I would remove the shelving you have since it does not appear to hold anything worth displaying so certainly not more of the same.If it was mine I would remove the stone and close in the space where the shelves are get a lienar ethanol FP and do a nice simple 12 x 24 porcelain tile for the FP surround and a much larger piece of art above the new FP. A very long thick mantel in a nice walnut. Sort of like this look but probably not the bottom shelf.

I do like that, but I feel like removing all the stone in an older house removes some of the character.

I do think it is a good idea to remove the shelves...maybe frame that space and ”cover“ the area.

I think it looks great and seems to suit the style of the house.

I think I might be forced to keep it assymetrical since the ceilings slopes.

I do like the way the bookshelf looks painted darker.

More books in the bookcase, less "stuff". I think some more imposing and bold artwork as well. That just sort of blends in...

I was thinking of maybe doing a faux fire wood feature in the top part of the shelving space.

Or possibly combining these two looks somehow..

The house has a lot of gray and breaking it up a bit would be good.

Jennifer’s idea of asymmetry would be best. Remove or darken the shelving area.

I would darken the shelving, leave the fireplace alone, and then make sure that you have nice accessories for the shelving, and the fireplace too.

so the common trends I’m seeing. No artwork above fireplace, darken shelves, embrace assymetry

I think a dark mantel across the entire fireplace, then paint the bookcase to match that and remove some of the shelves,(theres to many, its to busy) or you could add doors to the bookcase. Either full length or just the bottom half and leave top open shelves. Maybe something round over the mantel like a big clock or mirror and a taller art piece, vase or plant on the left side of the hearth.

I'd get rid of the that shelving and simplify the look

just do a nice mantle

I think you can have art on the fireplace wall, but you need something larger, and centered on the brick wall

I would definitely keep the shelves (can you ever have enough?) and embrace the asymmetry! I also agree that you have a great opportunity by creating a mantle that repeats the precedent set by the simple dark wood beams on the ceiling.

I rather like your fireplace. Don't like the screen much but since you are replacing with an ethanol burning unit that shouldn't present a problem. Am thinking you won't need a screen for that. I would declutter as much as you can. Looks like some of your display are Christmas decorations and I'm sure those have gone or will be going. I do like Jennifer Hogan's suggestion of a larger piece of art centered on the fireplace wall and not the firebox itself. I might suggest another piece of art though - something more organic and 3 dimensional. You might consider removing some of the individual shelves from you shelving just so that you can display larger objects. Good luck!

Is the shelving area deep enough to remove the shelves, add cushions and a light to create a cozy extra seat or reading nook? Leaving a shelf or two near the top will give you space for seasonal decor or a few favorite books or photos.

A thought was to create a reading book area. The space could do it.

Oh yes I like the reading nook idea!

Not a pro - I think the fireplace and asymmetrical shelves look good (except that the shelving unit should be completed in the sides so it looks like it goes to the ceiling instead of stopping 1-2’ below the ceiling). Would prefer a more natural looking wood flooring there.

I would prefer natural flooring in not dark beams, but it’s a remodel and replacing the flooring isn’t an option. i might get faux wood beams covers to go on top of the existing though.

I might have to cover the fireplace brick though as it doesn’t go with the modernist feel of the house.

Really? I don't think so. I think the brink looks nice and flows nicely with what I can see. I also like the dark beams, it provides nice contrast. And I don't think the bookcase ends to low. It's a vaulted ceiling, you can't really end it up in the ceiling. I like the reading nook idea, the dark mantel to match the beams and any shelves you do keep above the nook I would match the mantel and beams to tie it all together. Just my two cents. Post a pic when your done!!

I will, it’s not being done till April though....just planning for now.

This was the part I thought looked unfinished - like the left wall of the book case should extend up. I like the dark beams and wouldn’t cover them.

So that pic is from the previous homeowner. Honestly, I don't love the bookcase. It looks slightly wonky to me....look on the right side of it, you can see they used an existing bookcase and fit it into the spot. That's why I'm leaning towards framing it and covering it. I think it needs to look better.

The beams I think need to be the original color, but sanding them down would be a pain and very messy....so I'm thinking of using a faux beam product to do it.

But yes the mantle will be the same color as the beams.

This haven’t tackled fireplace yet. We are doing a mantle across the whole thing and a slatted cabinet. Here are some pics on how the rest is going.

This haven’t tackled fireplace yet. We are doing a mantle across the whole thing and a slatted cabinet. Here are some pics on how the rest is going.