Would you consider painting the entire thing?

you mean the brick? have thought about it, or some sort of whitewashing?

Oh my, you have my brick fireplace which I am now tired of. I love the black grill - ties in both fireplace and TV. Regarding painting comment, I don't particularly like painted brick, but I'm thinking of trying it first at my house before I cover it up w/wood. That's what I would suggest also.

For your design style, I think I would paint the brick, the same as beige walls. If you change the wall color to something other than beige/cream or white, I would paint the brick white. For the mantle, I think I would paint it black.

HI -- Paint the mantel black and add a black granite top onto the hearth , but leave the brick natural -- not painted . There was a lot of painted brick in mid century -- but not so sure you need to paint this brick .

White washing is a great option as well!

I like the look much better now that you painted the brass black. What type of paint did you use and how did you do it?

Hi, I used rustoleum high heat in matt black spray, i actually unscrewed the surround and pulled out, brought outside propped up, took off the chain curtain, taped up glass with frogtape and sprayed brass. Have gas so don't need chain curtain and I think looks nicer without. Waited till next day and re-installed....did have a girlfriend to help carry etc...