Personally, I think your brick looks lovely, warm and natural in this warm and inviting room. I would not paint it at all!

I agree with nanny2a. If they were painted any color and you were asking how to improve, we'd all be suggesting that you get them back to their natural state. They are perfect as is!

Your brick looks great! What don't you like about it?

I agree too. But, I see where you are coming from. Looking at the fireplace alone, it is classic and down to earth. When you look at the rest of the room, I am getting a more elegant vib. If you were to do something, it would be to replace the brick work with stone.

I would also cover it with some type of stone. Beautiful room btw.

I would not paint the brick. I am not against painting brick as a rule, but I think it warms up your space.

Is there any chance you'd consider painting your mantel if you want a change? Or, would you consider going with a deeper, richer color on your walls?

Your room is really gorgeous. If you leave as-is I will still love it!

Could granite tiles be put right over the brick?

I think too that the brick warms your lovely room. I'd either leave it as is or replace it with marble or granite tiles.

Your room is lovely and agree with everyone about the brick looking great and grounding the room. If I ever did do anything, and I'm certainly not suggesting it here, I would white-wash it to give it an aged look. However, that may not be the look you're going for here and once your do that, it is almost impossible to go back...

I agree with the majority. I love it just as it is. And your room is really beautiful. And, by the way, this is coming from someone that is always willing to paint ugly brick (and there is a lot of ugly brick). But, your brick is really nice and looks great with your surround.

Now, if you just hate all brick....well, then my first choice would be to replace with marble or limestone. Second choice would be to paint it a creamy white color.

Yes granite can be installed over brick. I, personally, think it would add the texture I think you need for the room. Then from that granite you could choose another color to spatter in the room. It would give a little more life to the room although I see you room as a very lovely peaceful place.

I agree with many of the others that the brick looks beautiful as is. Your room looks elegant, classic, traditional and I think a brick fireplace with a beautiful mantle like yours goes very well. I'm sorry, but I think painting the brick would be a mistake. If you really dislike the brick, I agree that putting stone or tile over the brick would be much better than just painting.

I like it too - but, if you are hell bent on painting it - why not get some poster board, put a color on it and tape it up. Leave it up for a week or so and see if you really, really want to paint it.
Your surround is very pretty - I like that it's a creamy color w/a glaze. That is a different look. If you do want it to be more elegant/blingy - why not think about putting up a different screen. Maybe a silver color or one that matches your pretty cocktail table. Something w/a mirrored look?

I'm sorry, but I love it as is too. I think the color of the brick ties in with the seat to the right of it as well as the wood furniture and furniture legs. It's beautiful, classic and warm. Sorry!

Another vote for brick - brick by a landslide! Beautiful room.

I can see that up close you might find the texture of the brick rough and rustic compared to the rest of the room, but the color is absolutely perfect. And perhaps a reddish-brick granite might be even better, but not something as monotone as paint.

We had similar brick in out living room and covered it with absolute black granite. We had pieces cut, not tiles. It looks stunning.