Oohhh! That’s beautiful brick! Needs a deep clean most definitely and a new surround. I would look into getting a slab granite hearth that goes with the incoming decor. The tiles make it look dated. Also, possibly drywall and paint the bottom that will go against the new floor? I’m not sure how that would look but just an idea. Maybe a floating mantle too?

I would just clean it up and update the hardware. No way would I paint or limewash this great feature! It has so much character and would add a wonderful organic/natural texture and color to the new look, I think.

At least wait until you’ve made the other changes before deciding. If it just doesn’t ”fit” the other updates, go from there.

Hope you share ”afters” pics. Lots of great elements here. :)

You have a bit of a mosh mash of styles going on right now, and not much of the “white modern” you mention. What stays, what goes, in the photos you posted? Do you have any inspiration pics?

Definitely remove the brass doors. The easiest thing to do would be to paint it with masonry paint, and a dark color would be dramatic. Do what you feel works best for your overall vision and budget, and ignore those who think painting brick is criminal. It’s really not attractive in the current setting, but could be spectacular!

Thank you. Most everything is going. We are taking down walls and beams, adding new lighting fixtures, railings, windows, floors, etc. Here’s some renderings of our likely design. We are also still debating whether to make the island the same quartz as the cabinets/backsplash.

The ceiling will be like this:

Clean the brick. Have the chimney interior checked for cracks or separated bricks and proper smoke exhaust. I would lighten the appearance of the very dark bricks and perhaps replace the hearth tiles.

Just came across this — regrouting the fp might be an option if you’d like it to have a lighter look:

https://www.classyclutter.net/modern-ranch-reno-3/

Before:

After:

It’s really dependant on how you want the entire space to feel. Perhaps waiting until you are further along/have decor figured out will help you decide how best to address the fireplace.

The brick at the front door looks nice, but both sides have to be the same. I think a stunning solution is covering with Venetian plaster (will have even more impact than the brick), adding a great chandelier/large art and modifying fireplace a bit.

Could also go dark, remove hearth and fill in storage box before plastering. Grey would be lovely with your island!

I think all the grout lines and different colors of the brick are too busy next to the wood plank ceilings and floors. Especially if you will be painting the beams white. Just too much going on.

Most important if you plan to use the fireplace is to have it inspected. There’s a draft issue shown by the soot above the fire box.

Once you know if the chimney and fireplace are safe, clean the brick, paint the brass surround with heat safe dark charcoal or black. Hang an enormous piece of modern art.

Can’t wait to see how your renovations progress!

I'm with ShadyWillowFarm - black or dark charcoal masonry paint. This will tie in your fireplace with your island. But I would wait until the floors and kitchen counters have been installed. If you pick a dark stain for your floor, a black fireplace may be too much.

Can you put a name to the style you plan for the rooms? Farmhouse? Rustic? MCM? Are you in the country? I can't get a feel for the home from just the F/P. I agree with Jinx and Maureen that you should wait til you have made more design choices before making any decisions about it. Right now it feels overwhelming.

Totally agree on cleaning, no painting. Paint the brass surround a matte black. Done! I see so many beautiful brick fireplaces destroyed by paint. No turning back once that's done. Love the fireplace!

I also have a large brick wall that houses a fireplace on the living room side and is the wall in my foyer. The brick matches the exterior of my home so it connects the outside to the inside. I love the harmony it creates. If yours is also the same brick as the exterior you would lose that connection if you paint or cover the brick.

@ashtonchic - thank you for your insight. We will have a modern design. Lots of white, brightness, high ceilings, and windows. We are in the suburbs of NY. Our house is a California ranch - we have the exposed beam wood ceilings and that brick fireplace which goes from the basement to the first floor. The brick is also outside the house as a chimney.

Reading your above comments and because I’m a visual person, I was curious what an updated California ranch felt like that was close to your description, but only found a few with red brick, but they didn't quite resemble your fireplace. Hope picture below helps though.

If you haven't already, pouring through inspiration pictures may help and search for rooms that will resemble your overall concept/design; then try to imagine it with red brick.

@Maureen - thank you for your thoughtful comments and these pictures. This is helpful! Happy holidays!

I’m in the wait-and-see group. You are making amazing, dramatic changes to your house. Until you actually see the new “modern” version of your home it’s hard to assess the brick fireplace. I would definitely leave it for last.

I know you didn’t ask, but I like the contrasting countertop for the island. And as some have said, it could be the inspiration for the fireplace design.