What does the rest of the space look like? What style do you have in mind? Can you just close it up, or does it have to be physically removed? Is there structural issues that drive the cost up to remove? Need more info.

Thank you so much for replying. Our contractor informed us it would take approximately (4) days to demo the fireplace. In addition to potential structural issues (supporting the weight of the chimney) we suspect that we would also have to contend with asbestos removal.

The house is a pretty basic 60's era box. Mid-century modern style furniture and clean lines. We removed a couple of walls to open up the kitchen to the dining and living rooms (where the fireplace is located). The space is painted white with oak floors and standard height (8') ceilings. The house is small, but the panoramic view from the window to the left of the fireplace is pretty amazing. We'd like to "minimize" the fireplace, both in space and appearance.

From what I can see, I think you will have to retain the outer dimensions so the trick will be minimizing the overall look. With white walls, I think I would simply sheetrock around the fireplace and all the way up the wall. Straight lines, clean look. Then paint it the same color as the other walls. Then I would reface the brick and hearth with possibly a black stone or tile. Smooth and sleek, making sure the internals of the fireplace are safe, clean and secure from animals coming in through the top of the flue. I found a photo that might help visualize that approach.

This wall looks like they did a cement coating of some kind, but perhaps plain sheetrock done with a smooth surface would work well.

this is the look, but the ceiling isn't as high, but just to give you some visuals. This also has a raised hearth, but you can see how the plain white works. You might also do an accent wall which would also draw the eye away from the fireplace if that is your choice.

Hey, Kristi. It has been some time since you posted this and wondered how it all turned out. I have the same dilemma, I want to remove our corner fireplace. Ours is a 50’s home with now open concept so kitchen, dining room, and living room sharing an open space. Unfortunately, the living space is small…the kitchen being the largest part of the space. I need the space that the corner fireplace is taking up. I, too, have a 3 window/door slider to the left to the backyard and lake view. I’m curious of how you solved your problem.