I have a huge brick fireplace in my living room, so I know what you are facing. Why don't you try photo shopping some ideas? It really depends on what type of design style you like.

Me, I want cleaner lines and more modern, so I want to get rid of my brick, but husband would have a fit.

Your fireplace looks like nice brick to me. I wouldn't touch the brick.

I'd do the freshening of the room you're talking about (new hardwood flooring). Remove the wallpaper and paint the trim white. Paint your air registers white. Paint the mantle white.

I would get a freestanding black fireplace screen.

Regarding your question about the height of a new mantel, I'm pretty sure it depends on the depth of the mantel and size of the firebox. The deeper the mantel, the more distance is required from the firebox opening. Your current mantel looks about right, but you could check your local building codes to be sure.

I really like the brick color and style, and wouldn't change it. I like the antique brass fire screen too. It suits the style of the brick.

The mantle and the trim on the top are not right for the casual brick style. I'd remove the top trim, and replace the mantle with a more rustic looking one in the same location.

How about built-in bookcases on either side? I mocked one up - only did one side, lol.

The problem with many of the "updated" fireplaces I see is that a timeless, but not trendy, fireplace is redone in a "2017" style that really will become a dated feature in 10 years. That is not a bad looking fireplace and I would leave it alone. Paint it, and it will become dated in 10 years. The built in shown by gnujt are an idea - a classic look.

White wash? Is there a size rule for how long a new, rustic mantel should be?I hate the one we have now (that wraps around). If I add a rustic, floating mantel--how big should it be? Our fireplace is 23in deep. Current mantel is 14inches above opening.

I would leave the brick alone, and put back the brass insert. Replace the mantel with a straight, flat mantle just to the ends of the brick, rather than having it wrap around. But wait until you decide on the built-ins, because the mantle style may change based on your shelving choices. Build a space for for TV on one side.

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Erin, this is a pic from Houzz with a brick fireplace and mantel I especially like. Just wanted to toss another example out there. I would also LOVE to find out the wall color they used.

I like the rustic look of your fireplace, and I don't think built-ins, especially white ones, are particularly rustic. I would prefer to see wall art over a cabinet.

Maybe you don't want a mantel at all. I love this look, which emphasizes the beautiful brick. (At my designer's suggestion, I don't have a mantel on my own fireplace either. I find they often get cluttered with "stuff" that detracts from the fireplace itself.)

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