It would be helpful to see other parts to this room.

You could paint the brick a lighter color to contrast with the dark wood beam
https://www.houzz.com/photos/2012-fall-parade-of-homes-contemporary-living-room-minneapolis-phvw-vp~1577886
or install bookshelves on both sides. Whatever floats your boat

It's a living dining combo so to speak but the area we use as a sitting area is quite small. You are right in your observation. 14x13 adding the dining area it's 14x26.

another angle

...and one more...fireplace wall to the right on perpendicular wall

For sure paint the brick. It will totally change the look of the room and brighten it up!

We have pretty much decided to use this face stone on the old brick fireplace in a place we bought up north. It is called Baoding Crème Random and it is on sheets and costs $12.99 a square foot from The Tile Shop.

I am wondering if we helped rearrange the room and the mantle if you would feel a little better about this part of your home.

I would either rip it all out to gain a few inches and use a smaller surround with mantle, or I would consider stripping the mantle, stain, sand and gloss it to match the stair railings. Replace the wire mesh screen with a glass door frame. Add 2 or 3 prints/paintings which blend with the room colors but also please my visionary senses. I actually rather like the statement that your brick wall makes. It is bold and definitely commands attention.