Here are the other color options

Try getting a piece of metal cut with the exact measurements of the fireplace trim and not higher than the frame of the birch logs. Get the steel cut with plasma cutter to make horizontal and vertical grooves Possibly set the piece away from the all a bit and light from behind.

Matt I agree with the contrasting power of a deep. How do you think it would work with the floor color and low light dining area, and how to reconcile with the darkening effect in the low light dining space...

Anna I really like where you're headed. So effectively you mean to aesthetically frame the fireplace with a brush stroked steel?

No. Leave the fireplace as is. Also the wall colour. Keep the same or get something similar. Does not greatly effect my idea. The steel would be like an art pc above. No frame just the plasma cut steel on the wall set away about 1 inch or 2

The two sides can offer an opportunity to work with same material but different shapes. Is on side without logs maybe two plates narrow and long from ceiling to 6in above fireplace

To me it's not the covering on the wall but the missing feature that needs attention...

Here is one more photo from the kitchen view.

Lisa, I agree with leelee. Regardless of the color you pick for the wall your dining area will probably still be quite monochromatic and the empty space above the FP will need somthing to balance the rest of the wall.

If neutral colors are your thing, perhaps, you can have a piece of black&white or sepia-toned art or a wall sculpture above the fireplace. We have some art that can work there. If you are interested, you can check it out. Enjoy and good luck with updating the wall!... Raisa

Thank you everyone I'm toying with the deep tile and modern art above fireplace on both sides. I think I'll keep the wine racks too.

Illuminated architectural graphic glass panel design with your colour choices same width as fireplace but little longer. Mounted flush into the wall with LED backlit frame in aluminum powder coated gunmetal grey. Cheers

I think you should also go with the dark brown tile. The color and texture, combined with the birch tree element, will truly make that wall a centerpiece of the house! If you're worried about the dimness of the dining room, you could try hanging a mirror on that side roughly the same dimensions as your fireplace. Align the top edge with the top line of the wine rack, or possibly centering it height-wise between the ceiling and top of fireplace might work too. Just be mindful of scale and proportion!