SFGate

decoenthusiaste Paint the brass with black fireproof paint too. I'd beef up the mantel. Are you doing anything to the knotty pine?

Matteo Dezigns It looks like the brick surface is pretty smooth, if so, you might consider this...in the kitchen area at Home Depot, look for the square (12x12in) mosaic or subway tile squares. They are inexpensive, flexible, and you can trim to size. They are easy to install and will give your fireplace all new life! Look for some granite tiles (on sale) for the hearth and remove the doors and leave open. They now have clear glass free standing screens that are awesome, but you might have to put that in the 2nd round of budget planning. Just make sure you decide on what you will do with the paneling (paint color) before you do the fireplace so when you do paint, it will all come together.
Good luck!
www.matteodezigns.com

Glen Houston's Painting Paint and glaze.

MHA Home Services The brick appears pretty aged and even somewhat irregular and the hearth unfinished or stripped of the original finish. You might check at a local stone yard. They may have some very nice pieces of bluestone, slate or other natural material which often they end up with over runs at a good price. Basic thin set applications will set the hearth stone. I do stucco and plaster work. If it were mine I would plaster or stucco the finish in a knockdown to make it easier to clean and get rid of the old brick effect and give it a larger mantel to the proportion of the overall fireplace. The knotty pine is a great retro look. Good luck

Andrea Mc Thanks for these suggestions guys. They were very helpful. You are totally right about it needing a bigger mantle also!