Unfortunately am not a big fan of the tall cabinets on each side of the fireplace. They compete with the fireplace itself and really sort of overpower it. Might suggest that you paint them white. Don't think adding wood strips would achieve much for you. Painting the wall dark might work well as it would bring focus to the fireplace itself.

Can we see more of the room? My first thought is paint the cabinets same color as the walls. Maybe something less yellow.

You already have too much going on in this area. The door of cabinets and mantle already feel out of place and will feel even more so with urban bronze. I’d simplify everything by painting canimets and mantle.

I would not add more wood with those cabinets and agree you should consider painting them before you do anything.

The style of the mantle and cabinets is not in keeping with the modern style of the fireplace.

I would paint the cabinets the same colour as the walls, paint the mantel in black, replace the hardware for black along with new art and mantel decor.

Please explain the vertical wood strips.

I am wonder why Urbane Bronze? Yes, I would paint the wall, but a color to extend the stone on the surround.

I would also paint the flanking cabinets white to match the trim on the windows, so it looks like it is all the same milled wood.

IMO that mantel with those clumsy brackets needs to go or be replaced by a floating mantel.

Here's your wall with the mantel removed.

Everything selected for the area is warm in tone except for the marble surrounding the fireplace. The trick will be to make the marble look like it wasn't a mistake.

I think you should take better advantage of the vertical space you have above the fireplace. Your art is too short for that wall.

Here is a new minimal mantle & vertical art.

You could consider painting the cabinets.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and taking the time to provide visual examples.

Not sure why you're posting if you've already decided to keep the mantel and art work in that spot. Those are the very features that date the fireplace. If you want an updated look, then remove the clunky, old fashioned mantel. Relocate the art work, which is too small for the tall fireplace. The side cabinets also add to the heaviness that compromises the elegant fireplace. Either repaint the cabinets to match the walls, remove them, or replace with floating shelves.

You haven't shown all four sides of your living room so we can evaluate the fireplace wall in its entire setting. Please provide more photos.

Cosmetic updates on 1980s home · More Info

One last comment: the fireplace would look far more elegant without the cabinets at all. I say that because both lisedv and beverly show them painted--a small improvement--but honestly, even painted they look like school lockers!

I would remove the mantle and paint the cabinets the same as the wall color - I wouldn’t remove them bc there is probably not flooring underneath the and i am too cheap to want a big flooring project

Can you tell us why the mantle has to stay as is?

If you won't paint the cabinets, at least paint the vent covers a color that matches the stain of the cabinets. Or replace with wood ones.

Agree with others. Painting the cabinets would give the update you're looking for.

I would remove all the fake foliage.

Not good idea for wooden slat , neither for urban bronze. I tried mockup both and I do not like how it looks.

Too many colors already present in room, not working well together.