Totally agree with Coco Nuts. It's a beautiful fireplace and only painting the mantle shelf and placing a large mirror would give it a contemporary look.

Hi everyone.I have a very large stone fireplace in my living room. I'm not crazy about it at all and would love to change it up. I can deal with below the mantle, it's from the mantle up that I can't stand. I have a very small budget so i don't think removing it is an option. Any suggestions on what I can do to hide the top part? Photo in the comments

I think a rectangular fire could look jammed in between the bookcases, unless you can find a short one... Maybe you could simplify the fireplace by changing the backing board for a pale colour (not beige) and changing the surround for a really streamlined boxy shape. You could keep the mirror above. You say there's a lot going on - if it's possible to rearrange the items in the recesses in the two bookcases so they are more symmetrical, eg have some books on both sides, some candles each side and so on, it would give a "calmer" look? Another thought - normally shelving either side on a fireplace is recessed in the alcoves whereas yours are in line with the fire surround. If you had a fake full height chimney breast built and brought the fireplace forward (would only need to be the depth of the shelving) it might make the shelves look less dominant

Any ideas how I can make this fireplace look a little nicer and more modern? Thanks