I spy.... hmmm... Oh! A fireplace hiding under the TV!

If you want your forlorn fireplace to stand out and be something special, don't make it play second fiddle to the dang TV (the fact that it's possible to mount flat screens over fireplaces is my least favorite aspect of flat screens).

Move the TV somewhere else (get it a nice entertainment console that has it sitting at the correct viewing height) and the for the fireplace, do something cool like extend the hearth all the way across the end of the room and outward so you have space for firewood, some cool decor, places to sit, shelves, etc. Also, find some epic reclaimed beam and mount it over the fireplace as a mantelpiece. You could have it go all the way across. I'm thinking of the 70's fireplace in my relatives' house - it had the hearth and beam across the end of the room and could be dressed up really nicely and was super cozy.

Hi Nancy, thank you these ideas certainly have merit. Now to review with the wife. Greg

Love altadavey's idea. A nice coat of paint on that fireplace would breathe new life into it. Definitely move the tv (if possible) so it stands out more or at least add a nice chunky wood mantle. I would switch out that insert for something more modern; brass is somewhat outdated.

Yes move the TV somewhere new and eliminate all that junk around the FP and the hearth.

Either keep the brick as is or paint it. Add a mantle, highlight the wall with some recessed downlights and you're done.

Yep, moving the tv is the only way to get rid of those annoying but necessary cords. If those remain, no matter what you do, it will not be an improvement.

I like RacheG's the white color of the bricks is a great idea. It looks nice and clean. It makes the atmosphere bright.