You have a great opportunity here. I do not recommend placing a tv over a fireplace. Yes, we see it often, but it is not practical for two reasons: 1, the tv has to be placed too high and 2, it is hard on the eyes to be looking at the fireplace light and the tv What I would do is to remove the plaster and re-expose the brick. You could paint it an interesting color or resurface it. Then, I would add a unique mantle.If you have the funds, ideally the threshold should be removed (more contemporary) or resurfaced (more traditional style) The wood store could be a book shelf or display shelf. In the right corner, I would place a comfortable reading chair. The TV I would place on a different wall. Without seeing the entire room, I am not sure where.

Is that a window in center above the hearth? Is rock just a facade? Looks like you have a mixture of furniture styles. Windows look more of the modern style while drapes are traditional. I would say pick one style and go with that. From the windows I'd be leaning modern/ contemporary. If the rock is just stuck on wall take it off. Replace with horizontal wood planks stained same as your door casings. No mantle. If that is a window I would either have a stained glass insert made (again using modern lines) or do a faux stain glass painting treatment to add some visual interest.

Wow, that was awesome Mark, thanks for that and everyone else. I thought about the desk facing the other way actually, to avoid feeling enclosed I do have really great views there so I thought about a small couch and maybe a bookshelf on the back, but having the dining table in front is probably not the best either.... complicated :( Here are a couple more pics, today was a beautiful day so I managed to get more of the views

Lighting - pendants over the servery bench should be another feature that complements your chosen kitchen surfaces. So whilst I love the copper pendants in picture 1.. They could work depending on the rest of your decor and would be a highlight in a neutral white/timber kitchen = Good! If you choose copper you would complement it with a couple of copper bench top items. These are beautiful! (I collect copper because I love it, my kitchen pendants are silver, I renovated to sell in the next 3-5 years) You will see a picture starting to form in your mind and there is nothing wrong with making a statement with your lighting. I found that when I wasn't sure I would get a very strong sense of what was right and what was wrong for a space, then common sense or passion would determine the outcome! Here are another couple that might work, look her on Houzz under lighting, search pendants, then have fun looking!Timber tones with black or white to complement your cabinets... or Statement white pendants for a bit of quirky fun! Your personality can be reflected in your lighting and accessories creating that point of difference from the predictable white on timber look. Plus don't forget the power of greenery to punctuate the theme!