Dining room walls before was so dark with wood paneling on all walls. Both sides of the fireplace were flanked by old wood bookcases. We removed the left side one and opened the wall behind it to create a home office behind it. Clients decided to keep the wood burning fireplace (installed a gas insert in the living room) in this room but we covered the red brick with a board and batten style paneling. We sourced a rustic wood mantle piece to create a nice contrast.