I agree a surround may be tricky. I definitely think a more prominent mantle is an order. That said I think your brick is very dominating and overbearing in terms of the colors....it is a lot of red to look at. I would white wash or paint, but I understand if your husband feels differently.

@Rachel G, I really like some of those inspiration photos! The white wash/limewash ones in particular have me jonesing to paint. I'm kind of intrigued by the Lettered Cottage picture, the one where it appears they built a wood surround around the bottom brick and then added the surround to the top part, not ending at the floor. I think I'm going to explore that idea some more.