Any suggestions for an update on pictured fireplace?

https://www.hometalk.com/categories/remodeling-renovating/fireplaces-mantels

I might change out the screen or get rid of it, clean out and paint the firebox, and paint the mantle white.

I would make the mantle wider across the whole wall, and paint it all white the wood and bricks also! it will make it look so much brighter.

Paint it white, and the inset black. Change out the mantle to a rustic old barn beam, the more rustic the better.

PAINT !!! White.

I like the wider mantle, too.

Saw Property Brothers on HGTV last night, and they whitewashed a brick fireplace that turned out gorgeous.

I would do whitewash as someone else suggested, then if you still do not have desired look then full on paint it

By all means, WHITEWASH the bricks.... and restain the mantle a dark almost black color...

Full white, to keep your eye & 'focal' on the beauty of a rustic beam. If you want your 'eye' to go to the brick, then do a wash, and a less rustic mantel. That would bring your focal to the brick... You want a focal on one or the other, if you did both, one would get lost ... look busy -- The current focal is the two toned brick the mantel gets lost.

I agree completely that whitewashing the brick will brighten up the fire place. If you can find a simple beam to switch out for the mantle and extend it beyond the ends of the brick by a few inches it will balance the wall. I like the arched brick over the opening, you could make it pop by painting it a high gloss color (maybe blue or green) and a matching small stripe of the same color under the hearth. Good luck!

Get this in my email EVERYDAY..JUST WHITEWASH IT

Whitewash the brick and enlarge and paint the mantle. After you do that THEN experiment with the "stuff" over the mantle. Here's a wonderful post from hometalk. http://tinyurl.com/h4gts7z

how about a german smear?

Suggeston: Before you paint the the area look at all of the artwork in the rest of your house and all of the knickknacks, candles, plates etc. Bring them to the room and start playing. See what fits and what doesn't. Somethings might go together that you never thought about. The area need some color, IMHO. You might find just the right display with little or no work. I did that with my sister's new fireplace surround and all of the "stuff" was somewhere else in the house.

I still think you need to paint it, though. Very good luck!