Do you love the brick? If not, and your budget allows for it, I'd replace the facing to either stacked stone for a more rustic look or 12x24 tiles for a more modern look. You might not have a choice to keep it anyway if there isn't enough studs to mount the TV on. As well, it might be a great opportunity to get an electrical and cable outlet wired above the fireplace, otherwise you'd have unsightly cables running all over the place. Best of luck!

I would not do stacked stone, as this is now a diminishing trend.
I like the brick, and the interesting fireplace surround, which looks like quartersawn oak.
What I like less is the crown moulding on the fireplace, which is inconsistent with the Craftsman-style mantel/surround. If you are going for white-painted built-ins, you might want to replace the oak surround with a different style, then paint it white.

With the window impinging on the left I really don't see room for any bookcases. If they're large enough to balance with the FP the left one will run into the window. Can't see what's on the right side.

Have you measured the height of the tv and the space above the mantle? It looks like a very tight fit to me

I love our brick fireplace and oak mantle! I agree that there isn't room to put the TV above it, plus it's a great way to develop chronic head and neck pain.

I also agree there isn't room for a bookcase on the left side between the brick and the window. I like the vase you currently have there.

Thanks for the comments:) The bookcases are supposed to take up equal spaces on both sides of the FP reaching all the way to the window. Had not thought about what that is going to do to the window. The TV barely fits the space over the mantle. It may also fit on the right side sitting on the top of the cabinet. Still I don't know how the painted bookcases sandwiching the tiger oak mantle will do. When they arrive I will re-post for more help. Keep ideas and comments coming it helps.

Show us the other three walls and we'll find a solution for you!

How about slate? Your home looks traditional and with white bookcases is would be a timeless look. Slate tile can be installed over the existing brick. It appears that the brick could be removed above the mantle and if the legs of the mantle were moved out so that they rest on the ends of the hearth that would be appealing. Painting the mantle to go with the bookcases would blend everything together nicely.You may have local fire code restrictions to deal with that will dictate how close a flammable material can be to the firebox.

I would love the slate added to the fireplace. It is not currently in my budget but now that you have given me the idea it may be later.

I just saw a post for another fireplace where the designer whitewashed the brick with milk paint. I am thinking about trying that.

If you really want the TV above the fireplace, you need to take down that mantle. That's the only way you are going to be able to have the TV low enough to watch comfortably. I would have the built in only on the right side and do it to incorporate the TV. Unless the spaces on the right and the left of the fireplace are equal and matching, you need to rethink this plan.

Okay, Here is the latest stage of the redo. The book cases are in but not painted. The stuff on them is just there for no reason. I am low on funds so the idea about the slate fireplace facade is my favorite but can't do it now. Thinking that i will lower the mantle and paint it to go with the bookcases. I assume white but would also like other suggestions. Any recommendations now??

Meant to add this picture too.

your mantel and fireplace surround are good looking - please don't paint them. consider, instead, painting the inside backs of bookcases tan to tie it all together. really like the tv on the side, and really like your bookcases.

I think you may have a sore neck trying to watch the TV above the mantle.

I'm not usually a fan of older brick fireplaces, but I really loved yours. That mantle is really nice and would love to see it not painted and tied in with the new bookcases. The idea of painting the back of the bookcase shelves is a great one. I'm glad you didn't try to put TV over the fireplace as well. Love to see what you come up with when it finished.

I agree with either painting behind the bookcase or adding a tan grass cloth wallpaper -- all will blend better.

another angle

Yes, lower it, paint it white, and style it simply.

Yes, lower the mantle & paint it white.

That's a mantle made from tiger oak! I am almost ill, hearing the calls to paint it white. If I were anywhere nearby, I would pay $$ to buy that mantle and a new white mantle can be made from any cheap wood and painted. :-(

The built-ins look great. I love the mantle, too, but somehow it doesn't mesh with the new built-ins. What if you remove the mantle and mount the TV over the fireplace opening. I would be tempted to paint the brick white.

This is the latest update. I was never able to bring myself to paint the mantle. My girls made the art over the mantle.