Please do not touch that fireplace!

Just get a plain bronze square screen that fits the inner space sufficiently.

That's a very unique fireplace surround. What style is the house? If the fireplace fits with the house I wouldn't change it since DH likes it.

Question, what are the three marks directly under the mantle? Damage from previously placed corbels? The mantle seems to be the”odd man” out, I’m not quite sure why.

@klaurence - there were 3 corbels at one point. When we moved in only two remained and there was no mantle, just a sheet of wood so we put this box cover on as a quick fix to use the mantle

@kandrewspa house is 1940s 1400 sq Ft socal home. Here is pic of opposite of the fireplace (excise the mess)

@Mary Daly …. Ah, that makes sense. I’m with your husband after seeing the photo you posted, love those arches above the openings. I would rethink the mantle & leave the brick alone ! I knew something was “off” about the mantle.

I would replace the corbels and add a live edge mantle.

Perhaps a venetian plaster treatment on the upper portion, leaving the vertical brick and hearth. The mantle could be smaller and the screen should suit well.

I like the brick as it is, its unique. Painted brick is everywhere.

You have some super art deco cool stuff going on. It would be nice to restore the fireplace. It's unusual and nice. You don't really want what everybody has do ya? :)

IMO no art dco witht at design in the brick I think if you love it keep it but I would not keep it id that mantel is your design choice then you need a simple tile facing on the FP not that wiggly not attractive look.

how sad.

Mary- the wavy brick look and corbel problem can be solved with a light to medium application of Romabio available at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Repair area where corbel was getting it as flat as possible. A darker mantel would also fit the homes style better. Leave the hearth tiles alone if they are in good repair. Bbl

Here is rough mock up of how you can improve this fireplace situation. I added new sconces with black base and gold detailing. You could use Rub n Buff on existing ones but the positions need to be lined up. I did the best I could with the photo you posted but the whole surface of brick/stucco can be done the same. I also darkened the mantel.

Of votes, if possible the mantel should be only as wide ad the wall. No overlap.

This way you diminish the red brick look but keep the idea and texture. Good compromise with DH and pretty easy DIY Project.

I’m so curious what the fireplace originally looked like.

I like the funky design someone later did with the brick, but I don’t think it’s anything precious if you want a change.

I’d personally leave it as is, I think it’s cool.

(ETA: I mean, I don’t think the brick work on the front is original, does anyone else think so? Maybe I’m wrong. The tiles are, I’m sure of that.)

I think it's original. It's a California thing. You mesh Spanish revival with deco with Storybook...I'm curious as to the style of the exterior.

Yes, I love that style of Ca architecture and interior features, and am familiar with it (you know my obsession with Carmel!), but still wonder if that brick is original. Something about it just seems off to me.

If it is original, I definitely wouldn’t touch it!

ETA: Fori, I was just looking closer at where the corbels were, which I bet were original, and the bricks butting up to them do look like they were always there. I think you’re right that they’re original.

OP, I hope you leave them as is. :)

I think someone may have plastered or painted the mortar lines between the bricks making them seem a little more weird.

I agree. That poor fireplace needs restored, as you said earlier.

The fireplace seems “imperfect” but the mantle looks brand spankin’ new. A “rougher” more natural looking mantle, in a deeper brown, would complement the unique look.

If you want to cover it, others are giving you good ideas, but I wouldn’t. It’s different, in a good way.