ensimpson, Please do not render that brick. It is quite a nice brick and render can look very cheap and often done poorly cracks and looks even worse. If you don't like the dutch cables, you can go about removing them. These are not primary roof structure typically, but there will be a little work in making good the roof where they were. Alternatively, give these gables a function, place a fixed louvre, like you have shown in the attached image and allow the roof to vent through them. This will also impact the comfort of the home as there will be less heat buildup in the roof cavity. I agree with the comment above, the driveway is very prominent. This is partly the perspective of this image, but you could consider options for the driveway paving. I do not think painting grey is a good one. Repaving with a natural grey material could be as there would be more life and texture to it, but it is an expensive one.

I would suggest a stone hearth matching the plain stone trim but not as wide as the whole unit to reduce tripping hazard. Possibly with a black trim edge. Then a mantle shelf. the same stone would be great but probably too heavy. I think a 'live edge' timber mantle would be great and introduce an organic edge to the straight lines and angles. then paint the flat surface a neutral colour as others have suggested. display something with white/cream tones (candles?) and something with an accent colour on the mantle. if mantle too pricey a big artwork a little wider than the fireplace itself with some black in it or a black background chinese screen or similar. I have no commercial affiliation with them (just like their work) and don't know where you are based but Time 4 Timber Brookvale NSW could probably help you with a live edge shelf/mantle. good luck!

nope my pet hate is fake flowers I love real ones not just for looks but also their beautiful scent..fake ones has no soul.. when I'm home I buy 1-2 bunches a week $25 and arrange them..can split them into 2-3 vases around the house.. they make me happy and well $25 for a week of happiness is definitely worth it..

Depends a little bit on the style of your house , but my first reaction is the same as bigreader -- no , and almost certainly no , no , no , no , not 4 rooms in one house . Some of the schists look alright , the 80's style might suit an 80's or even 50's minimalist American house . There are some fairly cool 'wavy' panels that are available these days ; even some feature walls that look like timber ends sticking out of a wall ; wallpaper works in some places ; but one wall of brighter paint is the most obvious 'feature wall' . Faux Stone , or that ship-lap timber , or diagonal timber are about as exciting as yellowy beige or mission brown .