I would suggest a stone hearth matching the plain stone trim but not as wide as the whole unit to reduce tripping hazard. Possibly with a black trim edge. Then a mantle shelf. the same stone would be great but probably too heavy. I think a 'live edge' timber mantle would be great and introduce an organic edge to the straight lines and angles. then paint the flat surface a neutral colour as others have suggested. display something with white/cream tones (candles?) and something with an accent colour on the mantle. if mantle too pricey a big artwork a little wider than the fireplace itself with some black in it or a black background chinese screen or similar. I have no commercial affiliation with them (just like their work) and don't know where you are based but Time 4 Timber Brookvale NSW could probably help you with a live edge shelf/mantle. good luck!

Here is a photo of our distinctly unstyled fireplace. I move the plant and flowers off the mantel when we light the fire. It’s a different style to yours but all painted white. When I redo it, now the kids have stopped drawing on it, I’ll take the mantel back to wood. It did lighten the mood of the room but in the same white paint it lacks something. It you can afford it, do it. I’d recommend a closed wood box of you can get one to fit. Ours came with the house. It’s about 15 years old. No troubles at all (except the weekend a magpie fell down and gave child heart attack when it tap tap tapped to ask to get out) We have the chimney swept once a year. . It is amazing in winter. Or on a cold Mother’s Day.

Further to Julia and Julia's decking and planting comments I would consider tidying up the front eave. At the moment the carport and verandah look like late add-ons (which they are) due to the "stepped" gable. By extending the verandah and carport roofs forward to align with the front gable fascia, then adding a consistant fascia and eave lining across the full width of the house the side additions will look more integrated. Don't even think about a faux stone as they look fake, and you will need to continue it down the sides so it looks less tacky. I would consider just painting below the beading line a darker shade of the wall colour to anchor the base of the house. I would not widen the windows as the rythym works quite nicely, but consider increasing the height to the ceiling line to give a better proportion using awning style windows instead of poorly proportioned sliding windows. If you have ceilings that slope to match the roof line the head of each new window should be raked to follow the ceiling line. If this is the case then you will have a nice looking home with a slight mid-century modern vibe, and which may even be the best looking house in the street! Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Hi Rekiah, we investigated partial stone facades when we were building, and my advice is do not skimp on the quality and get someone experienced to install. This does mean it may not be as inexpensive as some other options, however. Aesthetics are such a personal thing. I, like CP, and as much as I like the look in general, would update other areas first. I’d also be very careful regarding the colour and maybe look at alternative patterning. Search in Houzz photos: red brick and stonework, filter for exteriors. I also found searching the house sale sites, extremely time consuming, but useful. Imports to compare oranges with oranges though, and not oranges with my ideal 🙂. Good luck and do let us know what you decided