sparkleivy,,,
so if you like the overlay idea, you could do cement overlay
a roman clay/stucco/plaster overlay, (that one above in the black under Amy is Portola paints plaster)
https://somuchbetterwithage.com/how-to-plaster-a-brick-fireplace/
Another option is a mortar wash. go heavy w/the mortar all over the brick/joints, wipe and let dry
https://www.rebeccaandgenevieve.com/blog/2020/5/3/fireplace-makeover-using-mortar-part-1
You could leave as is or go over it w/a white lime treatment. looks like this. (you need a diff mantle!)
or, you could just paint the brick. (paint w/any type of paint. just depends on the look you want)
BTW, Your lighting looks really yellow. can you upgrade your bulbs a bit?
What do you think about painting your walls white and the brick a matte black?
this color is BM Iron Mountain:
You see the diff in the lighting in this pic below and the photoshop one above?
This lighting is a neutral white. the one you have gives everything a yellowish/pink hue. try using a 3500-4000K bulb. at night, the 2500K is fine if you want a dimmer look.
Here's one w/the brick painted white. Get rid of that mantle you have and go find a wood beam
another white brick but you could top your hearth w/a stone remnant or stone tiles. (like Basalt)
If you plan on replacing those tiny baseboards, it would update the look of the room if you did a 5" , plain baseboard
see the size on these baseboards? like that. Do you like the look of this corner fireplace? They did a heavy lime/mortar wash on it. Notice the bright lighting and white walls with it. looks nice
I love the black brick idea, wood beam mantle, white walls and this type of furniture and light
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branch
Q