Brick is warm, cozy, and inviting. Always has been. Especially with the rest of the wood. Painting it would make it cold and sterile, not to mention making something need maintenance that currently only needs a bit of cleaning to spruce it up. And you need a lighting designer. That's it. Good lighting will make a WORLD of difference.

Thanks Sophie, I was thinking something like this (attached). The problem is the this room does not get much natural light during the day either. I was hoping if we painted, it'll reflect the light better... but if we leave the brick unpainted, I'd like to try a different color on the wall rather than the current light beige.

I would paint the brick the same color as wall color you currently have, think it would dramatically change the room. Perhaps add a mantle over the fireplace in the same wood/color as the beams.

What about the idea of white washing it? https://www.houzz.com/discussions/remodel-fireplace-w-whitewash-any-other-suggestions-dsvw-vd~355285

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/fireplace-remodel-dsvw-vd~263914

Check out younghouselove.com ...Look at their current living room. They did a wash treatment over a very similar brick-they have wood beams also.

I think the brick wall and wooden beams add some killer character to the room. I think you just need to figure out a color to go with it all. I think a dark leather couch, some modern art would tie it together. Maybe you could go with a classy farmhouse look. Good luck!

Clean the soot off the brick and leave it as is. Get a much larger area rug that will carry your color theme.

Pretty sure I'm missing a mantel here too...

Hi. I've got a question.........has the fire place been serviced to clean out the flue and check the works? Aesthetically the room has potential for sure. If what you're after is a more modern room, then White-washing the brick, the beams, and painting out the walls in white will give you a clean slate. Look at Restoration Hardware for ideas. Combining some of their wood furniture with iron pieces will work. Use Art, Seating, and details for color. Lighting is just what others in this conversation have said.........a total necessity. A floor lamp, smaller table lamps, and sconces can help a lot. Mirror will also.

fireplace service is really needed, as Jeffrey said. soot marks up brick says it's not drawing properly. I hope you do not paint, but instead invest in lighting.

I will take up Sophie's banner. If the room is dark boost the light by getting some more table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces. Then when you can see the place, you will be able to see what to do.

Light!

If you paint and fireplace continues to smoke it up like it does
now won't it look worse?