This blog has some really helpful fireplace design ideas: Fireplace DIYs

I am currently painting my {orange red }brick fireplace white. I am on the second coat and I
love it! My fireplace is similar to the first picture. I am not fond of the whitewash, I guess it depends on your preference.

Unfortunately I don't have before photos handy but here is the painted fireplace of a house we recently renovated and sold. It's a much different style than your fireplace but the concept is the same. We removed dated dental moulding and stripped off the brass inlays on the fire screen. Before the fireplace looked kinda sad but painting brightened it up considerable. Good luck and please post after photos!

We need pictures of the fireplace and the room it is in.Post the pictures in a comment here.