Close up of existing surround

The wood parts of the surround are lovely and will be attractive with the new floors. Don't mess with that!

But yeah, the bricks could definitely be upgraded. The ones on the floor aren't too bad (could use a cleaning or repainting or a full replacement) but the whitewashed ones on the vertical are unfortunate. If they matched the lower ones they might be okay....

I'd actually consider reducing the size of the hearth unless you burn wood. And any larger would be out of proportion. (It's a good size now--I just am tired of tripping on my own hearth!) You might be able to get the gas keyhole moved by a plumber as part of the floor project--that would be worth checking out.

I would reduce the size of the hearth if possible. Definitely don't make it larger. Love the surround - and it seems like it should look great with the floors. The "brick" is a cool tone, and your hearth is a warm tone...so replacing both of them with coordinating colors/product will improve the area.

I have a white mantel exactly like yours (mid-'90's). I am planning on replacing it later this year. If your decorating style is traditional there is nothing wrong with it. I am interested in moving away from traditional, that's why I'm replacing mine. In order to change the brick to something else you will have to remove the mantel. I wonder if it will be able to be removed without it being destroyed. In your case I think only the hearth needs to be replaced because it doesn't match the other parts. Maybe a piece of gray slate? If you don't like the mantel, once you remove it you can change the brick. Here are some pictures of fireplaces I have saved while thinking about how am I going to change mine. If you want a more contemporary style, search the pictures in Houzz.

Fireplaces · More Info

Living Room - A "Great Room" for Hosting · More Info

Brookside: Eagles Nest · More Info

Eclectic Farmhouse · More Info

Jutland Lane · More Info

I would paint mantle and bricks white.