Surrounding bookshelves with closed door storage near the bottom is a classic look. Paint to match bricks. Remove or paint mantel to match and contemporize. Objects you put on the shelves will add any color or interest you need.

Sorry, I meant to say paint everything white.

This is rough but shows built-ins below the mantle height.

To go one step further, you could add open shelving above the closed storage for things you might want to display adding balance and visual interest.

Find two vintage wood chests in same stain as your floors for either side with your art above it. Or something like this with floating shelves. The room seems on cool side, so use wood that matches your floors for cabinet/chests or floating shelves.

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Here's something like palimset posted--bookcase or cabinet all the way across and incorporating the mantel into the carpentry.

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Here are a few ideas for you from our designs. Take note of what we did on either side of the fireplace.

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