The brick is a classic and beautiful original detail. It is NOT "dated'' at all. Painting it would devalue the home. The biggest problem that I see here is the white that you have chosen is too bright and contrasting with the brick. You need a softer cream.

I think I would paint it and put a mantle on it.

If this were an 1860's cottage I'd say don't touch that brick. It is not. If, as you posted, you feel that it is dark, heavy and unattractive, and you've lived with it a while, you will not be any happier with it over time. White washing is a matter of taste and may be just what you are looking for. And I think terry toon was unkind to poplady, but, hey, this is the Internet!

Looks great as is. The current fad of ruining great furniture, woodwork, and brick with paint is one of those "What were they thinking!" moments of the future. It's akin to all of the shag carpeting and harvest gold appliances of today's "What were they thinking".

I'm in the camp that is pro whitewashing; however I'd say judging from your photo your brick "as is" looks like my brick after I did one coat of whitewash 5 years ago (I had really dark brick and I'm leaving it with one coat until I repaint the room and then see if it works with a new color). Your brick doesn't look dark or ugly, but it might just be my screen. You could test what whitewashing would do on one brick in an inconspicuous spot and see if you like the result, since there are already whiter bricks in the mix it should blend in if you decide to keep as is.

Terminology for new design: if you like it, it's a "trend," if you don't, it's a "fad." Unless your primary concern is to sell to or please someone else, go with what you love and what makes you happy. Opinions that the design intelligentsia may or may not have sometime in the future should not figure into your decision.

Scott...you are on Cape as am I. That particular brick (what year was your home built?) needs to be camouflaged. Nothing intrinsic going on.

I suggest sheet rocking over the entire facade; frame it all around.

I have builder to do it for you, if needed.

Kai, will this make the painting reversible?

No, it will not make painting reversible. It still won't be able to be stripped without sandblasting.

Hmm, then painting is a big decision. I've painted a brick fireplace before, in the 90 s, but it was much uglier.

Do you use the fireplace a lot? If not, I would remove all the dark accessories both above and beside it and see if that lightens it up. There are a lot of "heavy" items above surrounding the fireplace, try removing them and see what that looks/feels like.