What an unusual fireplace. Have you considered a more substantial mantle.

I like the way the black unit on the right looks with the fireplace. any chance of another one for other side? you cannot ignore the area on the upper left of fireplace where brick work jogs inward to make a small niche. this is absolutely a perfect, perfect spot for a ugly, wonderful gargoyle.

can you back up and take a picture, so we can see the space...

hatetoshop-I dont know how i would install a mantle as its all brick.

Do you like the brick? I would whitewash it to blend in with the walls better.

I love old used brick. You cannot 'make' it look like that. I think white washing it would look very 80's.
Edit to clarify that, in my opinion, "authentic" used bricks are classic and preferable to something "done" to a surface.

thats just not true there is plenty of diy white wash, and i think its a great idea.

I am aware there are diy tutorials on how to do it, but, in my opinion whitewash is dated.

I don't know how to install a mantle either (sorry!), but you could hire, ask or search online. You could also carry your crown moulding over the fireplace. Here's a few photos for ideas:

Paint the walls a warmer neutral shade from the brick to help the fireplace blend more with the wall. Investigate installing a heavy mantle over the current one. Prop a large piece of art on mantle. Place a large decorative object (large urn maybe holding tall grasses) on side of hearth next to firebox.

http://houzz.com/photos/2731262

Hi All

My fireplace already sticks in a lil, is it even possible to install a mantel?

Thank you.

build a mantel that is actually a box that can slip over the brick mantel. and then sparsely decorate it. I still wish would would take another photo of the whole space.

thanks! ill try to take another one tonight when i get home from work.

I love the idea of a mantle! I think I would also try to replicate the used brick and 'fill in' the space to the left. It won't be a perfect match, but you could get really close. I did a wall in my girls room with faux brick sheeting from Lowe's and it turned out pretty good...not as authentic as the real McCoy, but pretty good.