I have a crazy corner fireplace and need to paint/ clad it over.

You can mount any type of tile on a a brick fireplace. Very easy and a little messy. Try travertine because it has a timeless look. You can always paint the fireplace for a quick and easy fix. If you paint it the color of your walls it will kind of disappear. Or use a tone darker than the walls for some flair.

http://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=fireplace%20makeover

I have that as well...if you close it up, your room will appear smaller..you will lose reflective light from open ceiling..I did the opposite - I mirrored in the triangle walls above the fire place..made it my one of a kind focal point..lights and Christmas balls were stunning...flower arrangements balance of the year looked good as well, plus ornamentation...just a thought..

i think it's pretty, but I white washed mine. Super easy. Water down white paint, apply and blot off with rag

I was going to suggest white wash as well. My brick was white, grey and black. We hated the black mastic. By using watered down paint, I as able to lighten it and the black mastic became more grey. Here's mine half way done so you can see the difference.