I would need to see more of the room and the surrounding spaces.

Thank you for your help! Here are some more photos. The home was built in 1978 and is in Eugene Oregon. The great room with the fireplace is fairly bright most days, even in our rainy winters, thanks to the big windows. Im totally open to all design advice/suggestions.

I like the brick. I wouldn't paint it.

If you want a more updated look I would suggest painting the brick but, like others here, I don't think the brick looks bad. It does work well with the wood floor and ceiling. Be warned - once painted the brick can't be unpainted. It is a lovely home!

If you wanted a more contemporary looking home, I would consider painting the brick dark grey or black. If you go that route, you might have to update the traditional sofas as well to something more urban, sleek or modern. I would keep it unpainted if you like the more traditional look.

OMG, don't touch anything! What a beautiful, homey, stunning home. But do run out and get a massive amount of birch logs to put in the firebox so you connect the natural logs to the natural textured bricks and mantel. (Wilson Evergreens will cut the size you want. Or just go out to the Oregon woods and get an armload of Aspen logs.) I love how you put that painting on the brick.

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate everything said : )

Since you asked us, NO. I find it absolutely gorgeous as is. The metal artwork above the fireplace ties in nicely with the black surround. Even though your home is not in the era of a mid-century, it has whispers of it and the brick looks absolutely in line with it. What a beautiful home!

well, I guess i'm in the minority. what a beautiful home. I love all of the wood accent on the ceiling and behind the FP. however, I don't think the color of the brick works well w/the wood. I know others love it, but I think it would look better painted, or stained or lime washed.

Color? black or a deep charcoal. You'd prob have to do a lighter mantel,(similar to your wood panel color) but the dark brick would look amazing next to the wood.

my photoshop skill isn't the best, and this black has a pale gray mortar,,,,I'd like it dark like above^

more like this, but I kind of like the lighter grout contrast too.

with the lighter mantel

of course you could do white as well

the other option is the lime wash, they have different colors. and this Romabio is meant for masonry. it lets the brick breathe.