This fireplace is in our sunken family room. The mantle used to match the window trim and long gone media cabinet. I've never been quite sure what to do with it. This is not a whole redo, just an update. I am keeping the brick and mantle as is, but would like to update it. I intend on getting rid of the brass and replacing with a new black screen. My intent was to paint the mantle a warmer charcoal (SW Urbane Bronze) as stain is not something i feel comfortable doing. The mantle has been sanded down and ready to prime.

I'm looking for advice on what to do with the brick. I'm not sure what's on there now. Whitewash maybe? There are a few tiny spaces the brick is exposed near the carpet, but it doesn't look like a red brick under there. Could I whitewash over this brick to freshen it up and clean it up? Should I just paint it a warmer tone of white?

Any suggestions to balance the uncentered fireplace are appreciated as well.

Note - Our TV does need to be on that wall as family like to see the TV from the kitchen. Suggestions to swap out the media cabinet are welcome though. We just painted and rehung the Home Sweet Home sign but it does not need to stay.

Thanks in advance!