What about painting the niche with a faux finish to mimic brick (or an actual brick face finish) then add wall-to-wall/ceiling-to-floor wine and stemware racks. Finish with iron "gate" doors and a...

I would paint the entire fireplace a couple shades darker than whatever color you go with on the walls, then bring the wall color in on the inside rim of the fireplace (the surround appears to be a...

Love the legs; could live without the butts.