Clad the brick in tile, get a new fireplace frame and paint the bookcases.

If you don't plan to do anything other than rearrange your existing shelves I suggest that you remove1 shelf in each vertical run and install bigger accessories for a bolder statement. Here are some ideas !

To freshen up the mantel search other rooms of your home to see what new and interesting arrangement you can come up with!

We spray painted our old brass fireplace screen about a year ago and still love the big difference it makes

Add some decorative tile or stone around the fireplace to give it a facelift. Ecxluding the mantel, paint the bricks and bookcases a creamy color. Maybe the bricks in a flat finish and the bookcases in a high gloss.

The mantel could have a large painting framed in oak and leaning against the brick [as you have now], with objects that are different heights - like in keitha's photo above.

Arranging items in a bookcase can be challenging but not if you follow a few simple ideas. Keep the things displayed limited to 2 or 3 different categories. Books, baskets & pottery; books & collectables. If you have a collection that would fill a shelf, group them together. Use more books than you have in there now - especially if you are a reader.

Remove the little curtains you have covering the wood storage cubbies. Logs and kindling stacked are great to see and it just makes sense to see them.

I had a similar problem with the fireplace. I got a contractor to break the bricks down and do some drywall around the area. Then I had a very sleek, granite slab fireplace built around it, which is smaller, efficient and looks great.
I would also suggest, you take the book cases down and get an entertainment table for the TV on the right and maybe a contemporary shelf for the left, where you can put up books as well as art pieces. Hope it helps.