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.

It should be in the fire place manufacturers details. They usually show minimum box sizes and state materials to be used.

For enquiries I can be contacted at Shaun.chelsea.vercoe@gmail.com. Thanks, Chelsea

bump!!...we considered a similar option but were convinced that a separate heater in each rooms was a more economical and efficient option although new products and your local climate may make a difference to your options