Hi! So I'm not much help with paint color, but wanted to share two things that we did which you might consider: first, we got a high-heat black spraypaint (Rustoleum from Home Depot) and painted the fireplace face plate (the brass part) black, which instantly updated our fireplaces for about $10; second, I did not care for our red brick fireplace, and hand-painted it to look like a different color of brick. Without priming, I hand painted each brick Benjamin Moore Eagle Rock, then sponged on a lighter grey (Willow Creek) and a darker grey (Ironhorse, I think). Later, I decided it needed some brown, so I sponged on a bit of watered down brown paint (can't remember the color). I took care not to get paint on the mortar. The whole project took about a day. It came out great and I get tons of complements. If you are at all hesitant about getting the "painted brick" look when you do it all in one color, I would consider tying this method first. 99% of people would not know that the brick had been painted. If you don't like the way it turns out, you can always go back to your original plan!

You're welcome! =) I think a shade of grey will be a great addition to the room. The red one in the photo doesn't really suit it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! angelinavick@ymail.com

I like the ceiling. I think the hanging lights are too fancy and distract from the ceiling decor. A simpler light would look better or sticking with the canned lights you have. The walls have too many big, black things on them. It's hard to tell if they are windows with shade --- in which case I'd pick something lighter, perhaps to echo the ceiling, TVs (how many do you need?) or what. I'd consider a big piece of statement art in the place of at least one. If you're on a budget, get a large, high quality photo in the right colors, you can take it yourself. Sepia and black architectural might work. I like more color and more natural light. You may have closed the shades for a better picture, so it's hard to comment on the light, plus windows are a feature of your room, not exactly a decorator's choice. I would consider how to get a few small pops of color in, pillows, flowers, candles, maybe even a runner rug along the right wall. If you are doing this as part of a portfolio, the entire ensemble would look more welcoming with a few touches like someone lives there. Something on the coffee table, for example. A few books and a candle. A tray with tea things, a vase of flowers or basket of fruit. Pick one or two things and make it composed. You see this a lot in designer Houzz photos. Here's an example, you note this picture would be a lot more stark with an empty table: https://www.houzz.com/photos/21-house-contemporary-living-room-san-francisco-phvw-vp~60642

Perhaps a large round table might mean a rug is not at all necessary. It could be a metal tray table, or carved wood like Rebecca Mitchell Interiors illustrates. Ideas also to consider, using multiple tables can be found at http://www.houzz.com/multiple-coffee-tables. I also agree with comments above that some color is needed on the walls. You could then hang round mirrors, or an unusual curved shape like RMI shows above.