I would paint the whole thing the same as the walls what a strange place for a fireplace.

Thank you Patricia. Just to the right of the fireplace is the door leading to the garage. It is an awkward layout to work with, I know. Any recommendations for decorating?

I appreciate your comment. It certainly would be easier not to paint it. However, this has stumped my decorating skills. I'm trying to eliminate clutter, so not sure how best to proceed in keeping with transitional style. Thanks again for any ideas.

If you decide to just clean it up, scrubbing bubbles will remove the soot from the bricks!

I would just suggest giving it a good scrub... cleaning up that soot would go a long way in freshening it up.

I would paint the mantle and wood sides white after cleaning the brick. Think about putting a bench about 18" in front of the fireplace so it looks like it is there with a purpose, and probably remove the brass 'bumpers' so it opens it up visually.

Good scrub, no paint, keep the painting and dog, add a balancing item on the other side or use a pair of hefty candlesticks with new candles. Turn the spotlight on for showing - use new incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs, not CFLs.

White birch logs are great for showing off fireplaces, too.

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions. Mishi, if we were staying here we would install 3 large double- hungs adjacent to the fireplace on left to bring in more light. Would also definitely paint the mantle and trim white as well. But, after thinking about work/time constraints, it makes more sense now to just clean it and redecorate the space as has been suggested. The challenge for me is to pick one or two decorative objects to place on the mantle and then leave it alone. I have another fireplace in my living room - traditional brick with white mantle - which has been much easier to work with. This kitchen area has always been a challenge.

Leave the wood mantel and trim alone and paint the brick white. Place a big mirror over the mantel to attract light. I love your fireplace. Good luck selling your home!

In the house-selling situation, the choice of decorative objects in one corner of one room is really inconsequential to the sale, but can actually be fun for the seller after doing all the hard stuff like repairing, cleaning and painting. Buyers want "Light, clean and bright". You'll have all three. If picking decorative accents is enjoyable for you, try using the same color accents throughout most rooms. Cranberry or Chinese lacquer red is often a good choice for traditional decor, as is a medium Delft blue. A rich gold is another great choice. The photo below shows all three colors in a traditional setting, way too much piled together for selling, but demonstrates how well they go together.

I think I would just clean up the brick, and the firebox, and stack birch logs in the firebox, and remove the brass bumper. Maybe add more copper teapots to the mantle if you have them, to tie it into the kitchen, and remove the dog. I would remove the picture underneath the A/C (?) unit on the left which draws the eye over and up to the unit, which is more unsightly than the fireplace, in my opinion. And maybe face your chairs toward the fireplace instead of away from it?