Also not a pro. My first impression is that the fireplace is nice and I would probably keep the stone. I agree with Mel about changing the tile hearth, though I have no suggestions for you. As well, the mantle looks “off.” I’m wondering if a heftier, rough hewn piece of wood might be better, just my non-designer 2 cents.

Would not paint the stone. Agree about better matching hearth and heftier mantel, but I think that the fireplace looks great with the wood ceiling. Maybe find a striking decorative screen to add a little refined element? Start filling in the accents of the room, with some color -- art, rug, et.

I would paint it, but would look for a custom painter who can do a faux effect that looks natural. Like in this blog. https://thedecorologist.com/so-what-should-you-yabba-dabba-do-with-a-flintstone-fireplace/

Your room is almost there...just needs a focal point better. Paint the wall at fp a color in stone.

A tan will be good.

Iron mountain another good color.

After seeing the link provided above, I would consider the faux paint, and professionally done as others mentioned. My other suggestion if you’re not opposed to a larger expense would be to apply a veneer to update it. We just did ours and I’m really happy with it (we also replaced the mantel, hearth, & door). It’s one of those things where we keep saying we wished we’d done it sooner.

I think the stone is not a problem. i agree with other posters that state changing the hearth and i would change the mantel to a thicker wood similar to your ceiling.

Thanks, all! Great points, and appreciate all of the ideas. I completely agree that the room needs a few more design elements. I have a decorative screen coming that's been delayed since April that's going to add a little something. I know I need a rug. I think I will focus on hearth update and mantle upgrade next in lieu of paint right now for the fireplace specifically. I do not want to spend serious $$ right now because this house has needed a lot of updates and we're still going, even though I do like the idea of faux painting but the quote I received when I looked into it was way out of our budget (but I do love the idea!). For the tile hearth, I am not sure what to do ..maybe we can veneer that with something?? Not sure. Again, thanks so much.

Looking at photo again how about a solid piece of gray or black slate for the hearth?

Another one that really likes the fireplace as it is, except for the hearth, which goes with absolutely nothing.

No. You can never go back.

I think a slightly darker wall paint color in a grayer color would help it stand out less (not painted on stone - painted on wall). Same with non brown furniture. Your current paint and furniture bring out the color of the stone.

The colors is too dark I think if we use white colors is better

Agree stone looks good you need stone hearth and stained wood mantel. The old tile and to small white mantel is the problem

It needs a new mantle in a wood finish. The hearth should be stone, but If you cannot swing that they at least make it darker so it recedes in appearance.

You can order the new mantle off Amazon.

Perhaps trying a heftier mantle and redoing the hearth would help here.

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I would do a reclaimed wood mantel, sides and hearth and a dark teal/green on that wall (like your accent pillows. Here's a super quick (and very messy, but for the visual) mock up for you.

Thank you for the additional comments! Great ideas!! I removed the white mantle and already a huge impact. Getting ready to work on hearth.