Decorating Fireplace?

What a beautiful fireplace, I would not change anything about it either.

Saw this on Pinterest and it would look nice to the right of the fireplace as you are facing it instead of the orange container:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6192518227119014/?d=t&mt=login

For the rest of the shelves, I would use art work, something with black, teal and copper. Your fireplace is the focal point of that wall and the 3 shelves are accents to it, so to complement it, it needs a bit of color, not enough to take away from the fireplace.

Add items that reflect your decorating style. Potted plants, vintage items, and candles would all look pretty.

I think plants would be gorgeous on the shelves. :)

Hi Andrea, how fortunate are you to have this beautiful fireplace! I would suggest very simple items such as colorful metal pieces or vases or maybe a plant or two.

Items that will contrast well with the colors and busyness of the fireplace design.

Since you have a nail already available, perhaps you can find a framed piece of artwork you love above the shelves.

Get rid of the orange vase and replace it with black fireplace tools. Plants, candles, family photos on the shelves. Picture or mirror on the nail. I don't know if it's real stone or fake stone over drywall. Mine had black Z Brick over drywall. Looked like a massive hole in the wall. I totally rebuilt my fireplace down to the studs. Made my own mantle. My ex wanted to paint it, I just gutted it. Personally yours is too busy and dated.

you can use command hooks to hang a wreath and they don't damage the fireplace

I agree that the brickwork is far too "busy and colorful" and very outdated! Would you consider framing it out and putting a new fireplace facade over the brick? It would not be overly costly.

Or at the minimum, would you consider painting the brick one color or whitewashing it to tone it all down?

Due to how busy the colors/bricks are, the decor is just adding to the mess. Given what you have, I'm not even sure adding decor is helpful. I do think adding a large mirror over the fp would help. Take your photo and "paint" over the brick in a solid color to see how it would look. Even leaving the shelves their natural color and painting the flat area would make the shelves really stand out, as well as whatever decor you put on them.

Your decor looks modern country. Some over sized homemade dice would look cute. Also Amazon has some adorable wood art check it out:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0851G83ZF/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I love the color! I do agree it has a lot going on so I would stick to one or two oversized pieces. A Mirror or Art over the actual firebox and maybe a metal rack holding firewood off to the side. The key is size. It will allow for the fireplace to shine.

Because the brick is quite colorful, I would go with simple black accessories. Black pottery with greenery in one piece (to break up the black), black metal piece or black ceramic bowl or chunky candlestick(s). Hang a black framed mirror on the nail if it will support the weight or hang a non-seasonal wreath made with just greenery. All the black will tie in with your black fireplace surround and the greenery will breath life into the look. The black will stand out against the brick instead of fighting or blending in with the brick. It will look elegant and simple.

I love your brickwork wish mine looked so shiny and clean as yours does. I would put seasonal items on the shelf. Spring, think Easter, Fall, Pumpkins, etc. I think you need a larger item on the hearth. The orange vase needs to go. Either Andirons or maybe a big vase. You can find those items at Kirklands, and they are really reasonable.

I also think a huge clock could hang on that nail in the middle.

I think some candles made from wood or faux wood like these would fit in nicely - https://amzn.to/3hEQD6b

Have you considered the flameless battery operated flickering candles. The ones that move are very appealing.

Use siding clips for brick to avoid holes. I would add pops of color like turquoise or green.

Hi Andrea,

Sculpture in a Strong Colour or Silk Plant or Painting or Maybe a Clock. The Hook might be able to be used to hold a Cane or Sword, Horseshoe or maybe a Sign. Best wishes!

It really depends on your taste and style. I'd add some greenery, plants, since you have some natural light next to it. Other natural elements would look good too.

I think that the multi colors in the brick surround are very dated 1960's looking, and make the black firebox portion of the fireplace look out of place.

Painting all the brick one color would instantly update the look of the fireplace. A black firebox is timeless in itself, and can look classy if it were surrounded by brick in a complementary color. Here are a few before and after examples.

Any artwork items that are displayed on the shelves would then be featured in a more positive way, being against a single color brick background.

Thank you all for your suggestions. As I stated in the question, we will not be painting the fireplace but keeping it in its original state as I believe there is value in maintaining it. I have removed the orange lantern and am looking into sourcing some black pots with greenery for the shelves along with a round mirror for the center. I also like the idea of a copper accent as well. I very much appreciate all your help and guidance.

andrea

Hi Andrea, you could paint the shelves a color that matches the bricks, or paint the brick a solid color like a nice white or grey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRzWmamxoPY

Put some pretty vases and family pictures on the shelfs and hang a wreath for the season on there

I Love, love, love your fireplace!!!. I would add plants. :)