I am wondering why you have decide to make the change?

I Do like the lighter stone option with a more modern mantel piece... Creating a 'recess nook'

is something I would rethink. What is that vertical image to the right of the fireplace area?

can you orient your room to include the wall to the right and mount the TV there?

Recessing a TV alters the sound system integrated into the wall mounted TV, creating a specific size recessed nook limits the size of any TV, and the recess is a permanent recess, if you decide you'd like to move the TV to another location... it's too permanent.

Have you ever considered tiling the wall and removing the built ins all together and merely buying free standing furniture pieces to use in the indent?

Symmetry is a personal choice, often SIMILAR but not the exact copy is do able. As in a small chest of drawers with a framed art piece and a table lamp, or a complimentary height piece of sculptur, etc on the other. Create your own curated style, not a furniture showroom image.

I would put your two patterned chairs together on either side of the coffee table with that small cocktail/end table between and Get a couple more for the other side or another sofa.

Everyone sees something different... Do you need a ceiling fan? a light fixture could be more interesting.

My choice would be to remove the white cabinets. But keep in mind, I am personally not a huge fan of installing storage around a fireplace. Also, just aesthetically speaking, imo the existing white cabinets are not doing much for the space and new design. If you wanted to bring in storage there, you could always bring in some free standing cabinets at some point.

Thread from yesterday:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6594370/fireplace-makeover#n=10

I'm wondering why you have two posts going about the same dilemma? Didn't like yesterdays good suggestions?

Judy, Yesterday, I was asking about the brick...surround or to the ceiling. Today, I'm asking in regard to the built-ins beside the fireplace...shelving or no shelving, etc. The answers I received in regard to the brick were very helpful.

You did not need to post this but IMO wait until the FP is done then decide about the cabinets. IMO some much nicer art above them might be a good choice .No shelving .

I like the idea of keeping the cabinets as is but adding art above them. IMO, shelves would be too busy with everything else going on on that wall, especially because you'll then need to fill the shelves. Let the fireplace be the main focal point and use the artwork to enhance it, rather than pull attention away from it.