I would wait to paint. I would put the mirror. It actually is a nice brick but to make it contemporary you probably should paint. If so paint same color as walls.

I think the wall color is the problem white not helping it. Try one of the lighter Brown's in the brick.

I agree about the wall color. If you can change it to something a little darker like a beige, especially if the carpet is getting lighter.

My advice on the fireplace is not to paint it any color. Use the "wet look" coating you get at Home Depot on it. It brings out the natural variations in the brick and makes it more dramatic.

In terms of something above it, a mirror sounds good, but it should be something with a bit of bling to make it pop against the wall and brick. Homegoods is a great place to find stuff like that.

We painted our fire place brick which was similar to yours and I Love it! It has been almost two years and no problems with the paint and I believe it was just a regular BM paint - cotton balls in colour to Mach our baseboards. I can post a pick if you like?

The paint showed up more yellow in the photo. It's a great color for our low ceiling, north facing, lower level family room. I tried grays and tans, but they would have made it cave like. We live in Minnesota and the need to maintain light and warmth is important. I would like to see Danielle's photo. Also, waiting to make a decision until after we get the mirror up will also help. I may wait until the room is put back together, now that the carpet is getting installed a week early.

I like your brick - almost reminds me of a pizza oven, which is a complement - and also do you like loft/industrial influences at all?

We are going for a contemporary organic/natural feel. It's the first room that people see as they enter the house. So it needs to welcoming and stylish, but also kid friendly and durable. I'll post pics soon. Thanks for the suggestions.

I love that term 'organic' - one of many on houzz:



one or more metal could look great with brick:

GRAphic art: