We have an old brick fireplace (picture attached). We'd like to modernize it at a relatively minimal cost - we have been in our house for 10 years and never used it as a wood burning fireplace. Our house has an otherwise very modern/contemporary look. Our primary objective is changing the aesthetic rather than creating a significant heat source, though would be nice to have some heat. We visited a fireplace store yesterday and was told it was likely we'd need chimney work and/or re-lining for a gas fireplace, which would probably run thousands of dollars, and not sure we want to really invest in that given aesthetics is our primary goal.

We are thinking of a couple of options:

-refacing with tile (would likely do this in either case)

-bringing a gas line in and getting some sort of gas insert ideally with crystals as opposed to logs (more functional but more expensive than we are looking for)

-getting an electric fireplace, keeping things simple, more economical, but maintaining a modern look. (not as familiar with these, but seem simple except for getting a power outlet inside the fireplace).

Curious for other thoughts, ideas.

Thx!