Take mantle off. Either store it for resale option for potential buyer or sell it on Craigslist. Drywall brick. Much easier than priming and painting brick. At least I think so. Place one beam over FP for mantle. A reclaimed piece of wood would add tone of character and make it one of a kind. Stain floors and ceiling beam to match or close. Now you have a clean palate to decorate. However it isn't so over the top that someone with another style would be turned off if you decide to sell. Enjoy your home.

Drywall brick right to FP opening with of course considering code requirements.

I agree that the existing mantle should be replaced. It is a good idea to install a simple large beam similar in size to the beams on the ceiling. However, here are three great fireplace surrounds that would work for you. None of them have mantles. Its likely that the stone can be placed directly on the brick. Nix the sconces.

What about painting the brick white, and making the mantel a darker brown? Or even making everything white!

Like the brick, but not the mantle or the panel above it. Remove both and leave plain as in the photos others provided or replace it with a simple beam to match the ceiling beams. Clean the brick and paint the register on the lower left to blend with the brick. With the glare from the lights, it is difficult to see the true color of the brick; it appears to be gray and tan. Since the hearth is grey, your choice of gray for the walls should work. Is there wallpaper on the lower walls below the chair rail? If so, will you be removing it and painting the lower wall the same or a darker gray than the upper?

Don't stain the floors & beams dark. I love the fireplace surround. Maybe paint the brick around it (ONLY) in a dark color. Will make the fireplace & floors stand out to be the beautiful objects that they are.

Thank you for your wonderful suggestions!! It's an idea for a new home!! Something tells me to keep the brick exposed but maybe painted! And ok No sconces! Love the beam idea!!! Yes all the wall paper will go too! I was thinking of removing the chair rails but now you gave me the idea of keeping it and doing lighter and darker grays.

Keep & paint the brick; it adds texture & interest to your d.r. If you don't like how it turns out, you still have the option of putting drywall over it in the future. Lose the mantel. After this, just live with the (bare) fp for a while - then decide if you want another mantel there or not.

My nice has this same problem. Keep posting what you decide. She has left hers for now but it needs something.

that surround tacked on the expanse of brick is something else, thats a first for me.

Remove mantle, wallpaper, and chair rail. The chair rail competes with the other elements of the room. Plus it shortens the room. Normally I'd keep the bricks and beams natural but together they seem busy. I'd consider painting one or the other. Overall though, I think the space is great. Please post pics when you're finished.

Paint beams to match mantle color .remove existing mantle .replace it with simple 3 -4 inch wide beam extending 3/4 width across centred,matching the existing color of mantle.and place a curved iron grate in front of fire box.Lights lower scones with a little red and brown in stained glass .Should be nice good luck

Darker floors would be awesome,and the vent color should blend with bricks PS I think this is lovely fireplace.

In keeping with your contemporary preference, remove the mantel and surround, panel, chair rail, and sconces. Consider an industrial vibe by keeping the beams natural and paint the walls a shade of grey that works with the amount of light in the space. You could go with a light or medium grey and the natural brick, or a deeper grey ( only if you have good lighting in the space-natural or artificial) and paint the brick white. I'd keep the floors as is unless they need refinishing- they appear to match well with the beams. Change the lighting fixtures to a more modern style. Check out the industrial section under photos for inspiration for furniture and lighting. Have fun with your remodel!

Maybe you could add a thin layer of concrete over the existing brick. No mantel since ceiling looks low.

Definitely remove mantel. I would paint the brick a warm white. Inspiration pic