You could use Tic Tac Tiles from Amazon.com that can be cut with scissors then peel n stick on smooth walls and when removed properly should not damage them. Use them on the 2 sides and across the top for a beautiful stacked stone, mosaic tile look or a rustic old wood look. There is also marble look contact paper for the floor in front to look like a marble slab. Lots and lots of colors, styles, designs to go with your personal style.
There's a lot you can do, faux mantle shelf, or buy a decorative fireplace screen - I had one, it was gorgeous and I sold it before I moved. You could combine the two for a really stunning focal point.
Only thing I could see would be a mantel, maybe use some of that styrofoam beam stuff and double-sided tape for a removable look.
Maybe add some moulding around the fireplace opening. You can get MDF moulding and attach it with 3M picture tape.
You could use Tic Tac Tiles from Amazon.com that can be cut with scissors then peel n stick on smooth walls and when removed properly should not damage them. Use them on the 2 sides and across the top for a beautiful stacked stone, mosaic tile look or a rustic old wood look. There is also marble look contact paper for the floor in front to look like a marble slab. Lots and lots of colors, styles, designs to go with your personal style.
Are you renting the apartment, or are you the owner who is renting it out to someone else?
Renting
Love that clock! You can get a thick floating shelf to sub as a mantle. It would be easy to remove and repair when you moved.
There's a lot you can do, faux mantle shelf, or buy a decorative fireplace screen - I had one, it was gorgeous and I sold it before I moved. You could combine the two for a really stunning focal point.
faux mantel shelves - Google Search