I have a similar look along one wall in my living room. I have NO wall exposed, it is all wood book shelves and brick fireplace. Very dark on that end of the room. I spoke with a decorator, she suggested to start by putting a colorful picture above the fireplace in place of the wood penulum clock we have up there now to have some color pop. We considered putting our TV in the space but have read comments of 'neck strain' from lookin up to watch TV so we nixed that idea. Still looking at more ideas so will watch the comments you get.

There is plenty of more wall to the left of this area with tall ceilings and a lot of natural light from the window wall so I thought I would go dark since the kitchen/breakfast room area would have white cabinets with rubbed edges

Paint White even with stack stone on and around firplace? Would you go to a simpler mantel with no scrolls?

love stacked stone to the ceiling!!

I'm not sure if you use PinInterst, but if you do search Updating built in bookcases. They have some great ideas. I like the white bookcases with the contrast paint or wallpaper on the back of the bookcase. Good Luck with you project.

Thank you and I will go to pinterest and check that out

NP... share a picture of your finished project. :)

I will be glad to show off the after pictures, can't wait

Of course everything will be different as this is not my home just yet. Nothing will be kept as is so I am sure I will be asking for advise as I go.

I like the tv where it is...larger tv over fireplace would be way too big. Maybe you can install a swivel out mounting system for the tv with more options of viewing. Like stack stone idea.