SFGate

nomitopper Forgot to mention that the furniture and everything else will be replaced .

lefty47 HI -- If you are doing a more contempory interior - then remove old mantel and cover with a stone vaneer from bottom to ceiling --- if you are staying with the traditional - then cover the brick with some marble or granite or concrete tiles. Add some more decorative trim to the inside of the mantel surround ,- the mantel you have now is too thin.Then maybe paint the mantel surround a darker color .or keep that wall all one color. Then have a beautiful round mirror over the mantel Find a free standing firescreen in the style you choose of modern or traditional . If the side cabinets are being replaced , then maybe have bookcases or just have matching console cabinets on each side with glass shelves above . Keep the decor items larger and less of .

Dytecture A fresh coat of paint would do wonders.

olldbobbi Well color me weird but I like that brick a lot!!! I would do two things - clean the brick with a foaming bathroom cleaner and a nylon scrub brush, and paint the inside of the firebox with black high heat paint. Then find an attractive black fire screen, what's in there now is outdated. Depending on what the opposite side of the room looks like, you could add a large framed mirror above or a beautiful piece of art.

nomitopper Thank you all so much for your suggestions. I am still trying to decide which way to go.

Suzanne Regimbal you need to beef up the fireplace if you are stay fractional then you could paint .

SPACIALISTS I agree with Dytecture, Brighten up the area.

nomitopper I like the idea of beefing up the fireplace (Suzanne Regimbal), but I don't understand what you mean by staying fractional.
Thanks

lastplace I agree paint it out, but choose a colour that is going to work with your colours. White is beautiful but looks very stark in some rooms. If you are not sure of your style yet paint it a soft gray brown which will ground it and be easy to match blues, browns, grays, beiges, etc. I flip houses and we always have an outdated fireplace to contend with. I always paint it out first and sometimes try simple paint finishes on them. It will also help to visualize the room better

Suzanne Regimbal Sorry my tablette likes to use its own language sometimes . I wanted to say traditional. I agree with lefty47 .