The problem is the stark cold white walls against the soft warm browns of the fireplace. I don't recommend going all beige but try colours from the same warm spectrum as the fireplace and I think you'll find it looks more natural in the space. Also, the round candles don't work with the squares and oblongs of the fireplace; find other accessories that enhance rather than scream at the shapes and colours and that could make a huge difference. So could a mirror or picture above it - it would shift the focus so the fireplace doesn't dominate. Work with it, not against, then judge it. These fireplaces are handsome; trying to pretty them doesn't work.

I think you've got a great scope of colours going on in the tile. Carefully remove the white paint from the rest and then assess what you want to do. If you're having a contemporary kitchen with a deco mantle the choice of colour to tie it all together will be crucial but you've got loads of choice to go with. Grey if thats your thing would work well and possibly navy as well which is very 2017 (I'm led to believe) for kitchens. Taupes and darker neutrals would work very well also. The look really nice and with the height should work well.

In the world of art always make sure you like what you buy. If you think of art as an investment, it could be a sour experience. Love the artwork you acquire. There will be no regrets later. The following works went at different price levels, prices in random order. One was around £5k, another on the £10k and a third one for just under £20k. Have fun guessing. All of them good South American artists.

I think we're touching a very broad subject here. Art can be many things. Not necessarily paintings what you put on the wall. For example I like anything floral and botanical and appreciate the work that's gone into making or growing something, wether it's a beautiful climbing rose, a wood carving, hand painted water colour or a hand embroidered cushion. My hubby in the other hand likes the inner workings of engines, computers and anything mechanical, to him this is art. So you can imagine the eclectic mix of stuff we have in our house:) Good place to start is have a browse at sites that sell prints like Art.co.uk or Allposters, there are thousands of images but you might be able to narrow it down to things you like/dislike. Alternatively shop around, if you see something you love then take a photo or better still get it! If you have a local art college you could also take a visit there. I'm sure lots of students would be happy to sell their pieces, you'd get something original at the fraction of the price of an art gallery plus you may even be able to commission someone for something unique for yourself. I might be a bit biased as I went to art college myself and could rant on for ages on this subject but I've hoped to have helped a little.