Yes

I think a dark gray wash would be better than dark paint. I usually am not in favor of painting brick, but I am making an exception here.

No I would not paint it.

I would not paint the brick. I would buy a mantel that covers the top and sides and paint it white to match the trim. Also remove the tiles from the base and expose the brick underneath. It will look awesome.

I don't think it would devalue the house. I like to paint everything so maybe I am not the right person to respond--but I do think a dark grey would look super modern and fresh! If you want to be safe with it you can water down the paint so the brick can still show through or use a concrete stain in the color you want. If you do paint it and someone complains when you are selling the house there are products to make it look like brick again.

If you want to paint it I say go ahead! I think a simple tile would look sleek and it's not too expensive to cover.

Natural things should be left as they are and taken advantage of I think.

I like painted brick, but the brick you have is unique and interesting (vs the standard regular brick), I would leave it, but I would do something knew to the mantel. Maybe a dark wood top.

Thank you mveasey! We do think alike!

Painted brick fireplaces can be beautiful..choosing the right color can be a difficult decision..you have a very warm tile so choosing the right color to offset that color can be tricky..here is a link to Houzz painted brick fireplaces that should give you tons of ideas that would work for you http://www.houzz.com/painted-brick-fireplaces
Looks as though you will have to copy and paste the link :-/

I'd get someone to plaster coat it and then paint it. Painted bricks can look just like painted bricks! It wouldn't cost much to plaster it and would modernise it. Then you have a blank canvas

I skin tired old brick fireplaces with slate, marble, travertine or granite. Cheap and effective!

Fire places.

The brick is fine however I suggest you define the hearth and mantle Use a black matt. finish slate 30mm and go bold with a reclaimed rough timber mantle maybe 150mm..correct proportion and natural finishes will work every time.

The brick is great but the mantle looks a little lost to me.

I think the brick is fine . Need larger mantle . I would either go with a wood stained mantel or painted to match trim but definitely larger. I do agree that maybe you should uncover the brick on the hearth.

Of all the ideas you received I think that making a new surround out of wood( traditional or more modern) and removing the tile would be in your best interest. You can paint the wood any color you like. This will be the most timeless solution that can be easily updated as styles change without much expense.

The fireplace has been painted a darker gray using a darker version of the wall color. The mantle has been both thickened and extended beyond the front and sides of the brick. The mirror was lowered to read as a part of the mantle as opposed to floating above it. If nothing else, the altered photo should help somewhat in visualizing your options.

I have never seen painted brick that looks appealing to me, so my vote goes with covering it with stone or the like.
http://houzz.com/photos/3134534

It needs a more prominent mantle. I would not paint it. I would add a gloss sealer to make it look "wet." the foot piece looks a bit off. Perhaps re tile that.

It is awful. You need a new surround. look around this site. Stay with the style of your home though.

I have never seen painted brick that didnt peel off and require reprinting. Over time it start to look tacky. I would use a concrete or brick stain and an enhancer over that to create a faux look that won't just cover it up.

No offense but this is one unattractive brick fireplace. It just does not look professionally done. Also, as is, the mantle is too wimpy. It would call for a large massive slab in order to be in keeping with it's rustic look. I am going with those who suggested a new wooden surround, probably higher than what you have here. If you have the budget another choice for me would be a cultured stone which you could do yourself. Great ideas abound if you use the search function on here.

I like the brick. I would clean it first and add a bulkier mantle before painting. plus I don't think your wall color helps the fireplace. paint the wall a color that enhances the fireplace. if after that you don't like the results then paint it. there is no going back if you paint the brick first.

No…..great bricks and a great color. As suggested, it needs more surround.

There are some ugly brick fireplaces out there and yours definitely is not one of them.

iplays photos reminded me. I would also look at adding more mortar to the bricks. right now its pretty deep and would probably soften the look a bit by doing that.

A solution if you align yourself with those who think a complete remake is the only way to go . .

In my own 90+ year old home , I began with an unremarkable mantle with a brick surround. If you look closely in the first photo you can still see a vestige of the brick that survived. I built the columns and the mantle using MDF so cost was not an overwhelming factor. The crown was added during the process of adding crown to the entire room. The "marble" mantle is faux finished MDF.

The whole process was additive, no demolition involved other than removing the old wooden mantle/surround in about 5 minutes.

I ended up with viable DIY solution involving less money and more physical labor. In the realm of more money, less work, I very much like the solutions provided by iplay10s.