My girlfriend had the same, exact thing. What do you think about painting it white?

It looks awesome - get Kilz (a primer) and then paint it white.

If you were going to have a woodworker personally make the bookshelves for your specifications, why not have him cut out the sides and back panel of the book case so that it would slide over the hearth, covering it entirely. That way you could eliminate trying to put a drawer front on the bottom. The person making the shelves could also trim it out on the bottom so it looked like two built-ins on each side.

You would also need to make sure that each bookcase side was no closer than 8 inches from the firebox opening, for safety reasons, and then you could have the opening trimmed out so that it would resemble the surround shown in your inspiration photo.

I'll see if I can draw you a picture of what I'm talking about, and post it.

Heidi

I had one of those brick walls and raised hearth fireplaces. I took out the hearth (not myself, I had a contractor do it), added insulation to the wall (there had been none, and the room was always cold and unusable), and drywalled. Replaced the mantel, tiled around the fireplace, and am exceedingly happy with the result.
I also have a lot more floor space without that 20" protrusion that was the raised hearth. And the room is a whole lot warmer.
I say go for it. It's not all that messy to take out the raised hearth.

Heidi, Thanks for the idea. I will have to talk to my woodworker(DH) about it. Seems quite feasible and I am sure it would look better than a false drawer front. DH is still deciding if he wants to tackle such a big project(he is a rookie but he is learning fast!) or maybe repurpose an existing bookcase.
suero, glad to hear u were able to get the hearth out without much damage to the wall or the remaining hearth. Maybe I should get some contractors in to look at it. That will make things so much easier!
trisha, I love the painted brick walls too but am not sure if that's the way to do it. Everyone who hears the idea tells me not to spoil the brick as paint is not easily removable! would it be possible to see a pic of ur girlfriend's redo? thanks a lot!
Would welcome any other suggestions too.
Vinaya

I have the same type of fireplace. I painted the bricks a creamy off-white and I think it looks so much better than the red brick.

I would love to have bookcases on either side but it's not in the budget - we still need to get a mantle.

I put 2 cushions on the raised hearth and it serves as extra seating.

Here's a picture of a raised hearth brick wall family room where the brick was painted. It doesn't look bad, which is not the same as saying that it looks good. Scroll the images below the picture until you get to the one of the family room.

Here is a link that might be useful: family room with painted brick

If you're not going to remove it--which I think is the best idea in the long run--Nanny's idea is the most workable. It's not remotely a bonus feature as it's ugly. I don't think paint is going to spoil 70s brick--exposed brick in an urban loft is great, this isn't.

I think trying to repurpose an existing bookcase is going to end being more of a headache than having one built.

ideefixe, thanks for your honest opinion. I will show this to my DH who is set against painting!
suero, thanks for taking time to look for pics. I know I like the look for sure.
I have seen reno-fan's gorgeous redo of her old fireplace. I would love to do something like that too. robynpa, do u remember the off-white color that you used?
As for repurposing vs building a new book case, I will let DH decide that depending on his motivation level and free time! I am sure custom made by a woodworker will be way out of our budget for now!
Thanks
Vinaya

Here is what I did with my bookcases. I am like you I don't like the brick either but for now it will have to do.

before
{{!gwi}}

after

If it was cool retro fieldstone or historic brick, I wouldn't be so blunt, but it's just not worth trying to prettify. Revlon makes no color that looks good on swine. In the long run, the built-ins will do more for resale value, and if it's your forever home, you'll get more use out of the bookcases. If you can't afford custom, (and with construction and homebuilding slowing down, you might find a better price), then buy Ikea or unfinished furniture and install with crown molding.

I thought I sent a reply before but looks like I forgot to hit send before going to sleep yest night!
thanks rdsso for sharing pics. Lovely transformation. It looks so warm and cozy. The little rocking chair is adorable! Is that a faux treatment on the brick? Did u by anychance use a product called brick-a-new? if not, could u tell me how you did it. I love what you have done with the bookcase also. I wish mine could be recessed like yours. :-(

ideefixe: Revlon makes no color that looks good on swine.
LOL! that's so true! It sure is an ugly duckling! As for the bookcases, maybe I will get a couple of qoutes from custom woodmakers..They are just so expensive around here but worth a try! I might have to wait for a long time before DH gets around to it. I was in ikea the other day. I was tempted to buy a couple of their bookcases to plonk them down and be done with it! What do you think?
Thanks for your suggestions
Vinaya

Here is a link that might be useful: Ikea Liatorp

The brick is the orginal brick that was there when the house was built 30 years ago and the same brick is on the out side of my house. I have not done anything to it. Would like to!!!! The rocking chair is mine my grandpa gave it to me when I was 2 - that was 40 plus years ago!! When we took the book cases out to our surpise there was more room behind them then we thought so it worked out perfect and that tv is not taking up my floor space.