SFGate

cypress Painting the fireplace white will update it. Also change out your brass firescreen. Although they say brass is making a come back, I think it's fighting with your chrome lighting fixtures.

Keitha I agree that the fireplace screen should be replaced or repainted all black.

SPACIALISTS Hi erin_sharpe1984,
Here are a few examples hope these spark some ideas.

bumbles12 I like the honey oak..... It has a rich feel to it. Just my opinion.

lefty47 HI -- I think you need to get a bigger mantel surround . The one you have is a little lost on that big empty wall . Leave the mantel you have now until you can get a bigger one and yes paint out the brass on the firescreen . That 80's brass is not coming back -- brass is coming back but it is more of an aged brass not the old shiney kind . Also , I think there has be something done with the ceiling ,- either paint it a color or cover over the stippling with some wood (pine ) in a light stain or a white wash or even add some beams . There is no interest there and it needs something. The light sconces are also a little too small , but wait and see what they look like when your room is done , then see if you think they need to be changed. They just get a little lost visually and I think you need more drama on that wall. Also if you are putting up drapes , then paint the window trim the same color as the wall. The windows don't need to be outlined with a different color trim.

Specht Harpman no. paint the whole fireplace surround a slightly darker shade of the blue grey color on the wall surrounding it. it's too small for that wall. it's better to make it visually disappear. the brass is distracting.

erin_sharpe1984 Ok, so we all unanimously agree to get rid of the brass. I was thinking the same thing too-- I just didn't know it was possible to change those without replacing/changing the entire fireplace. (I don't know much about home design/or DIY).
I'm still stuck as to which colour I should paint it. And yes, the the wall is massive... and I don't really know what to do with it. Other than putting a big canvas art print on it... or a mirror. I really don't have any eye for this kind of thing.

1njgal What's in the rest of the room?

erin_sharpe1984 not much, we have a blank palette. We will be replacing all the furniture. We do have a 50' TV that I would like mounted; but don't think that's an option.

dhankins00 I think the brass strips might be magnetic try and lift them off.

erin_sharpe1984 Yes, they come right off. It will be easy to get them back now. Which is great.

The Color People NEVER! White will jump off the wall. Paint it off white. Don't be influenced but the never paint wood crowd. Oak is not an especially pretty wood, there is no need to fear painting it.

Jayme Hobbs I think black would look better, but it is hard to say too much without seeing the furniture, etc. I agree a more substantial mantle may look better. Larger lights also.