I would paint the built-in and mantle white.

HI -- I love fireplaces but this one is so busy looking with all the light colored grout lines . Take everything off and darken the grout lines and then add something that covers over the little niches , be it a big mirror or prefer a painting . If that isn't enough to make it look better , then cover some of the brick ,either the top part and or on the sides with drywall , and then finish and paint . The bottom of the cabinet ... that white piece should be re-moved or painted a darker color . All the wood work , you might find it will need to be darkened too. after the grout is darkened . Take it a step at a time starting with the grout .

It is not a modern piece. It is probably of the time of this house. Don't try to make it into something it isn't. I think you have dressed it properly. Please do not try to do anything to the grout. Embrace it for the beauty that it is.

What an awesome wall! The only thing I do not care for is the wood in the built in and mantle. May we see the rest of the space to base ideas on?

Here are a couple angles of the room. I like the brick wall just not the mantle or built-in.....that's were you help comes in:-) Behind me is a jean couch with boxes on it as we are remodeling our kitchen. Thank you so much for your ideas.....all are appreciated!!

I think it's a great statement fireplace. Since it's busy and dark, I think you just need to switch out the decor to things that are lighter and solid colors. That way they brighten the fireplace, mantle and hutch without detracting from it. And try to keep the scale of the items you choose on the larger side too.

I like your urn, it looks familiar :-)

Thank you for your suggestions.

I like some of your folksy things a lot... and then seeing the handiwork to the left too.... My thought is to photoshop a British? creamy paint where the wood is stained, because it would lessen the dark look, and still traditional.

Are you willing to replace the mantle and built in? Or just paint?

Some ideas

Before you do anything to the room, hire a Room Stager to come out and stage the room with your own item and fill in with the stagers suggestions. Could look stunning where as now it looks not as good as it could. Sort of tired if you will. Only one day of moving things around!

I am willing to paint or replace the mantle.

Soosun2...that is a great idea!!!!

Grover's - its shapes and lines are 'seen'....

Wow. I'm with Grover. Those small changes make the fireplace wall sing. Beautiful and satisfying.

WOW, what a difference!!
Thank you for that Image, Grover!!

Look in' finished and arresting!

Soosun2- Where would I find finished and arresting? It didn't come up in the search box.