I'm a fan of natural brick, but in context of your taupe sofas and rug, painting the the fireplace a soft white would really brighten up your room.

Or, have you considered hanging a round mirror over the brick? That would bounce light from your french doors, and make the room feel larger.

Antique White Reclaimed Mirror

I saw this type of update done on tv and it had an amazing outcome. Or...I would paint white (not cream) and add some type of mantle.

Traditional Living Room · More Info

Agree that a cream color walls would contrast well with the brick, which gives texture and color to your room. I like the mirror suggested above for reflecting light from your windows. Change out your lamp shades to drum shades in white. Add some pillows in brick red and tan pattern. I make this suggestion over and over when I see an empty dark fireplace opening: Fill it to the brim with white birch logs.

Paint the walls (cream) and add a mantle to your fireplace. Add the mirror above the mantle and some accessories.

Here are some other options:

--Paint the walls cream and add white floor to ceiling white bookshelves around the fireplace.

--Add a white or wood surround to the fireplace.

--White wash the brick as suggested previously.

Contemporary House · More Info

Bellevue Residence · More Info

422 Green St · More Info

Adding some mosaic would look great - similar to this.

And a electrical fireheater would make the space more modern as well as practical.

I think your fireplace adds a lot of character to the room. Maybe this will help you decide:

Hi Judy- I hope you'll share an "After" photo with us, and good luck on the mirror shopping~