oh my goodness ... my fireplace is identical ... too funny and i faced the same dilemma this fall. What I ended up doing is whitewashing it, only not with white, but sandyhook grey BM. The result was a solid cover, but the roughness of the brick still shows through (versus a thick creamy cover when you use straight paint). It was quite easy, tons of tutorials on line and took a few hours. Really blends in nicely now and not an ice sore pulling so much attention to the pink/red/brown mix. When debating colours, i painted the options on bristol board and held them up to make sure the tone was right with the room and lighting. GOOD LUCK! Have fun.

Look at my website on houzz and you can see the potential

This is the before and after

Change the drapes. The square drape with the neutral color clash for me. Instead of covering the brick, paint the matching shelf and bottom shelf to the fire place a dark color to match your beautiful floors. It'll give it that deeper sports theme room look, while staying classic. I'd recommend a solid green or red drape.

Yes....the drapes need to go. Sorry. How about just blinds or shutters there?

Get some Rustoleum high heat paint and spray the brass fireplace piece.

How about some bobble heads on the mantle???? You must have some!!!

Thank u for the ideas. I agree on the drapes (they came with the house! ) but we have not tackled this room as the fireplace was daunting.

Here's some inspiration for you! http://www.houzz.com/projects/451355/Mantels