What can I do to update this ugly fireplace?

painting around the faux stones with a color close to your wall color and sealing it.

It’s real rock and cement. Would that make a difference? Suggestions for mantel also?

I like the natural stone. But your mantel is way too wide and takes over the space. Just cut the mantel a little narrower than your stone fireplace, paint it a modern color and rehang it. Beautiful!

I love the natural stone, I think the mantel is too big. I would cut it down in size to either just wrap around stone (by 2” on each side) or cut it down narrower than stone. Repaint or strip & restain.

Also the black firedoors need to go-get rid of that & get just a simple fire screen (Plow & Hearth or Amazon).

Good luck!

Leave the natural stone. Just scrub it with some TSP. Change up the mantel. Take down what is there. I think a traditional white mantel that extends down the sides would look great. Or just cut down what you have and paint or stain a darker color.

Jacke, Spearfish, SD

The mantel is the big problem, replace it with something that is just over the fireplace and not so thick. you could put coordinating shelves on either side or just something decorative.

sd

I agree with Marty - Mantel too big, also maybe too high. Get rid of the metal surround, get a fire screen. Really updates. I love the stone though!