I can tell by your photos that you must love those black and white chevron drapery panels! Unfortunately the scale of the pattern really fights with the brickwork- which is a distraction. That said- the first thing I would do is replace the panels (at least the ones next to the fireplace ) with either a solid or much larger pattern.

Good suggestion about the curtains. Could they be removed altogether? Or, if you need something there, a roman blind or drapes in a textured raw linen?
The fireplace is a bit of a puzzle. The supporting posts don't fit with the insert. Could they be removed?

Slightly lightening the color of the fireplace to a neutral shade pastel would make a difference. It would make this space suddenly pop. Your beautiful sofa chairs would be warm and inviting against a contrasting pastel shade. Your sofa chairs would suddenly pop! It would tie the entire space together. All the colors on your mantle would suddenly become harmonious.

It is the color of the mantle that is distracting. First I would double the support on the upright portions then face with lauan to smooth out, and paint it all your white trim color. You can also trim out the mantle parts. Either replace the insert or repaint all metal parts flat fireplace black. Add one piece of very large art or a very large round framed mirror..maybe with a white frame. Add a larger rug in front..maybe a sisal or look alike. The chevron drapes look just fine.

P.S. I would NOT paint the brick.

Agree on the chevron clashing with the brick. The panel also spoils the shape of the entire fireplace. Could you get away with just on panel on that window?

As Barbara suggest, the mantle needs to be painted your trim color and paint the insert black.

New art or a mirror would help as would pulling the chairs back a little from the fireplace.

Hi - You don't need to paint that brick ,- it's a nice color and has a good texture . The problem I see is the mantel surround , it's the wrong color and a bit too rustic for the house . Just add a plain clean box mantel (no sides )and paint it a satin black. Then have a big round mirror over the mantel as big as will fit . Look at the ones at Restorationhardware.com. I do agree with the others about the drape panels -- too busy against the brick and there is not enough panels . You could just add plain panels so the patterned ones are away from the brick and are just an inside accent panel . Maybe a softer texture or pattern would look better . Linen or that look is always a good choice . Looks like a nice house , but the floor plan seems a little different .

No, you don't have to paint the fireplace, but the chevron drapes do not work with the brick as is. If you want to leave the brick, I'd switch the drapes. If you want to keep the drapes, I'd paint the brick. From the looks of the rest of the house it appears you are trying to go more modern. Painting the brick white will help tie it all together. Also, white brick is timeless. It won't ever go out of style (even if the mantle choice does, the white brick won't).

Hi! I think a mirror would look great above the mantel! Here are a few suggestions:

http://deciture.com/shop/decor/7/ansley-mirror/

http://deciture.com/shop/decor/7/barcelona-wall-mirror/

Everyone seems to be of like mind. The chevron pattern could be repurposed by covering pillows with the fabric for the chairs. Solid color drape will enhance the brick. The mantle needs to surround the insert, not leave huge gaps of brick between the insert and the legs of the mantle. Either remove legs or triple their width and move them inward. If this is a working fireplace painting the insert could be tricky. I love giant black and whites of loved ones over the fireplace. Mine are in an old wood window. My other fireplace has a large flat screen mounted above the mantle.

here are some samples