You appear to have an eclectic taste- mixing antiques with some contemporary lines. Going from your welcoming table of neutrals and greens, pick a soft white or cream for walls, get an insert of logs for the fireplace (electric glow -the white candles draw your eye to the fireplace which you said you didn't like). Add a wood mantel with metal and green touches, arrange your books in nice bins and pass on the ones you'll never read again. Add a large picture above the mantel of a scene you do love.

You have a beautiful home! The wall color is warm and inviting... maybe with a few bright accessories you would feel better about it... have you thought about painting the fireplace brick to lighten up the space... (creamy white) I could see a large minor with sconces on both sides. declutter your book shelves, place some colored vases and sm. picture frames .. have fun with color and enjoy creating!

If the room is dark, you just need to go with any lighter color. Some colors look light when you pick them out, but end up being too dark on the wall. My suggestion is to choose a color and gat some samples... or go with one to two shades lighter than you would normally choose. You have a lot of taupe in there, you may want to choose a color on the wall that compliments that. Greens, blues, even some grays will look good and more up to date. Add some dark brown accessories if you wish to add more depth to the room. I would have to agree with the first person... taking down the current fireplace surround and adding a wood colored craftsman style mantle or surround. Personally, I love the plain mantle tops (no surround). I think they are beautiful, esp. in a reclaimed wood. If you can't afford to replace right now, consider painting the fireplace brick, if possible. You could stain the wood a darker color, or paint the wood pieces. One or the other will definitely brighten that particular area up. I'm sorry to say that is probably the only way that you will be able to change the look of that area. I hope that I have helped!