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judyg Well, your fireplace trim is quite formal and Greek inspired. What you have now for decor is not that. Maybe a black slate for the hearth to start and paint the brick black. Then lighten the feel with more contemporary art work.

Gerson Balza Thanks judyg! We might also look into replacing the mantle since it very greek & formal. It does not go with the rest of the house

judyg Probably a good idea. It is a beautiful mantel, but it is what it is.

Did want to share this pix, however. Definitely Greek influenced, but contemporary, as well.

onthefence I'd definitely consider replacing the mantle. Also, you might want to consider haunting your local mantle supplier. I had no idea but they also have a "2nds" area of mantles that for some reason couldn't be sold. We found a great mantle at an excellent price.
I'm actually wanting to change the style and size of ours a bit and want to go back to the place we got the original one and hope to get lucky again.

Chris Saper Portraits & Fine Art As a slate lover, I'm with you! My fireplace is actually part of the wall, but you could easily face both the fireplace and hearth with slate. I love the art you have above the fp now - so it gives me the feel that your aesthetics are contemporary. I use a slate called copper quartzite, but the only thing you need make sure about is that your slate color doesn't fight the color of the flooring ( I can't see it from the photo) be sure to get two pieces of slate for test colors - one that is sealed , one that is not. If you decide to seal the slate it can dramatically change both the color and the value.

Gerson Balza If we go with slate to the top, how can I integrate that with the trim on the ceiling moulding?

Tammy Sprinkle The crown moulding would just wrap around the outside the face of the tiles

alohalorilynn Keep mantle white. Paint bricks black

Gerson Balza Is it possible to instal a hand hewn beam mantel on the slate wall? We always see it with cultured stones but never with slate.