Go on line google stone Fireplace. There are some faux stone fireplaces, that re very nice. Will remove some of the brick if not all. Around insert. Put pearl glass mosaic tile, in copper, cream, brown. Lowes Darry's as well as any tile store. Will change your whole room.

Thank you both for taking the time to make suggestions. They are both good ideas.
All of the brick, including the tripping hazard hearth, are going to be removed and the new one the same level as the hardwood floor. I am not so much into arts and crafts style but am always open to new things. I like to mix antiques with classic furniture & have a little touch of Asian pieces. If I like something it's something that fits with everything else.
I am not really clear about the first suggestion so am going to do some more searches. I appreciate any suggestions. The old fireplace. Comes out tomorrow so I have to decide soon.

How about a stone front with bookshelves on either side?

Maybe something like this on a smaller scale,

There are a lot of varieties of stone, cultured and natural, even brick should you choose to go that route. Contact a local stone/brick supply company in your area for samples. Here's just a couple samples of the variety of stone choices/brick.

Google Cast Stone Fireplace Surround to see what TravisInteriors is talking about

Mrsgroff-Here are a couple of options for you, one is a granite tile face with wood surround, the other is more contemporary, with a dark marble surround. The second example will need a hearth, if your f/p is wood burning. Obviiously, the stain you choose and the stone you choose will be more compilimentary to your present selections, these are design ideas. I hope that this helps you in your process. Best Houzzing.

Here is the other example, all stone face.

Here are some pictures of beautiful faux (and natural) stone fireplaces; hopefully they'll inspire you! The first two are from our homes and the rest were found on Pinterest:

A lot of our customers are using ledgestone for their fireplaces. Check out our website for great ideas: www.vancitytiles.com

here is what a high quality Batchelder reproduction fireplace would look like. the tiles are not glassy glazed but instead have a fired on stain finish which can be left as is or waxed, as was traditionally done. this type of tile goes well with many other materials.

I would online for stone mantels to get a better idea of what style that you might like.

I designed and built this art deco style mantle and surround out of two slabs of marble. I found images of art deco mantels and came up with this design.

is your firebox in good shape? is it brick?

you said that all the brick will have to be removed. what is underneath?

I glued the cut out pieces over my fireplace's brick mantel which is integrated with its firebox.

in your case, you should contact a fireplace profession to provide directions on what can be used to build the mantel substructure. the stone should not have contact with the fire. I can't recall how close the stone can be to the stone.