I just noticed you posted a duplicate dilemma. After viewing photos of your home, I think the paint colors I suggested are Perfect-AND-DEFINITELY paint the ceiling one of the 2 colors mentioned. When selecting a rug, consider one with texture, subtle pattern, and at least a shade or 2 darker than the floor. Best of Luck!

A centred fire place and shelves either side sounds really nice, and if you have a more traditional style I think that would look great. If you have a more modern style, how about having the fire place off centre for a bit of interest? Then shelves above and on the other side. Something like this, perhaps

Hi Katle, I would keep the fireplace as it is, exposed brick, if ties in with the rest of the room styling and the overall style you like and are after. I would than work with the idea f keeping it as a center piece, but utilising the firebox as a niche for a plant or sculpture. In addition, I would have a narrow piece of joinery custom design to work with the proportions of the fireplace, so on its entirety is like a new piece of furniture. The fireplace is still there but has a new function. Or could simple add a narrow shelf and painting over. Monia

Hello Sophie, I think your choice of white walls & skirting boards makes the fireplace stand out more. I would also suggest the same could be said if you painted the fireplace black. There are so many colour variations of“White” & maybe a shade a little softer may help. The dilemma could be “Do you stay with the Federation fireplace or move into today’s styling”? At some stage the fireplace is going to need to be stripped back, to remove the gloss finish. It is at that point that a decision is made If the choice was mine, l would paint the fireplace a charcoal grey & possibly the wall above it. ( that might be too much,but hey worth a try) like the photo with the black chairs & dark grey fireplace someone submitted. Also instead of the two chairs being a pale colour change them for another colour dark grey, plum etc. If you wanted to be even more daring, look at a colour palette of Porters paints for another choice for the fireplace. Perhaps a professional opinion might help. These are only some suggestions. Not a criticism of any of your ideas. Paint the fireplace or just restrain it & someone will always say “Oh why didn’t you do” you know the rest!! Happy decorating!! Lor.