Thanks for the suggestion. I was thinking maybe sconces or something decorative. I don't have much of a mantle due to the tv.

Sconces would be great, I like this one for you: [houzz=]

If you like this one, it takes a battery operated 'candle' (and it's a whole lot cheaper!) [houzz=]

I have a similar fireplace in my kitchen... but without those side brick columns. I put sheet rock over the top half, painted it the same color as the other walls and it immediately improved the look of the fireplace!
If I had your fireplace, I would remove the 2 columns from the mantle up and sheet rock from the mantle to the ceiling. Mine looks terrific! It takes the fireplace and created a smaller proportion.
I agree with the other comments. The white is too white for the bricks. I'd use the same color as the cream only I'd make it a couple of shades darker, to take dimenish the size by creating an illusion of a less intrusive fireplace. This didn't cost me much at all and you might enjoy the fireplace more. I know I do.

Actually with your somewhat shabby chic look I don't see anything wrong with the fireplace surround. The brick works and your furniture arrangement and colors work. With the TV, I wouldn't place any little knick-knacks on the mantel

However, with the symmetrical windows on both sides of the fireplace, and the decorative moulding, my eye is bothered that their is a large chest on one side that is blocking the window and the moulding partially. The symmetry here is important so don't go against that.

Maybe do a fireplace insert that isn't so all-black...

I did think of one small thing you could do. Above the tv, box that area in from side to side so that you don't see where the brick meets the ceiling - and what ever that pipe is. Then do a small moulding treatment on it similar to your adjacent walls. I'll try to find an image to illustrate what I mean.

Here are some before after photos with fireplace and flat screen tips:

http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=fireplace+

And here's some options (with lots of photos) for flat screen TV's:

http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=flat+screen+screen

Id take the column out, fill in the grout lines with thinset thruout the whole chimney area then get some flat stone and use some thinset and redo the whole thing in a nice flat stone look,

Josh,
I put the sheet rock over the top half of the brick chimney.
Now how do I cover the brick?
It just does not look good!
I was thinking of using travertine.
I don't understand about the thin set.
I am not a carpenter but do understand general concepts of fixing things.
My brick is used and not even.
You think I could cover the bricks directly?
I thought I'd have to cover the brick with hardy board before adding a new tile/slate/travertine.
I'd appreciate your ideas.
Jmam64

p.s.
I'd take out the 2 columns if they were mine.
I also removed the hearth. It made my room so much larger!
That may not be an issue for you.
I love mine without the top bricks showing or the heart.
Now I don't know how to cover my brick?
They look terrible!
I'll upload a pic to ask advise.
Thx!!!

I think Writely is on to something! What needs love is the windows flanking the fireplace. I suggest removing the blinds an install woven wood roman shades. Another idea, since the windows seem narrow, install a decorative drapery rod to the ceiling and install one drapery panel to the right of the right hand window and to the left of the left window... Leaving them open during the day to bring in light and close at night for privacy.

Jmam64

Thinset is a type of concrete, ud mix it with water to a peanut butter consistancy, then with a trowel pack it into the groves or grout lines as they are called between the bricks, make sure its all even, then when it drys one can use thinset or somethig approved for fireplace heat and surrounds, to adhere flat stones to the bricks!! Its just like tileing only using stone instead of tile! Or tile if thats what u choose! As far as hardy backer is concerned, ud have to make sure it is safe to use on a fireplace surround? Mot sure what the heat rating is on it? But yes once the bricks are even with the use of thinset, then u can do what ever u like just make sure what ever u ise is safe for the heat output, id hate for someone to use any of my advice and have a fire or something, so check with the local pro's around u!!

Look at this photo - I hope pasting the code works. What I was referring to in my previous post is to add some woodwork above the tv to cover where the brick meets the ceiling and to hide the pipe and acts like a bridge between your two brick columns. So in this photo there is a raised panel between the two columns above the mirror - that is what I was trying to describe. Of course, you would want yours to match the moulding on the walls adjacent to your fireplace.

Traditional Bathroom design by San Francisco Architect JCA ARCHITECTS

Thx Josh!
Not to worry about fire codes. I'd never install anything for a fireplace surround without doing research. Thank you for your response. I'm going to show it to my carpenter. Your method would be much less time consuming. I'll look at flat stones. I never considered that. Sounds interesting! Thx again. I love getting these ideas... when I was trying to help the person with that unusual fireplace!

Thank you for the suggestions!

I agree with a few other commenters...get rid of columns, sheetrock from mantle up and maybe even veneer with stone. That would open up your hearth a little too...make it a little more inviting.

I'm taking the brick left after sheet rocking the upper half and covering it with travertine.
I also removed the hearth. I think it looks a hundred times better.
It makes my room larger also.

Do you have any pics jmam?