I would add a mantel and leave the brick

I would leave the brick unpainted for now too. Once that brown/orange furniture is gone, the space will seem less brown/orange overall, even with the fireplace.

Another vote for Kevin's suggestion. I wouldn't paint the brick.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I wasn't planning on painting the brick. I think the way it is now really ties it in with the adjoining kitchen. I think with our lighter and more contemporary furnishings we will be able to give the place an updated look. I'm even on the fence about putting in a mantle. I'm kind of liking the simplicity of no mantle, but I could also see a mantle looking nice.

However, my question was really would you think one large pic above the fireplace, or leave the fireplace bare like the owners have it now and instead put two nice pieces of artwork on each side of the fireplace? Thoughts?

I would do both. Maybe one large piece on the fireplace and some smaller vignettes on either side.

Jennifer, I really think a simple mantel would be nice in your case. I like the brick a lot and agree it's a great fit with the kitchen.

There's another topic here asking about adding a mantel. One of the pros mentioned "fireplaces without mantles only really work if they're contemporary." I'm not a pro but that makes sense. Your new home doesn't strike me as contemporary.

Thank you everyone for the input. Hmmmm . . . still not sure about the mantle. I feel like a mantle actually doesn't fit with the style, or just seems unnecessary -- I don't know. I'm not big on lots of tchotchkes, so don't really need a mantle to display candle sticks and such. I was hoping to just use some cool art work to create a simple/uncluttered look. Lots to think about . . .

If you decide against a mantle, you can use command hooks for the stockings at Christmas. They make "fancy" ones (lol) like plastic crystal etc. You could adhere them to the brick if possible or to the wall beside it.

We have a woodstove with grey tile on the wall behind it, and for Christmas this year I got grey command hooks in the peg style and sprayed them with glitter. Very festive!

I would add a floating mantle (like many have suggested), but I would also add art on either side of the fireplace. The thing is, the art needs to be the right size. The pictures the people have their right now are too small and not well placed. Maybe think of art in terms of a hanging sculpture or a painting on canvas without a frame. You want to keep the fireplace as the focal point of the room (probably), so whatever you put on the sides of it need to enhance it rather than compete with it. Congratulations on your new home! I hope you have fun with making it your own!

This forum is so fun. Thanks lindsey for the stocking tip. And yes jas618 I would definitely choose large artwork. I'm still surprised however that so many dislike the fireplace. I thought it was kind of interesting from the typical/traditional fireplace. I know as long as I like it that is what is important, but I would like if others found it beautiful too :)

These are the fireplaces in some of the previous homes we've lived in. They are all different styles, but I've liked them all. Keep in mind the last one was in 1999 so decor style was different than it is today.

I’m in the “don’t paint it” camp. Jennifer, I think the reason some dislike it is because it doesn’t fit into the same boring style of fireplaces seen everywhere. Also, I think there’s a knee jerk reaction to paint over everything: brick, stone, wood, whatever ... all done in an attempt to achieve their vision of “updating “. I’ve see it in every house I tour while house hunting recently. It is interesting & certainly adds to the room.

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words.

Your furniture will dictate what to do with the fireplace. I vote to leave it alone. You can put Christmas stockings on those 2 columns, hang them over the island and/or put them on your stair railings.

Hi, Jennifer--

Another vote here for the 'don't paint it!' camp - even though you weren't considering it. When it comes to stocking hanging (or whatever else you may want to attach in the season - major wreath, etc.), brick clips are what you'll need for success here. Adhesive-backed hooks need a non-porous surface like a painted or tiled surface to grip, and brick clips bite the top and bottom of a brick run. You could also use one or two if you decide that you want to try a major art image on the fireplace wall during the year, too -- all without drilling into your mortar and needing to re-point your brickwork later. Cheers!

I like the brick fireplace, it sure adds a nice cozy feel. Don't paint it, but if you decide down the road that you don't like the red, maybe limewash it or whitewash it, very slightly.