It's real brick, and it's required behind the stove. If you want to eliminate it, the stove has to go too.

What Sophie said ^^^^

The corner cabinets in the kitchen - what feature is on the front? I'm trying to see what you have/ are changing...

are you altering the kitchen bricks??

Photos show 2 flooring 'colors' - are you currently sanding to stain again?

If it blends with other elements, what about fire-safe concrete look for hearth?

Bricks in kitchen - are they staying the same?

Clad all the brick with the stone; it will be stunning. Or paint the kitchen brick white and just clad the fireplace corner so it will be the center piece.....looks good!

I already asked about feature on upper corner kitchen cabinet: trying to find my 'lead' if there is one....

What is it made of - cabinet doors in the corner/ upper?

The new floors are a big improvement over the old darker floors. Looks like you're making lots of changes!

The counters - what are they made of? I think the brick doesn't look good, but do you? Probably changing fireplace brick would be good.

If you keep some brick, I hope the lighting isn't very sleek or modern looking.

Have you considered painting at least the kitchen brick the same color as the cabinets?