I think the slate for the hearth is great. Would love to see a more substantial, more formal mantel and surround that would go down both sides of the brick, stained in a rich woodtone. See about adding plugs built in to the top so that you can use lamps on either side up there.

Just a quick question - have you ever considered re-orienting the seating in the room? You have that great window seat that feels like it is lost behind the chairs. Could you put the couch so that it would face the fireplace, turn the rug and coffee table as well.

Move the two chairs to the wall where the couch was? Put the rectangular end table between them that is currently on that wall (but turned sideways). Add a lamp.

Then pull the rattan chair that is to the left of the fireplace more forward into the seating area. Use the round table to the left side of that chair. Move the curved cabinet from the window wall to the left side of the fireplace, to balance the cabinet on the other side.

Will the large colorful painting on the wall where the couch is now fit above the fireplace? The painting above the fireplace is too small, so it can't really be appreciated.

That picture over the FP would be better set off by a darker wood frame, more substantial, and more in keeping with the age of the painting.

I love your room. The only thing that struck me immediately is too many small things on the mantel. I'd look at one larger piece to hang there; (maybe a larger mirror hung vertically) and possibly have a couple of items flanking it; like two vintage vases or sconces, and it would really make a difference. Lots going on but if you love it all, it's all good.

Good idea w/the slate hearth - I don't know the yr/style of your home - but there are lots of great mantles at salvage yards - You need the measurements of your firebox opening, as well as length & width you would like - If the mantle is wood it's considered "combustible" by code & there are limitations as to how close the material can be to the firebox - Ck w/your local building dept to find out what they are.

I think for the brick you have 3 choices
1. Paint it
2. Remove all the paint, exposing natural brick
3. Use either tile or stone slab to cover it up
like this
http://images.vrbo.com/vrbo/images/47340

Here's a thread w/lots of before & after pics
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.homebedazzle.com/images/beforeandafter/Q_L_Fireplace_reface_After.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.homebedazzle.com/gallery.htm&h=307&w=461&sz=19&hl=en&start=40&sig2=DTixUb3RogcK7Pw1ZpIJHw&tbnid=kMmRwKSXB1mjxM:&tbnh=85&tbnw=128&ei=75SxR6idG53MggKrhZWmCQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfireplace%2Bwith%2Bslate%2B%26start%3D21%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

I would make it a focal point - i think once you begin working on it you may change your mind

good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Salvaged mantles

I would paint the brick ivory white (it looks kind of pink right now). Then I would pull off the existing mantel and replace it with natural or stained wood. You could get a salvaged one, or, if you're handy, make one. It would be a pretty easy project if you have a power saw. Just buy a nice piece of wood, cut it to size (they can even do that for you at the hardware store), then add a bit of molding around the bottom to give it a finished look.

I would get a larger mantle and paint it white to blend into the fireplace -- and your pretty collectibles will stand out! I love the painted brick -- a very elegant look!

I love the ideas les gave you for moving the furniture around. Your windowseat is really nice, but hidden like your fireplace used to be.

I would build a mantle over your existing brick, leaving just about 6 inches of brick exposed around the firebox. Take a look at debnj3's fireplace in the linked post, that is a perfect example.

Here is a link that might be useful: link to debnj3's fireplace

Maybe consider a dark mantle then paint your coffee table dark to match (perhaps the color of your chair legs?). It seems like it needs some grounding.

Mantel needs more meat! Its too skimpy.

I would get some PeelAway 1 and strip an out of view corner of the paint on the brick to see what the brick looks like. If you like the brick, strip the remainder. If it's a darker brown, I think it will add warmth to your room and it'll blend nicely with the screen and andirons.

If you don't like the brick, then slap on more paint. I'd go with a darker ivory color.

I'd definitely get a longer mantle. It's depth looks good, but it could use a few more inches at either end.

We've got similar painted bumpy brick on our fireplace and I'll be stripping ours once I quick working in April. It's my second to do and I'm looking forward to it.

I redid my fireplace myself. It had previously been painted a shiny white (previous owners). I bought some sand based texture paint in Taupe (Valspar from Lowes) and troweled it on and smoothed with a roller. It took 2 days to do it... it was like trying to trowel on and paint with cement. Now the brick has a really nice sand stone finish. I really feels nice too -- like brick is supposed to feel like.

Thanks everyone for your comments and ideas.

I had the furniture arranged differently before, but we like to sit on the sofa and look out the window, and DH likes this arrangement best...but I might try it out again, since the light chairs are new.

The space above the mantel is too low to accomodate a larger picture, the ceiling is coved, but you can't tell too well from the photos. That's why I think I want to beef up the mantel.

So, I think that I will look into a new, dark mantel. Once I get the hearth done, maybe I'll play with slate on top, too.