I don’t think your space is really minimalistic, per se; at least it seems like you have a lot going on with the fireplace. But I think that I understand your general perspective.

I do not see a mantel working with your fireplace and setup/style.

I think you could definitely use something in the center portion - to balance the whole look.

Most of the time, I prefer a mirror for a fireplace; but I am really not seeing a mirror with your setup.

I think that some type of art... and it could also be metal art. As far as paper or canvas art: over a fire/heat generating fireplace is one of, if not the very worst of places, to display it (according to art preservation circles). So, you do not want to use any paper or canvas art there that has any monetary and/or sentimental value.

You could really go bold, and it could be stunning. But you can go simple and minimalistic, too.

Here are just a few general views:

Art is very personal. Etsy.com is one good resource - for all types of art.

Grouping accessories correctly is essential.

A 3 Dimensional 'found object' over the fireplace could be interesting.

One more rectangular item in your room becomes overbearing and BORING!.

Thank you! It’s so fun to see actual examples of what could be done. I should figure out how to do that on my own! firedefinitely does get hot on the wall right above the fireplace so

Wow, you’re right! Everything is square or rectangular

I'd leave off the mantel and use paint instead. Take the whole center section, from the outer edges of the tile straight up to the ceiling, one or two shades deeper than the room. A warm taupe or muted olive would separate it from the cabinets without adding another chunky line. Then leave the area above the fire mostly empty because it gets hot. On top of the cabinets, I'd keep only the plant on the right and add one low lamp or vase on the left at a similar height. That would balance the wall without filling every surface.

Above the fireplace is a perfect place for artwork.

Consider adding a mantle with artwork above in the style you love. Ai wants to have no plants or too many plants.

I also think you need a coffee table.

I think the examples of using a mantle and artwork look fabulous! It is important to choose the right shade of wood and place it where suggested.
The wall looks better with a mantle that extends the “line” of the two side pieces. Once I saw those, I agree the wall looks better.

IMO the TV ruins the beautiful built ins. I would move the chairs opposite where they are now and put the TV on that wall. I think the sofa could then be moved back a bit towards the dining table. Then DIS' first picture would be lovely

The first thing I noticed was the feeling of imbalance, due to where the top of the fireplace surround ends and not sure if adding art/or even a mantle will help. If you are fine keeping as is, you have received lots of ideas.

Imagine below, which will create a more unified and attractive focal wall (it looks fine with the middle section sticking out a bit).

vs (stained)

Craftsman style windows, treat the mantel as part of the cabinets. Go with the same stain color for the mantel and stain those windows to make it all one scheme.

Like your furniture; you need a darker rug to work with the stain and the pattern in the chairs.

I wouldn't add a traditional mantel here as such. With the built-ins already creating strong horizontal lines, I think another one across the middle could make the wall feel a little chopped up. I'd actually take the fireplace surround higher instead.

A simple stacked stone could work really well in that center section - something fairly quiet rather than heavily textured. I'd look at something made for fireplace surrounds, like Nextstone or similar. There are quite a few styles out there that could give you the look without making the fireplace feel too heavy. I'd probably carry it up to around the height of the built-ins, then leave the upper wall simple with one piece of art.

And I agree with "less is more" above the cabinets. I'd probably leave them mostly empty.

A quick visualization with the help of chastgpt:

I love that! You said no mantle but the image above has kind of a mini-mantle or trim piece at the top of the stone that looks good to my non-decorator eyes! Thank you so much for the ideas!

As the pictures show you were correct to think a mantle needs to be even with the two built ins and the fireplace brick/tile needs to meet the mantle. It will be a great improvement.

Another option worth considering is turning the whole fireplace wall into a media wall — paneling or slat cladding around the fireplace with the TV mounted above and hidden storage either side. It gives the wall a real focal point and solves the cable clutter in one go. I found lots of layout ideas for exactly this kind of project at https://mediawallsideas.com — their guides cover clearances, mounting heights and cable routing. Whatever you decide, I'd keep the palette quiet so the fireplace stays the hero of the room.

Skip the mantel. One vertical 18x24 centered on the tile above the firebox gives the middle section its focal point without fighting the built-ins. Something from outside those windows, like trees or a bird, ties the wall to the view.

Full disclosure, I'm a nature artist, and I'm testing one sentence about what I do: "For the person standing in front of a big, empty wall they see every day: send me one photo of it, and I'll tell you the one nature print and size that belongs there, so the room is finished without redesigning it." What's the first thing that comes to mind when you read it?

So cool! I just watched your YouTube!