What about mosaic tile? Lots of colors, styles, sizes, and finishes to choose from. You can also mix tiles or keep it simple and uniform - whatever you prefer! This fireplace was done in a single color of iridescent tiles, very sleek and modern! (other colors available!)

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.

can you do search on previous discussions on the dilemma section of Houzz - you will see this often comes up. Bottom line, it is not a good idea as heat and a tv don't go well.

Love blue tiles. Depending on how much sun and how hot your pool gets in the summer should dictate what color it is. We live in Arizona, so cool blues work best. Our neighbor has brown tile and a dark pebble tech pool. Looks like a swimming hole and gets really hot - 94% water in the summer. They obviously didn't think it through.