It's fair to say you are wanting to change the appearance of the brick without removing it, so covering the brick is the way to go. Obviously you can paint it, the simplest transformation and the options for that are almost endless including texture, metallic or effect paints are considerations. You could cover it with a cladding of some description. Lining boards might suit the character if it's an old home, run them horizontally or vertically for different looks. Tile over them there are patterned, three dimensional tiles, metallics or stone tiles that can create a real focal point. the most simplistic way to cover it would be to gyprock it, using a sheet adhesive Ruhr onto the brick face, but then you will have lost the character of it, and be left with a protruding wall instead. This could work in a modern interior, perhaps even an older one, for me, I would first paint it and if it's not effective enough, then tile it. If you are crafty, you could mosaic the brick face with a collection of old patterned plates, some you've used, others you can find in pop shops, whichever, a colour theme is important doing this. Blue and white china would be so striking if you have a white surround as in a mantel or shelf above , which you could easily install if you don't. This would work within your yellow colour scheme too.

Do you plan on using it for a heat source, or is it purely aesthetic? If it's a serious heat source, then I'd consider retrofitting an enclosed Jetmaster slow combustion or gas fire. Slow combustion fires are always preferable to open fires like you have- they slow the wood burn and direct the heat into the room, not up the chimney. Check out what the local wood supply and costs are first. If it's aesthetic, may gets run when you entertain. I'd get some black fireplace paint- paint the grate and the inner fire box black. I'd change the hearth- make it bigger, will prevent sparks and scorch marks. Like some others have suggested, keep the slate- change the mantel. Lots of DIY to give a go there!

I like tvs wall mounted....looks much neater and so much more classy. Some tvs have horrible ugly stands. Well done to your handywork it looks fantastic!

Hi Jo! Megan from Bluethumb Online Art Gallery here. I agree with scottevie and oklouise that an artwork would be a great option to finish off the fireplace. I love the idea of a concrete render, that will look stunning! I think an abstract piece would look great with the modern lines of the structure, so I've compiled a few suggestions from Bluethumb's artists that I think would look great. Of course, these are just an idea, so let us know if we can help further. My choice would be this intriguing piece by NSW-based artist, Brendan Kelly. I've roughly mocked it up for you, based on a estimate of the actual size of your fireplace. https://bluethumb.com.au/brendan-kelly/Artwork/graze-brendan-kelly Some abstract options that would work wonderfully: https://bluethumb.com.au/dinah-wakefield/Artwork/traces-of-light https://bluethumb.com.au/rachael-higby/Artwork/earth-and-wind https://bluethumb.com.au/susie-monte/Artwork/clementine-abstract-painting-by-susie-monte https://bluethumb.com.au/clairbremner/Artwork/lingering-light-abstract-expressionist-landscape-painting-by-clair-bremner https://bluethumb.com.au/suebannisterartist/Artwork/coral-sky-s-2 Some alternatives to abstracts: https://bluethumb.com.au/johngraham/Artwork/eroded-landscape https://bluethumb.com.au/silvia-rubboli-golf/Artwork/close-encounter-silvia-rubboli-golf https://bluethumb.com.au/elizabeth-wojciak/Artwork/the-blue-bath Once again, let us know if we can help further :)