The color is not "dated". It has all the currently trendy greys and taupes in it. Limewashing will lighten it, but not change the underlying color.

Embrace the grey brick and the arch and see where it takes you.

What color would tie the brick and the kitchen together? Does the kitchen have some arched components to reflect the look of the fireplace? Or some grey brick-shaped components, such as a grey glass 1x2 of 2x4 mosaic backsplash?

Scrub the brick and check your damper - you should not have smokestains. Or build smaller fires.

AND ... change the fireplace screen to stainless or brushed nickel. Use silvery fireplace tools.

Hi
I have an exposed brick wall in my drawing room and find that it just seems to suck the light out of the room - do you have the same problem?
Currently I'm thinking of having it plastered over... unless someone talks me out of it!

I don't find your brick dated at all. It's quite a nice, muted color. There are many ugly bricks out there, but this isn't one of them. I also like the arch. I'd keep it and incorporate it into the room.
OTOH, if you really don't like it and want to paint it, that's fine too. White painted brick always looks beautiful.

The lime wash sounds like a great idea. I'm thinking a sculptural hanging light a large sculpture or large plant would look good in front of the right side of the fireplace.

Be proud of the fireplace...it is Romanesque which is quite unique and a definite conversation piece. I would avoid applyin a coating over the brick....your are creating a maintenance issue that will require touching up from time to time. The raised hearth is probably at the heart of your disdain for the feature.

If painting the brick is your only option then consider relocating the doorways on that wall if possible. Can the closet be accessed from somewhere else? Is the closet important? The reason I am asking the questions is that the fenestrations to the left of the fireplace throw the room out of balance. The fireplace should be the focal point for the room....the key feature that the rest of the room is designed around. If these accessways can be relocated then brick up the current fenestrations using a consistant masonry technique then apply your paint or whitewash. You will create a great place for art or perhaps a cocktail bar that could be illuminated by directional canlights placed in the ceiling above. Just a thought.

I agree with feeny that the brick wall is fine and gives character to the room. You can considering having the cabinets matching the tones in the brick to make tie the room together.

Thank you everyone for your comments. They are all so helpful and I have a renewed interest in the brick now! In fact excited to make some of the changes. I am so pleased to have your positive feedback on the brick and the arch.

You must contact me regarding a legal matter. I have left repeated voice mail and text messages for you and you have not responded. Nor have you responded to your attorney nor my attorney.

pkwright, I hardly think this is the proper forum for your personal message.

I'd absolutely not do anything to the brick around the fireplace, but there are some things you can do to set the fireplace off architecturally. I think incorporating some cherry details from the kitchen island or some elements on each side to create some symmetry would help.

Check out the fireplace in Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park home: