I think the brick is beautiful. Have you tried a different painting in that space with more color and brightness? Also, it looks to me that the painting is hung too high. Painting the wood trim on the fireplace the white of the walls will eliminate some of the dark and act as frame to the bricks.

You could stain it - www.dyebrick.com. Less "thick". I agree with threers, though - paint the trim on either side white, and add a much larger art piece.

I agree it would look better painted..but it is always hard to be sure what color without seeing the rest of your space..a creamier color may look better

That brick is a bit overbearing. I think you have the right idea by painting the brick and wood. It really dates the room. Painting would offer a much more contemporary and crisp look to the room. I think it would look lovely in white.

I agree. painting would look nice.

I say paint it and get yourself a custom made fireplace door to finish it off

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Might as well thrown in an Artemis Ceiling Fan while your at it.

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I love that brick and also think it is beautiful but it must be styled around and not made to fit in. If you want all white, pale colors, then paint it but I would look at A LOT of pictures that use brown and whites to get some inspiration pictures.

What is the style in the rest of your house? Personally, I would lightly whitewash, not paint. Paint tends to obscure the texture and pattern. It often looks harsh and sometimes looks plasticy.

I also have a large brick fireplace similar to yours. I debated painting and staining mine as well as it darkens my already north facing room, however I know styles change and paint may look "dated" in the future and I may change my mind. My plan is to add nice white paneling above it to lighten things up. And in the future, if it becomes "out of style," I can hopefully remove the paneling and only have some tuck pointing to fix. That's my plan anyway....just thought I'd share an alternative.

It draws your eye and makes room feel really dark. I would paint it white in a heartbeat and add a great mantle, accessorized with light and airy pieces appropriately sized. It would transform your room.

IMO, from what I can see in the picture, the brick is the "WOW' factor in your room. The style doesn't need a mantle. Painting it gray or white would date your look to 2015. I would leave it exactly as is but choose new art and hang it much lower.

I am in the don't paint camp. I like the bold look in your room and the combo of fireplace/furniture. Does the ceiling light shine on your picture? I like that light, too, and imagine it creates drama when on.

As is this fireplace will sort of dictate your decor choices...it feels sort of dark and ominous to me...since the bricks are pristine not rough or textured ....it seems less interesting....painting would give a mood lift and a lighter feel to the room