If you want an all contemporary look, I think you will need to paint or cover the brick and remove the FP insert. But, if you need the insert and would like to keep the brick, a more transitional style would work. Meaning your furniture/accessories have a somewhat traditional look with a contemporary flair. Like a traditional shape lamp, with a contemporary look :) Do you like the FP as it is?

Thanks... same carpet through out, cream gloss tiles in main living area. Black,cream Kitchen. We built a few years ago but have been doing gardens/landscape/fence and haven't decorated much inside. It is an open book. Would be thankful for suggestions on how many pictures or what walls. Does anybody know anywhere to get artwork that won't break the bank?? Also what type of coffee table?

Thanks everyone for your kind contribution and feedback. Thanks especially to allanaspree for taking the time to photoshop your ideas into the photos - the centre table looks much better with your simple suggestions J (see post) I’m taking it all on board and will post the after photos.

In my opinion too much around the walls near the table makes the area look too busy when it should be clean and simple to make the table and the above clock the feature, I would off set the table to the left and buy a nice tallish free standing vase OR preferably shabby chic a wooden plant stand and stand a plant on it, this would give a more balanced aesthetic to the whole look without it and the area to do that would not take up too much space so as not overdoing the area to make it have a more cluttered look, I like the idea of flipping the clock so that is then becomes a longer feature and would look more balanced, I think a handy hubby or friend could do it, for me a ladder is nice to put towels on in a bathroom but in an area like you have what is it's purpose? I don't find it particularly pleasing but please no one be offended this is just my opinion and as a (just) retired art restorer I am very interested in aesthetically pleasing spaces and interior decorating I realise everyone has their own opinions and they know what is right for them once they sort through the answers. If you lower the clock it too much it defeats the purpose of the clock being useful as they should be around eye level. Hope this helps.