thenora's Profile

I agree that painting brick should be a last resort, but really that's personal choice.

My Advice:

Paint the wall in the corner by the fireplace to either match the accent wall, or a color that would compliment the brick.

I like the idea of a large color appropriate painting over the fireplace, but instead I think I'd do a mirror to help increase the light and make the space feel larger.

For the fireplace itself, I like the idea of getting rid of the loose bricks in the bottom of the fireplace, and getting a screen or inset that fits the fireplace better - not necessarily glass.

I'd also do a deep TSP cleaning of the brick above the fireplace. Hard work, but you'd have to do it if painting anyway.

Finally, I'd consider building a few narrow shelves in the section to the left of the fireplace. (That I recommended painting.) It might make good use of what feels like an awkward corner.