Are you opened to the idea of painting the bricks white?

If you don' want to paint the brick, consider painting the walls around it a shade from the brick then it won't stand out as much. It would be quite expensive to redo the entire fireplace, but when you have the funds it would be worth considering. If you do redo the entire fireplace I consider keeping it narrower than the windows by a few inches on either side. You might also consider a nice large area rug that would help ground the room.

I don't think the brick is the problem, the mantle is. it's out of proportion.

Also, the mantle is the wrong color. I think you should get a mantle the same width as the widest part of the fireplace or shorten it so that each end is aligned with the smaller section of brick. have the mantle painted a color similar to the brick color.

Haven't thought about painting the brick...I think that might help

I don't think the brick is offensive but painting would look good. I don't think current brick is working well with blue wall and mantle is too orange and narrow. Paint brick white or a light taupe or paint out blue walls to a lighter tone of brick.

I like the brick! I wouldn't paint the brick but I would paint the mantle an off-white.

Paint the mantle first, then see if you hate fireplace as much. I think it would look great painted, but it's a big, irreversible step. If you do paint, probably best to do an off white, pure white would be too stark.

You could also just place white paper all over the mantle, secure it with painters tape, before you take the paint plunge.

Good idea!

Start with painting the mantel to match the white of the window trim. Ideally the mantel should be as wide as the brick. This would give you a more modern look. Change the blue walls to a more neutral color, look at Benjamin Moore's historical colors, Wheeling Neutral, Shaker Beige, something to compliment the brick color.

The brick is good. I would leave it. The tv needs to be mounted above the mantle (after you paint it white) and the blinds need to be swapped out with the white faux 2" blinds. A new splash of a toned down color on this wall alone will help not make the brick pop out at you. Is this a fireplace insert? If so, you also have the option of hanging drywall over the brick, constructing a white fireplace enclosure and mantle all in one and keeping the brick below. Either way, the tv above would really set the room off.

Paint or remove the mantle. Paint the wall a color pulled from the brick so it flows better. Accessorize the brick; put a large glass vase with twigs on one side of the fireplace and/or a small table with large candles or such. Consider mounting the TV above the FP or raise or get a new picture that is more vertical. think you have a nice start; I would not paint the brick.

Can we also see pictures of the rest of the room? Thanks.

Old post :)

The room seems very dark and gloomy to me. If I were designing this space I would suggest:
1. Paint all brick white
2. Replace mantle with a three sided, bulkier version (this would minimize the impact of the brick) box out, trim and paint lower portion of brick that sticks out (pic)
3. Add mullions to the windows
4. Mount a flat screen tv, either on the wall to the left or on the brick. I think adding it to the left would balance out the visual weight of the fireplace. Add large console below for storage and balance.
5. Paint the door white
6. Paint the room a lighter color
7. Add a large area rug, 8x10 ish.
8 consider replacing the sectional with a lighter color couch and love seat.
9. Add coffee table to anchor the space.
10 Add ambient lighting by way of wall sconces or floor lamps.

They make stain for brick too! Just a thought!

Probably the poster found some answer in the intervening three years...

Yup, the owner probably already made their changes. But ... I would paint the walls a creamy white that would compliment the bricks. I would simplify the art on the blue wall ... It's too busy next to the brick. On the window behind the t.v. I would get blinds to match the creamy white wall. Done. I love this room. With some minor changes, it will be bright and beautiful.