We just bought a house with the worst prefab fireplace surround. This is the one thing I absolutely cannot stand about the place and have even considered ripping out the fireplace completely since it's beyond awkwardly placed and it's claimed the coat closet and part of the master walk in. However, my fiancé and family thinks I'm being irrational so it's staying. The house is a 1950's ranch and this fireplace is just so awkward right now, since it was installed in 1998.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions? I was considering using z-brick, painting it white and building a mantle around it. We're painting the room steel grey if that helps with any design tips. The tiles are cemented in I believe, so would it be better to just cover them, or attempt to remove them and lay the new surround over the existing cement/masonry?

Thanks!