showing a contrast with black and white-- but you could imitate this look with the shades in your fireplace mantle and your bookshelves. http://www.houzz.com/projects/88868/Whimsical-Chicago-Traditional

Black wall would never be a good idea. Go with a charcoal gray and a cream colored mantlepiece.

Black wall would never be a good idea. Go with a charcoal gray and a cream colored mantlepiece.

Black wall would never be a good idea. Go with a charcoal gray and a cream colored mantlepiece.

The black was not a mistake just a learning experience....there is a color called pinion green...adorable and dark...at the other end of the spectrum is a butter yellow...like chiffon..be very careful. It must be soft and elegant. I would repaint the wall, the natural wood of the fireplace is adorable.

The black was not a mistake just a learning experience....there is a color called pinion green...adorable and dark...at the other end of the spectrum is a butter yellow...like chiffon..be very careful. It must be soft and elegant. I would repaint the wall, the natural wood of the fireplace is adorable.

Mantel white and the back walls of the built-ins white may look very good.

I like the wood grain in your mantle. It adds an "earthy" element to your living area, you would lose that if you paint the wood.

I took everyone's advise.

The question is- Do you like it now?

I think it still lacks. I would like to see the surround done in a dark neutral that compliments your furniture. Perhaps something like this: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/weatheredoak or this: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/junglecanopy

I LOVE the way it turned out @piper4. You should be proud. You went with a bold idea, then tweaked it until it worked for you. This room looks professionally staged! Come do mine next!!!!

I'm glad you kept the black and went with the white mantlepiece.I think using mirror to back the shelves would make it even more interesting.