Well I might change more in this room than the fireplace- but I feel the fireplace should set the tone. Here are some shots- this TV area opens onto the kitchen so I tried to include the whole picture. The cabinets look orange in the photo- they aren't. Thanks.

You just need to kick up the FP décor. 1st take off all those tiny items. I really can't see the picture above FP, but it looks nice. get some items that will enhance the colors in the picture for the mantel. Add a potted plant or a couple of tall vases to add interest to the hearth.

You have a VERY Traditional space and the entire room is in neutral colors. If you want to kill the boredom that you have described I would add texture and color. All your surfaces are smooth and lack texture and everything is a shade of beige or brown. You have not stated what your budget is so we are all shooting in the dark. But if you are game to change the stone I would use a ledgerstone that has some deeper colors to add an interesting focal point. The photo that I have included is a project that we did that was very contemporary, but it is the ledgerstone that I am wanting to show you.

Both those ideas are good. Yes, it does need more- I just removed some stuff I was tired of. And the ledge stone is something I like a lot- in fact I had just done a screen shot of a similar stone, although I like this better because it has more color. Would you leave the wood alone?

This is the one I saw-

Once again, depends on your budget. Maybe stain it a deeper color. That particular ledgerstone that we used in the project I posted is RockRidge. In person the colors are spectacular. There is deep rust/gray chocolate brown and lots of variations of creme and beige. It would give the room some nice oomph! I like that the scale of the rows of stone is rather slim which makes for a less rustic look-a bit more sophisticated.

Go with the deeper toned ledge stone, and don't be afraid to put it on yourself! I went to a 15-minute how-to-tile class at Home Depot, and then laid 5200 s.f. of tile over the next two years with help only on grouting. I went on to add 3 tons of stone to walls, walkways, a barbecue, firepit and patio, and it was the most gratifying work I've ever done. Have a stone mason come work with you for a half-day to get the project on track and going right once you have assembled all the right materials. Perhaps you'll find a 50+ woman like me. I wish I lived nearby. Good luck! Susan

I really like it a lot and will try to find it in our area. I looked at your whole project and it is lovely. I am up for changing the stone- I really don't like what is there at all. Thanks

Jayhawkker- that's wonderful! I was wondering if the old tile needs to be removed or not.

I think I would take the old tile off to make a rougher surface to which the ledger stone can adhere. I often use a baseboard-pulling tool called the Wonder Bar in a couple of sizes and a hammer to accomplish this. Be sure to wear protective eyewear!

Design Intervention- would you mind telling me who makes Rockridge? I'm looking for it without much luck.

Here is a resource. I believe the MIng Valley is very similar to the one used in the project photo.

http://www.sparkstone.com/SS/NaturalStone/ViewByLedger.htm

Golden Ray ledgerstone from the resource above would also look great.