Painting it would work great and would be budget friendly.

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I saw a post this morning on the "before and after" page with a fireplace similar to yours. The owner did a white wash treatment to the brick and installed a new mantle. It looked beautiful. You should check it out!

You might feel differently once the purple furniture is gone. I think it's wise to live in a space for awhile before making any decisions, especially irrevocable ones. That said, I kind of like the brick. Instead of changing it, I would first paint the brass surround black, and rip out that carpet and replace it with wood. Then I would decide whether to paint the brick or not.

I agree. Your brickwork is nicely done and has a good texture, and I like that low bench. It has a really classic mid-century modern feel to it.

I don't even mind the brass, but patinating it or carefully spray painting it (use a dropcloth and mask well--it has a way of getting everywhere much further than you think.) would make a big difference. It might even just pop off.

I think a great assymetrical art arrangement (like a large tapestry off to the left) combined with some clean-lined furniture, brighter colors and simple drapes, it could look very nice.

Could you dry wall over the top half and leave the bootom brick? Install a substantial mantle between the two. Get rid of the brass. The height ove the mantle would be low enough for the TV.

I second "live with it" if you think there is a chance of it growing on you. With that said, my mother painted her brick fireplace and it really looks stunning. She wondered why she didn't do it years earlier.

I would paint the brass black, being sure to use a paint meant to withstand high heat. And I would either whitewash the brick or paint it white.