Wow - we need to see the entire space. Add pictures in the comment section. Remove the bins and everything on the shelf & hearth to start.

Really there is no way to help with no context . Waht is that ? Post pics of the whole space tell us what that is and its purpose too. Post all here in comments DO NOT start another post .

If you want to receive helpful advice, you’ll have to provide information regarding what exactly you are considering to update (walls, brick/fireplace, decor only) and a picture of your room to know what it feels like in order to complement.

Is that or was that a fireplace?

clean out the space and take a picture of the whole room.

Do you need closed storage for these items included in the photo?

Good grief. One photo? Please show the entire living room from all four sides.

Here is how to post a Design Dilemma to get the best results. You need to show the whole space—all four sides of an entire space—even if it’s about one specific Dilemma.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6417709/unofficial-design-dilemma-boot-camp

Keep in mind that you're inviting some design pros and people with a design eye into your home via photos. If they walked into your actual space, they would take in all of it: all four sides, doorways, floors, windows, ceiling, trim--the "givens"--then the features that can be changed--furnishings, paint, art, rugs, decor items, etc. It's all one first impression. Same thing with photos. That's why it's important to provide well lit photos of the entire space, taken from all sides of a room regardless of the size of your problem.

Yes, any further explanation/pics help us have a better idea of what things are/layout of room, etc. THANKS!