It could be worse...

One of the things I have complained about A LOT since we moved into this house is the ugly brick fireplace wall.  It's dark red brick with oak bookshelves built in.  I just don't know what to do with it.  I was searching around for ideas yesterday, and came to the conclusion that, surprisingly, it could be a lot worse: 

We could have no bookshelves, plus a curved fireplace opening...

... or ... a weird wood pannelling situation...

... or this mind-boggling disaster... what the what???
all photos from Ugly House Photos