My vote would be for a bigger floating mantel done in dark wood similar to some of your furniture. I think it will provide a nice contrast to all the white trim and be a focal point for the room.

Thank you. Do you think i should paint brick white?

I wouldn't paint the brick but it's up to you. I like the brick. It provides a warm, organic element in the room and I think it will feel a lot different once you change the mantel to a less traditional design.

As Rina said, I'd extend the mantle full width. Additionally, I'd add more mouldings to it that match your crown moulding at the top. This can be done inexpensively since your mantle is painted. Below is an example of what I'm talking about.

Same thing, dark mantel.

Wow, thank you all so much. So no vote for the full mantle with sides? I was actually leaning that way, but am so indecisive, i will go with the majority! Our daughter wanted us to paint bricks white and have a full traditional.

Breathe deep and take a bit of time to decide. You are not on a deadline. :-)

Thanks Rina for taking the time to show me an image of my own fireplace with the bigger mantle. Love being able to see it. Can you do that with a white full mantle with sides? Please?

And all the junk around the mantel will NOT be there..just a mishmash right now! Lol

Hi Sue. Good morning from here. I can -- but I'm on deadline for a job this morning, so I'll do it later when I take a break from work. It won't be a work of art!

I saw a few renovation changes for fireplaces similar to yours . They painted it white as your daughter wanted but they used a sponge that they cut out to be the same size as the brick and just dip and place. Turned out awesome.

I generally love traditional mantelpieces, but in this case, what you have does look good. I think it looks better dark brown though

A fuller simple rustic timber look mantle 6" x 6" that runs from edge to edge and is only 12" above the firebox. Once you paint brick, it's hard to un-paint. The color is nice, but white also looks great. The traditional mantles you are showing conflict with the style.

Thanks for all the input. I am adding some photos of furniture and open kitchen to see what type of wood to use.

Fireplace from kitchen

Kitchen

Sorry to have taken so long. I'm coming to the end of a pretty heavy day. But here you are ... I do prefer the floating mantel for your room.

Such a beautiful house, by the way. Congratulations.

After seeing the rest of the house (beautiful!), I still think a large floating mantle in dark wood would be best. Leave the brick as is - it's quite pretty and will look at lot more updated once you change the mantle.

What a beautiful house. Love your brick as is. I vote for no mantel at all; just a really special large painting.

Such a pretty space

~I would use an old beam of barn wood with large corbels and make it more traditional. Or use some light trim work like below. Good luck!!

Thank you so much for compliments, and advice. I think i will leave brick and have a lower bigger floating mantel in white. Rina, thanks for your photos. Everyone else too! I will post photo when finished. I was told for good wood it would cost about 800.00. Is that good?

We hope these images, from projects of ours, help in your decision process.

Thanks nadina. How much should I be paying?