I'm with Linda.

Ditto.

Another vote to leave it alone.

Thanks so much for everyone's input! Question though, why does everyone think leaving it alone is better then updating it like we did our kitchen? (Just curious) not disagreeing with anyone's opinions

pardon the mess in our kitchen lol but it's been updated with the backsplash and granite

The first post sums up what I was going to say

If by 'update' you also mean removing the traditional mantel and surround, then you might get different answers.

But it sounds like the surround is staying. If so, then so should the brick. They go together.

Updating just the brick area would mix two styles.

Oh okay I understand that makes sense then! Thanks!! Does that include not painting it either? Just leaving it the same colour as the exterior brick?

The problem with painting it is that you can't 'unpaint' it. :)

If your future buyers would like it painted, they can easily do it when they buy the place. If they don't like painted brick but you painted it, they can't undo it.

The 'raw' brick doesn't look bad. It's just a purely personal preference whether it would look better painted or not. You won't get a consensus and some people really hate painted brick.

Thanks for the advice!!! We Really appreciate everyone's comments!! We will just leave it as is!

I had a floor to ceiling brick fireplace that I absolutely hated. We renovated it because it no longer matched the style of my home. In your case, I would say, leave it alone, it doesnt look "dated" . The surround suggests the home style may be a traditional or colonial, which goes with the brick and makes it classic. I would, however, remove the brass insert and replace it with a screen. (that will update it just enough)

Our home is a colonial style home

I would DIE if I had to remove paint from bricks. Leave it alone.

I would leave the brick alone, and also leave the brass insert there, but you could very easily paint the insert to give it a more updated look. there are high heat paints that are easy to use..I think an oil rubbed bronze color would make a big difference. I painted my white marble around my fireplace mantle and the brass surround (it's electric and not log burning) it looks so much better.