If we kept the brick how it is what color would you do the brass?

If you can remove the brass pieces, you can spray paint them black with a high heat paint. I did that to mine and it was a quick and easy update. The high heat spray paint can be found at your local hardware store, Lowes, or Home Depot.

Personally, I agree w/spray painting the brass black. The brick is so pretty, I'd leave it alone. What about painting the bookcases a lighter color?

If you paint the bookcases, here is a trick to add depth and appeal to them: paint the very back part, against the wall, 2-3 shades darker than the outside color. This his adds just the right touch. Don't go too dark, though.

Since the question is for the mantle, I will chime in! I think some nice tall and narrow vases or other items will look nice on one side. Vary the sizes an placement so that it doesn't look too "placed." On the other end, some short, maybe fatter pieces might contrast the tall and narrow pieces nicely. Are you going to put anything on the seat of the fireplace?

Skin it in marble/trav/granite. Looks like a million & costs a few hun.

cmartinez1584 thank you!
I plan on putting something on the seat but right now I have a 1year old soooo I'm holding off until I don't have little ones, loved the feedback thank you!

Yeah I have a cat that would totally decimate my lower mantle if I have him the chance! Good luck and let us know :)