I love the mirror...but just not over the fireplace, It overpowers it.
I wouldn't do a think with the brick. I think that once the mirror is down, and a mantle built, it'll look nice.

One problem I see is the hutch next to it. between the rug, the pale brick and the wood hutch...the tones are just close enough to look....monocromatic.
I would really try to find another wall or somewhere else in the house for the hutch, which I also like as a piece of furniture. And, maybe remove the big plants.

See...the fireplace has a clean, uncluttered, contemporary look....and the hutch is antiqued and...full of stuff. They don't mesh when put side by side.

I think removing the mirror and adding a mantel is going to make the fireplace look great!

Monica probably hit the nail on the head with the entertainment center, is there somewhere else you can put it?

The hutch is a rustic look. If you plan to keep it and the rest of furniture are also rustic, then a rustic-looking fireplace cover and irons will complete the scene. The brick will be perfect then, but the mirror doesn't match. The styles and time periods are too different.

I totally agree with Monica.I love the brick and a mantle is going to give the fireplace a totally different look.Just remember not to put too much "stuff" on it or the clutter will distract from the beauty of the fireplace.It should be the focal point of the room.A smaller painting over the fireplace mantle might be in order or even a smaller oval mirror.Maybe a couple of candlesticks on one end and a tall vase on the other. Can you move the entertainment center over farther or maybe put it caddy corner in a corner or on a totally different wall? Can you show a picture of your entire living room?

Yep, the mirror is gone. It was given to us and just hung there "temporarily". It's been there for 7 years.

We can't change the fireplace cover because it's a one piece box. They told us they would have to basically hack out the brick and replace the whole firebox. I think we are going to paint the brass a hammered copper.

The hutch will be moved too. It is covering up the end of the hearth. That hearth went all the way to the wall, about 6 more feet, when we moved in. I hacked it out with a sledge hammer cause it was just dumb.

What do you think about tileing over the brick?

I agree, remove the mirror and add a mantel

The only problem I see is the tv cabinet and the fireplace are about the same color. Together they make kind of a dark hole in your wall.

Because it's not antique brick or anything unique I would paint the fireplace the same or a lighter shade than your walls. Then make the mantle to match the tv cabinet even if you're moving the cabinet.

I don't hate that mirror.
It just doesn't belong there.

A more rustic frame would be great; like barn wood, or wormy wood; something less polished and shiny.

Lori

We have a brick fireplace, but it is painted white!! I would MUCH rather it be natual like yours. We will be tiling over it, if and when we ever get around to re-doing the living room. I agree with what Monica said too, If you removed all the things mentioned, I think it will look great.

Magic, I have the same brick.

{{!gwi}}

A friend made the mantel for me. I decided to keep it light and chose 2 shelves instead of a bulky one. The wood is Tiger wood. I also painted the doors black.

Buzzard, that looks so nice.

I wouldn't change the brick either. I really like the brick but I think the other suggestions are good.

The hutch does spoil the total effect in my opinion.

I'd redo it in a heartbeat. But check with the guy making the mantle, so you can figure out how to attach it if you do the make over...

ou can screw firring strips to the mortar joints with predrilled holes and tapcon screws. Then, attach to the firring strips, either sheetrock (drywall) and paint or texture it, or use the cement board (or hardiback board) and add tile and grout of your choice.

here are a bunch of other ideas.. do a google search!

http://home.ivillage.com/decorating/livingrooms/0,,homemake_nfkc,00.html
http://fireplacedecorating.blogspot.com/2008/01/fireplace-makeover-cheryl.html
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/firepl/msg1012455117686.html
http://www.brick-anew.com/

http://www.brick-anew.com/testimonials_Suzy.html

Here is a link that might be useful: ron hazelton

I agree with Monica, too. And I hope you didn't throw out the mirror. A charity thrift shop could get some money for it.

Could you remove any of the brick that is/will be above the mantel?
This way it wouldn't overpower the room.
Cream
btw...I like the mirror (:

A decorator I'm not. If that were my house I would completely tear out the fireplace. It looks strange in that spot I think. Do you really like the idea of a fireplace in that room? The wall space could be better used for something else. You said you hacked out the hearth. Maybe you really stopped hacking too soon! {{gwi:1587325}}

Fireplaces are nice but not necessarily in that spot.

I've made drastic changes in houses!

Sue

I think the brick looks fine. Just lose the mirror and move the hutch. Have you thought of painting the walls a different color?

Take down the mirror and fill the fire area with potted plants. Or lots of candles (big thick chunky ones, all different heights.)

I would tile the fireplace in a heartbeat. I have seen the most beautiful transformations with new tile on fireplaces. Or if your place is rustic, you could do a brick colored stain too, add a mantle and some rustic candle sticks or a tall/short sparce floral type arrangment in a big clear vase. ( I see it in my head, hard to type out)

I would paint the shiny brass a matte black.

Try searching "fireplace" at the Rate My Space site at HGTV.com

I like the brick and with a mantle I think it will look lovely!! Maybe an antique looking sign of some sort over the mantle would look good??(you can tell that I am no decorator :^)
Ms. Buzzy did you get those aspen/birch logs in Texas??? :^)

I would tile over the brick. Check out HGTV.com.