I would leave the brick alone. I think it works well with the color of the floors, and brings in some warmth to a cool palette. It also pulls that rusty color out of the artwork above the mantel. As for the surround, my inclination would be the bronze. I am not sure that I would like the nickel or chrome as well with the brick color. I wonder if you would consider putting the two candlesticks together one side of the fireplace, rather than splitting them. I think they are very nice, but would have more impact as a pair. Then I would get some birch twigs and put in the vase, to mimic the branches in the art. If that fits, you could put that on the other side of the artwork, with the two candlesticks together on the opposite side. Otherwise, it could sit on the hearth on the side opposite where the candlesticks are on the mantel. You have a lovely home.

We just did an addition where we opened our kitchen to our family room. We added soapstone to the kitchen counters, and decided to do the surround of the fireplace with soapstone too. The mantel is an antique, and at the time of the picture, I hadn't completed all the coats of paint on it yet. Here is a link that might be useful: Fireplace picture

nancy-- thank you! And yes, so true . . .so fast! lazy-- I agree with everything you've said. Those things have bothered me as well. Most of the books sticking out I can't change, but someday I will (when the kids are older). I have been looking for larger pieces for the FP and other wall for a long time, ditto for what goes on the FP. Just too hard to find things without a lot of shopping trips to the flea market, and I rarely get to do that! The curtains will change eventually, too. Now I can go in a totally different direction with color, when I have the time and $! val, I see where you are going with the FP but there isn't enough room to do that (such a small room). If I can someday get an ottoman I will remove the table! amj, I will get that pic up for you soon. It does not really look built in though . . .it is nowhere near what I'd like it to look like in terms of how it is arranged, either. lori, thank you-- you rooms have always been very inspirational to me. flower, I would like the floor length idea but not sure how it would work with the chairs against the wall . . .no room to push them far enough out so that the curtains would not be smooshed. Ideas? Thank you again, everyone!!

Hi janran, I got your email. I actually went to bed early last night so I didn't see it until this morning. I see you have baseboard heat. Does it go all the way to the side of the wall of the fireplace? It's hard to tell from this angle. Beautiful room, by the way. Also, how much room is there between the edge of the windows and corner? That would make a difference in how deep of a mantel you can have. At anyrate, I do believe you can add a surround and mantel if you remove the existing baseboard, shown in your first photo, that surround the boxed in fireplace. It could look something like this..... It could all be built with finish plywood and trim.