Drywall the entire thing except around firebox. Change that out with concrete board and install modern tile over it. Do the same with the hearth. You can rent a wet saw and do it yourself. design it mathematically so the tiles work out for less cutting. Paint the walls and drywall on fireplace to coordinate with tile. paint that dark wood pass-through white. A mantle would be nice or a smart, huge mirror to reflect light in room. U can do it!
I would sheetrock right over the stone on each side and build cabinets on the bottom of each side and shelves above the cabinets.Way too much black
Drywall the entire thing except around firebox. Change that out with concrete board and install modern tile over it. Do the same with the hearth. You can rent a wet saw and do it yourself. design it mathematically so the tiles work out for less cutting. Paint the walls and drywall on fireplace to coordinate with tile. paint that dark wood pass-through white. A mantle would be nice or a smart, huge mirror to reflect light in room. U can do it!