Okay, it's a bit out there, but, would you consider painting the whole thing black?
[houzz=]
Wish I had my old photo shop, but let me see if I can make yours black for you...

Hi again melkmiller -- This is just for starters, but yikes, I love it! I've painted it black so that it can't be mistaken for Southwestern ever again, and with your mirror back in place, she looks like Spoffy's girlfriend. (Have you seen the thread about Spoffy the artful fireplace?) Have to say I wasn't sure until playing with the image, but I really like her in a charcoal or black. I think I'll call her "Spiffy."

I chopped the lower half from your TV stand, removed the hearth cushion, and put your TV in it's place, leaving you room for either an enormous sectional or at least a chair in the corner where it was. The hearth seating didn't look comfortable, and it was so much lower than the half wall on the other side; this looks more balanced to my eye.

If you like this, then the next step is to fall for some color in art or a rug and take that around the room and onto the window. (Heck, I don't even mind the beige so much with some contrast.)

Cursor over image for wide view. Any other ideas for melk, houzzers?

Interesting Barnhart but kind of looks like a Cyclops about to spew forth a storm of ash ;-)

The fireplace is pretty cool....but, yeah, I'm not seeing how you could integrate a modern feel. I totally get the whole "no southwest" thing. To me, it requires very strictly adhearing to an uncomfortable aesthetic. I see using this fireplace with an amazing, bold colored area rug; paint the walls a medium brown--not to dark. Some colorful bold pieces on the walls, be they Indian rugs or other textiles. Bright jewel colors will brighten up the room and compliment the fireplace. Table lamps for cozy lighting using dark shades for impact.

Interesting! I actually thought about painting the fireplace but you can't un paint it so I'm a little hesitant to do it... But am open to all ideas! Black may be too much of a commitment at this time,but like where you are going :)

I could grow to love Spiffy. What about some colour for pillows. The room is looking a little beige. What is that in the corner to the left of the tv?

Someone suggested painting the walls gray....?thoughts?

Condomary there is a foldable table my roommate left in the corner, and on the floor is a red and yellow leather little floor cushion

Yes I want to add color just don't know what color will look good with the stone fireplace

Oooh, I like the idea for black on the fireplace -- but the room is so small, it may be too much. If you had a grand living room or great room, I would say go for it!

Another option may be painting the walls a contrasting color that still fits with your stuff and eclectic style. I would paint the walls a cooler color -- navy or blue or dark gray -- to combat the southwestern tendency of the fireplace. Then use whatever bright, colorful and mix matchy eclectic decor you want -- as long as it pops against the wall color :) Easy peasy :)

Here are some lovely color combinations, maybe there is something here to give you inspiration.

I say keep the walls and fireplace the same color and add color in your furnishings. The fireplace is just too large, if you painted it a dark color it would just take over the space and shrink that room down enormously. Keep your furnishings simple and let the fireplace be the focal point in the room, I think this could look charming.

I'd start with a small sectional (more like a sofa with a chaise) in a neutral that has legs so it's not so heavy in the space. Then, pick an area rug you love for color/pattern. Then, the last thing is to pick a wall color that complements the sofa and a color from the rug. It's a LOT easier to get a paint color for the walls since there is a zillion paint colors, rather than trying to get a sofa to go with the wall color. Anyway, After furniture/rug, tweaking the FP seat, TV console can be decided.

I like your accent chair. Maybe a new fabric after you select the sofa?

Would you be willing to remove some of the masonry? Get rid of everything but the radius center of the fireplace. I would then paint the walls a light green and get a cream/brown sectional. Just don't get rid of the fireplace completely! It's way too great!

I could check into it...I'm a teacher so was looking to update furniture and less costly items at this point..don't have a lot of $$ and just redid the floors..

The floors look awesome! The removal of the masonry and repair wouldn't be that costly... More time consuming than anything else, but as a teacher I'm guessing you don't have much to spare!

Very true, was looking forward to some new furniture it's been 10 or so years..need new couches!!

Someone always suggests grey, don't they?
If Barhart hadn't posted that sofa, I would have, ( Darzy has explained why), and think the way out of the Southwest is with a modern palette that relies on more saturated colours, and shakes off the earth tones. That would include minimizing the wood selections in the room. Keep the more exuberant prints to smaller items for longer shelf life, and consider a drapery treatment rather than romans to play up more height. If you begin your new concept with carpet and sofa first, you will have established a new palette to work from in your paint and softgoods choices.
Barnhart's new TV home is pretty darn swell,too.