Hi Tammy - not a pro. But I think painting or otherwise changing the brick color would be great. And it’s hard to tell, but I think your house is fairly traditional. Even so, I’d consider putting a beefier, chunky mantel, somewhat rough hewn, rustic. We had that (in a traditional style home) and it was stunning. And, yes, I’d paint the room, too. Good luck!

The fireplace does look pretty tired and dated. Painting would certainly freshen it up or you could use a German smear technique (essentially applying mortar to the surface of the brick). It's hard to see the exact shape of the mantle but perhaps you should consider replacing. Would suggest you rethink the mirror above the mantle. Unless it reflects something interesting it is just a void in a frame. Good luck!

IMO without seeing the room it is in there is no way to advise .So post some pics of the whole space so we have some idea of your style at least .

Thank you - I tried adding more pics -yes i have thought about german smearing it! Mantle is a solid wood piece with worm holes. But I have also seen some real moody dark paint like black currently trending. I did recently update my foyer with Sw tricorn black door- and white paint in halls (lots of stairs and halls in this odd country house quad level). I am all over the place in style I think I like rustic not certain on cottage, farmhouse or boho I dabble in all! Will post foyer pics below to see style im currenyly trending toward. Have any suggetions on what to replace mirror with? I do agree it reflects nothing currently interesting.

Redone foyer! Showing style? and So now want to update fireplace and livingroom paint!

So debating on black or german smear- will be selling place in 5 years so want to keep it buyer friendly too.

The above picture shows how nice black would work.