If you want a modern style, I would do a floor to ceiling white linear stone.

You could bring in a simplified mantle (or paint the one you have) - a black or maybe very dark charcoal grey and bring in some art.

As another option, you could also take off mantle completely, and hang art that would take up entire space above the brick.

As to abstract - seems that you have contemporary shades, seating, rug...

How about your favorite text above the fireplace? Right on the wall, or on a framed poster.

Do you like your fireplace as it is now? For it isn't too modern... Painting it white or whitewashing it could change the whole feel of the room. To prevent it from becoming too white, you can paint the mantle black or a dark gray.

word art and texts are very tacky. please. no.

flo mangan, darzy and freedomlplace all came up with 3 good options for your FP.
i would do all 3, except put a mirror, art or vase up on the mantle, and paint it all white.

So DH, that's your private opinion. I have seen enough places where word art looked very pretty.

Are you thinking about a total rehaul? Or just an easy update? The right way to make this fireplace look more modern is to reface the brick. You can bring a stone or tile right to the ceiling. We also recently did this for a client and we love the results! We removed the brick and replaced it with a Quartz.

Good luck from Hibou Design & Co. in Montreal!

First, fill your firebox with a generous quantity of birch or chunky light-colored logs. A firebox is a black box otherwise. Consider a more modern mantel:

Add a tall basket of logs on the hearth:

Hang a modern landscape art work over the mantel.

A P.S. I'm not sure your gray walls work well with the wood floor, fireplace, rug, and cream furniture. Cream walls would harmonize better and warm up the room.

i agree with housegal
it seems the gray is too dark
but if you have to make it work how about a rug that extends to most of the room? it will also make it cozy next to the FP....if you plan on using it

sorry meant to say too dull
if you make it a different color itll work better

Adding another picture

Beautiful sectional but it is way too large for this room. Can you separate the sections? With light furniture i would go dark gray stain on brick and on up the wall. One nice piece of art above fireplace and one low interesting accessory to left side of mantel. Paint that mantel black. If the sofa stays, you need larger rug and a nesting round coffee table works well with that type sectional. I will find some inspiration photos for you. Bbl.

By painting the brick and wall the same color, you will visually raise the ceiling.

Nesting round coffee tables work well with your type sectional. If you do make purchases from Houzz feel free to use my Trade Program discount code FDDF3 for an additional 5% off. Houzz also puts a small credit into an account for me too so it is a win/win. Every little bit helps! Good luck.

Paint out the window frames: the white is getting too much attention and is chopping up the walls. A rectangular piece of art over the mantel is all you need. Leave the mantel unadorned - except when someone brings flowers.

Nesting Coffee table set.

Here is a few ideas to kick around.

This one is the one that really would look great in that space.

I like the first one idea of FP by Lynn.

Floor to ceiling - in large tiles or even a slab. It will be an exciting update! We look forward to seeing your photos!

Here's a photo from our Before & After Houzz photos: