what does that side of the house look like on the outside? is this a single story home? possibly a skylight

Here is the backside of the home.

In the second picture the wall seen is that load bearing? What’s on the other side of it...

Lisa, I am not sure if that wall is load bearing, but assume so. It was originally the side of the home as the room on the other side is one step down and was a patio that was enclosed to create an interior room.

It will be pricey and not easy but well worth it to add windows to that wall. If the other wall is an exterior wall, you could add windows there instead and hang art on the fireplace wall.

Of course it was load bearing it was an exterior wall.

You could try painting the ceiling white, adding recessed lighting. You could also try adding mirrors on each side of the fireplace to bounce the light around.

I can’t think of a time I’ve ever voted no to more windows in a living room :) We added large windows on each side of our living room fireplace and it definitely brightens the room!

What about skylights? Might be less than windows in that wall.

If it’s not cost prohibitive, then a big yes. Nothing changes a house as much as windows and natural light.

how about the wall opposite the fireplace... what is there does it go to the outside?

I think it’s easier if you show whole floor plan ... boy what a job to remove that stone and put windows, but defined doable,,, then yu could see the back yard...

Maybe french doors that open onto the deck?