I wonder if that area was intended for firewood storage?

It depends on what you want and if that brick is just a facade or actually supported inn the basement and is part of the house construction OUrs is huge but an integral part of the construction .You could reface with large format tile , get a new insert and close up the T.V opening but I think because that opening is large it allows for a bigger TV and it keeps the Tv at the proper viewing height with a base made to fit that space.

How old is the house?

The brick looks nice, it’d be a shame to paint it. To me, it’s the mantel and light colored wood combined with your TV stand that is making it look dated.

It isn't terrible, but does look dated. When I bought my house, the fireplace was terrible. I believe old, dated brick SHOULD be painted. You can use latex paint eggshell finish, diluted 50% with water and sponge on. It leaves the brick texture, without an awful high gloss fake look. I don't advocate whitewash because it doesn't look natural at all with most brick tones. Pick any neutral color. Don't use stark white, as that won't go with your furniture or the style of your home. You might consider BM Lancaster Whitewash. Looks really good with brick, and is a warm off-white. I used BM Classic Gray (a very light beigy gray) which was the same as my wall color and minimized the monstrosity. It doesn't take long to use a sponge brush. Very minimal effort.

You can leave the arched section as is Often the brick there has soot, and without a ton of elbow grease is difficult to clean. Paint may not stick. But the rest is easy. Do vacuum first! Everyone who sees my fireplace now loves it (none of them are shy about telling the truth).

I think your TV would look far better on a bigger media stand, or build shelves to match the alcove size. Semi-customized shelving and cabinets would modernize the look and look less jury-rigged.

The mantle and upper wood sections might look a lot better painted to match the fireplace. I left my mantle which looks lilke yours. Once the brick was updated, the mantle actually looked way better.

Good luck with your project.

You could opt for a darker finish for the mantel and entertainment center as in this slate which looks lovely with brick. I also think you should highlight the arch to the fireplace opening with a more fitted screen.

I wanted to clarify my suggestion about whitewashing since you said you did not like the brick. I would do something light (maybe it's called mortar washing?) like this:

Not this:

Jackhammer, angst, and 30K. Or learn to love that nice traditional brick and build in something appropriate on the one side. 5K.

The brick is actually nice. It’s the mantle, firescreen, and lack of anything appropriate in the niche that is the problem.

Wow - thank everyone - I was not expecting this much help.

The opening by the fireplace is massive. its 6'2" tall, 6'2" wide and 3'2" deep!!

Kim - I don't think the opening was made for storage. I love the photo of the white entertainment center and fireplace.

Patricia - Not many homes in Texas have basements but its supports the upstairs and the stairs leading up are on the other side. I have thought about tile - but hard to figure out what tyle would look best.

Rich - The house is 25 years old. I agree the mantel and opening is the biggest problem - hard for me to visualize the best solution.

Sar - Thanks for info on the paint - very helpful. I agree the mantel and wood panel colors are wrong. I agree a bigger TV would help

Kim - thanks for sharing the photos. Mortar washing is interesting. I may want more of a change than that - but its very interesting.

Sophie - I totally agree - my first thoughts on the change was to have a custom built in done. I just do not want it to look so dated. Not sure if that will fix the problem.

Thanks everyone - you have given me a lot to think about.