I actually like the fireplace - I think it is unique. However, I think I would paint that whole wall the same color as what you have above the fireplace, to reduce the contrast. Then I would rearrange the furniture so that you have chairs near it to embrace it, not fight it. JMO

Can you provide a closeup of the fireplace? What is it made out of? Like joanie38, from what I can see I like the fireplace. And I would agree that painting the entire wall the same color and rearranging the furniture closer to the fireplace might help.

I like it. It's clearly a piece of architectural salvage from a different house (at least from what I can see), and it is a bit much for the spareness of the rest, but I think has character and I would probably try to embrace it.

Since it is an Italianate fireplace, I would probably get a large Italianate mirror or overmantle and treat that whole middle segment as a unit --the picture and sconces are kind of dwarfed by it, right now.

If it's marble, I'd love it, and want to go all glam. But it's not your style, nor the style of your house. The high windows are too wide to look right, etc. I'd consider painting the entire wall mushroom to lessen the disjointedness. If you post more photos of the room, you may have more suggestions.

Something to break up the expanse of windows might help. For example, large hanging green plant, or a couple of tall glass vases -- something along those lines.

Is it marble? Maybe post a close up and more views of the room and we can help. I also agree with painting the wall all one color.

I'd take a shot at Joanie38's idea.

Personally I like the fireplace but then I've also hated the tile surround of my fireplace for 11 years, 1 month. And like you - w/ a passion. I do have plans though. Those are about 11 years old!

From what I can see of the room, everything is rectangles, except for the fireplace. The windows to either side of the FP look more arts and crafts style. So there is somewhat of a discongruity (is that even a word, lol) to the room.

I like the FP and it looks like a quality surround. And it does give some relief to all the rectangles.

I personally would keep the FP, and would try to introduce some more curves to the room, I would probably take out the bookshelf to the right, and perhaps put in a chair that had some french style curves to the legs, and angle it in. I like the idea of a large ornate mirror on top of the FP. Maybe try to swag the curtains with a cord. Perhaps an oval coffee table.

In other words, try to soften the room a bit. But if that is just not your style, then it is not going to help you like that FP.

Not a problem. I think I would go with painting the whole back wall the darker colour since I have the dark tv and bookcase. I think part of it has to be the starting point. When we moved in the walls were baby blue, the mantle was golden oak and the hearth was raised with shiny black stone with a golden oak trim. I painted out the gold trim on the fireplace too (the doors and the vent were gold). All in all, a not so great room. As far as moving the furniture that's not really possible as it's not a big room by any means, maybe 13 x 16. Oh, we do plan on replacing the floors with a wider planks and a darker colour (hopefully sooner than later) so I will even take ideas for a new hearth. This is something we knew was temporary and thus inexpensive. Yes, it is a salvage piece and there is some history, I would have to contact the previous home owners (who we are still friends with) as to what it was. I don't think I would demo it but advertise it for the taking for whoever would like to remove. It is marble and unfortunately, the people who put it in really did a terrible job as in it is misaligned and they went so far as to colour in the light marble with permanent marker, no joints line up, it's off center. So, my beef is if it was so important to you to have this piece - hire professionals to install as the original homeowners did it themselves. I will even take suggestions for the mantle.

Rough photoshop with consistent wall color around fp:

I would post an ad on Craigslist and see if someone will take it. It sounds like you really don't like it and I know when I am unhappy with something it's best to try something different. Otherwise, I usually spend countless hours trying to make things work and end up being unhappy (and tired from the work!).

Since it's not original to the home, I would just take it out and put in what you want if that's in the budget.

Though it's a beautiful antique it doesn't fit the bones of your home. In fact I think it sticks out like a sore thumb and can't see anyway to embrace it without remodeling your home. Widening the trim and baseboard and such. Since you've stated it's not your style, I too would get rid of it. I'm sure there's someone out there that would love to have it for free if they remove it. Not sure where you live, but if there are Victorian homes being restored they'd love to have something original to their era for free. Then you can replace it with something that fits your home and style.

Right, right and right. We are in a twenty year old home, in this room you have a country view, trees, pine and wild life so it's just not fitting. My birthday is coming up and I might try that route (it's my 40th, and usually you get away with a lot with that number;)). BTW, the windows were for my 39th bday as it was a dark, dreary room before. So, as pointed out, they are arts and crafts in style and I think I am too. I could imagine someone wanting the fireplace as many of you said you really like it. And, if I can get someone to come to my home and manually dig out two pine trees (which I advertised one time) I'm sure someone would take a nice fireplace.

Good for you Cookie! Use those birthdays to get what you want. Ha ha ha. I gotta love a girl that knows what she wants and how to get it.