Remove the mantle, and put fresh white paint over the brick. Can't really see if the metal frame is worn out, if so you can spray it with the metal finish spray to refresh it. Also put some nice artwork above and it will look great.

Totally paint it white and yes, remove the mantel. Paint the metal flat black.

Remove shelf/mantel and cover bricks with sleek, white/grey/taupe porcelain floor tiles that replicate wood....do in brick pattern

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