Some inspiration

I guess my question is do you need the one that is raised up . I think I would look into have a new one installed at the proper height or just closing this one up and drywalling the wall then if you wanted you could add an electric one on this side in the center instead of off to the side., or make a perfect place for a T.V to be hung with a cabinet below.

Thanks Patricia. We don't use the fireplace, so wouldn't mind not having it. However there are 2 reasons we didnt consider removing this one:
1. I'm not sure we could drywall this side and leave the other side's bricks, in a way which would look nice. I though either we drywall both sides or not at all? if not how would the transition between drywall and bricks look like?
2. We were told a fireplace is good to keep as future buyers of the house will likely appreciate a fireplace. Would you agree?

If that were by kitchen, dining, great pizza oven. Modern gas insert, with the glass rocks and flames across would be very attractive.

It's nice looking brick.

Can you post some more pics further back? I'm not seeing your issue if you decide to drywall over the one side and leave the other.

Oftentimes the elevated fireplace was in a kitchen area. What room is this elevated fireplace located?

Thanks all for the comments. As requested some additional photos of the 3 sides of the fireplace. I'm not seeing how the transition from drywall to brick could happen without looking out of place?

Thanks for the extra pictures. I see your dilemma better now.

Both fireplaces are pretty oddly laid out with the hearth. Any modifications won't be a cheap fix either (removing bricks, changing floors to eliminate hearth).

I would update the screen on the elevated firebox. Store some decorative stacked birch logs in the opening below the firebox.

Add some light colored 3 dimensional art pieces to both sides of the fireplace, something that will stand out against the busy brick.

I think that your brick is beautiful! It is so much nicer than the inspiration pictures. I have to say that your rug does not go with it. I would embrace this unique feature and choose furnishings to coordinate with it.

I would get a nicer screen for the raised fireplace and possibly add a few decorative elements to the brick. Could a mantel be added?

Thank you again. mmilos: you are saying that if I would want to cover the brick with wall I would need to remove the hearth - that's a good point. Is this hard ?

grapefruit1_ar: I am torn between figuring out how to upgrade / modernize / mix old and new and keep the brick (starting with the raised fireplace) AND cover with wall and go towards full modern. Maybe it's the mantel that will do this trick with the brick ? Do you think a mantel will also work with the raised fireplace ?

I think that the wall next to the raised fireplace needs something for balance and to take your focus from the fireplace. You can try some objects, or a large mantel, cool art, etc. on that blank brick section. Try some things out before permanently affixing them.