The color of that fireplace and wood make the room feel dark, but I agree white may be too much. Also, a shame that the brick colors are mismatched. Are you planning on painting it? I really feel as though that would brighten the room and bring it up to date.

White wash would really lighten it up without being too much. That is quite strange that the red brick has a glaze on it. May be worth it to consult a professional, but in my opinion I would paint that red brick to match whatever you will paint your walls so that it won't take away from how beautiful that fireplace is going to look when you finish white washing.

Oh I actually think that would look great too. Either paint it all to match or if she can remove some of the uglier features. Even in that case I agree that the brick and whole room would benefit from paint to bring it together.

It really would make so much sense to remove those. I think the ceiling being low also makes it important to lighten up that fireplace with paint since you would want to make the room feel more open. Right now the brick does the opposite of that. And i honestly would paint or cover right over that red brick to match everything else.

Definitely a tricky room but it will look great with the changes. Hope you can post update pictures at some point and good luck with everything!

Oh wow, I think drywall around the rest of the room and painting the brick fireplace would work wonders. I just don't like that brick.