I would paint the entire fireplace including the mantel, all trim and shelving white. I like the Whisper White, but you must bring the paint samples into the room to see for yourself. The sheen on all woodwork should be semi-gloss, easy cleaning and looks crisp. I agree with painting the walls and I would paint the part above the mantel the same color as the walls, Summer Hue is beautiful, but once again I have no idea how that would look in your room. The walls should be flat most brands make a fairly easy to clean flat. If the fireplace were the focal point of the room, it could look very cool and dramatic to paint it a very dark gray almost black. But at least in this picture it seems that the entertainment/shelving unit is the focal point. hmm .... better stop while I am ahead.

Check with your local brick supplier. Most of them sell a thin brick that goes on just like tile (just use a tile mastic adhesive). It doesn't make near the mess as using using full size brick so it works well in existing spaces. A word of caution: The brick tiles do cost significantly more than full size bricks. Here is a pic of a similar product and some pictures from a basement we just completed that used the tile brick as a fireplace surround and an accent wall in the kitchenette.

This arrangement works much better, but some adjustments are needed to make it work. First, the fireplace grouping needs to be tightened. It crowds the dining area and you need a passageway behind the couch. Turn the rug lengthwise, parallel to the fireplace. Pull the large couch about 2 1/2 feet closer to the fireplace, and place the two chairs and loveseat on the ends of the rug, and pull them closer together. This will give you a more intimate conversation area, and not impose on the other areas of the room. Remove that floor lamp from behind the couch. If you need the light in that area, put it by the fireplace. Also, the stereo system on the mantel needs to find another home. Maybe it can go IN the fireplace instead. At the other end of the room, I think the arrangement would look better if the seating were rotated 90 degrees. Keep the rug and coffee table in its current configuration, place the sofa either facing the window or with its back to the window, and put the two chairs opposite it. Finally, the dining area. Now that you've moved the big leather chairs, you should have enough room. Your rug is too small. It should be big enough to give you at least a 2 ft. border all the way around when the chairs are pushed in. And it's a really beautiful table; please uncover it. I can't see what kind of lighting that area has. It really needs a pendant or chandelier hanging directly over the table.

Hi jaymodh. These panels have different price points, most range between $20-$60 per square foot. Try contacting modulararts via info@modulararts.com | 206 788 4210. I am not sure if they would work with you though(because you are a homeowner, a lot of companies would only work with architects/designers). If that does not work, contact Linda at Studio Glass Works at (608) 836-6500 ( Unites States code is 1). We order those panels through her company. Ask for textured wall panel system. Let me know how it goes :)