Well, not knowing your budget or skill level, I suggest paint. Clean the brick with vinegar, (personally I would also do this to the paneled walls). Let dry completely, make sure to tape off the black metal fire box and then paint with a "paint & primer" all in one paint. A creamy white or other light neutral color would totally change the look and feel of this area/room. Leave the mantle and cement hearth as is. Decor on mantle is too cluttered and/or out of place. Replace with 2 - 3 rustic candle sticks of varying height placed on one side, a larger clock in the middle and the smaller framed (wedding?) picture. Eliminate the too small and too high picture/plaque and replace it with a large mirror laid on its side, placing it behind the above mentioned decor on the mantle.
Remove Mantel and set aside unless Black. Paint Brickwork Stone colour. Replace Mantel with Wooden one and Paint Black. Paint Hearth Black. Place Bright coloured Vase of Flowers on Mantel and Large Mirror full width of Chimney.......................
I would be tempted to paint the brick and hearth a cream or off white colour to start. If you don't like the look of that, frame over the brick and install a wood surround that can be painted and trimmed out to suit your decor taste. Shiplap is very popular these days and maintains a more rustic/farmhouse feel.
Put candles inside the fireplace, either real ones ir the faux candles from the dollar store. Make different layers of them piling up scaps of wood that you can paint however you like. Fast, easy, removeable.
There is paint for wood stoves, high heat areas. I like the mirror idea also. Before you paint the brick, if you are thinking of that, hang a light colored piece of fabric [sheet, towel, or even paper] over the whole top area to get an idea of how it would work. Or even get a really large pre-stretched paint canvas and prop it on the mantle. Once you paint the brick, you are stuck with it! But the canvas can be changed anytime.
Do you want to paint?
If not, try different accessories. Fill the space above the mantle with a mirror - or a collection of mirrors or a large light-colored piece of art.
Lamps with light-colored shades or fairy lights on the mantle?
I can’t tell if the fireplace is clean - that helps - but, you don’t want to be at it cleaning all the time! Does the brick need cleaning?
Is it wood-burning or gas? If it’s wood-burning put birch logs in it. Or try fairy lights, candles, or whatever you like.
Can you replace or paint the screen? It’s very dark.
Ceiling lights?
It looks like you have dark paneling and dark valances next to the fireplace. Can those be changed?
Have fun! It’s a great project!
Well, not knowing your budget or skill level, I suggest paint. Clean the brick with vinegar, (personally I would also do this to the paneled walls). Let dry completely, make sure to tape off the black metal fire box and then paint with a "paint & primer" all in one paint. A creamy white or other light neutral color would totally change the look and feel of this area/room. Leave the mantle and cement hearth as is. Decor on mantle is too cluttered and/or out of place. Replace with 2 - 3 rustic candle sticks of varying height placed on one side, a larger clock in the middle and the smaller framed (wedding?) picture. Eliminate the too small and too high picture/plaque and replace it with a large mirror laid on its side, placing it behind the above mentioned decor on the mantle.
Remove Mantel and set aside unless Black. Paint Brickwork Stone colour. Replace Mantel with Wooden one and Paint Black. Paint Hearth Black. Place Bright coloured Vase of Flowers on Mantel and Large Mirror full width of Chimney.......................
It looks to me that it has been used as storage so far, clean, scrub and paint if possible, a big plant in front when not in use...
This is a working fireplace in the winter so not sure about white paint. Maybe painting the paneling is.
You can still paint the fireplace or white wash it if you are interested.
I would be tempted to paint the brick and hearth a cream or off white colour to start. If you don't like the look of that, frame over the brick and install a wood surround that can be painted and trimmed out to suit your decor taste. Shiplap is very popular these days and maintains a more rustic/farmhouse feel.
I would paint your paneling walls white, don't worry I have pictures. Then the fireplace brick
paint grey keep the black mantle black add Mirror over mantle ledge and candle sticks.
Put candles inside the fireplace, either real ones ir the faux candles from the dollar store. Make different layers of them piling up scaps of wood that you can paint however you like. Fast, easy, removeable.
There is paint for wood stoves, high heat areas. I like the mirror idea also. Before you paint the brick, if you are thinking of that, hang a light colored piece of fabric [sheet, towel, or even paper] over the whole top area to get an idea of how it would work. Or even get a really large pre-stretched paint canvas and prop it on the mantle. Once you paint the brick, you are stuck with it! But the canvas can be changed anytime.