What two or three finish options do you want the fireplace to have? It's way past the "whitewashed" look.

Create a nice backdrop and then place a sculptural element on the face

Great ideas, everyone, thanks! I hadn't thought about finish options. The move has overwhelmed me so maybe I'll just paint it white so I can look at it the next few weeks and then figure the rest out. Didn't know just going with white would be the best solution, awesome bc that's the easiest solution :)! Thank you everyone!

This is what happens when someone on Houzz advises someone to paint or whitewash brick.

I would pain the bricks a bright gloss finish of course the color would have to match your style. A more modern reclaimed rustic mantle and reframe the bookcase. Of course better ideas depending on budget.

Paint it and wait till you have the money to do correctly. Look on Craigslist under materials and everything you need will show up dirt cheap.

Thanks everyone! I'm starting the project this weekend!

i love this look for mid century. the black / wood mantel, not the stove!

with some light walls and walnut mid century furniture, it's gorgeous . you could also do this w/glossy white paint. Get a stiff brush and do the grout lines as well. paint the wall behind it a dark navy or charcoal

Oh,,remove the brass insert and paint it matte black w/high heat Spray paint. (rustoleum has it at HD). you can do the hearth in some black slate. grab some tiles and put them down or get a one piece slab. Look on craigslist for a granite or marble remnant. you can cut it and use that for the hearth too.

Hadn't thought of going dark on the wall, that would provide an awesome contrast!

Here is [post[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/fireplace-wall-update-dsvw-vd~4840214?n=1) how professionals do it. But is not easy way, not DIY. But may be some idea?

Probably late now, but many years ago my wife and I had a similar dilemma. Wrapped burlap onto a grout float and padded a different color onto the face of the brick. The result was outstanding.