I would paint the walls the same color (grey) as in the rest of the house. Kept paneling the beautiful wood it is. If you want to brighten the room you could whitewash the brick, but I like it the way it is. Just add lots of colorful books/ knickknacks and artwork. This give you a nice background as it is.

Maybe a light gray or different shades of white and gray in the room.

Can the fireplace mantle be removed?

Paint the cabinets trim color, to allow the fireplace to stand out (grey) -- otherwise you'll just have a bulky heap of gray stuff over there. It will be substantial enough if it fades a bit into the background.

Room seems very dark and very brown. Adding rope lighting above cabinets and to the shelves would help. Even papering the back of the shelves (light grass paper?) would brighten things up.

Interiors- Fireplace · More Info

Just to confuse you...you could embrace the dark richness of the space. Replace wood spindles with iron ones. Add a darker shade to the wall and ceiling. Go for the English manor gentleman's library look. Lots of floor lamps, plants.

New England Resort Home · More Info

The English manor: You could add the Juliet style balcony molding to your sort of timid one.

Traditional Living Room · More Info