Hi Beccikiddo, I'd highly recommend against wallpaper in a fireplace recess (due to heat on paper etc) However that's not to say you can't find something that would be suitable. I would like to suggest that we (Brick Slips) are the leading UK supplier of brick tiles and slips which we supplier and produce from real genuine clay bricks, thus giving the same look as you require. Take a look at our public website https://brickslips.co.uk If you have any questions, please drop us a line or email sales@brickslips.co.uk 0844 567 8811 Kindest regards, Brick Slips

Hi Weewelshdragon, You're correct, brickbond metro tiles is boring, in fact metro tiles period, are boring. They've been around since about the turn of the 20th century, and so "last year!" this is an ensuite I transformed last year from a dark, dingy and depressing space into something light, airy and really quite special. The product is the new thin porcelain tile, which is taking tiled rooms to the next level, and is only bound by your imagination. sizes start at 900 x 900 and go all the way up to 3.2m x 1.6m and range from 4.8mm to 6mm thick and although they half the thickness of regular porcelain they proven to be twice as strong when fitted correctly. Generally available in matt, gloss and textured, the designs and colours are endless. Search for companies like Porcel-Thin™ And see what's available, they shouldn't be overlooked and you'd be the envy of everyone you know. Good luck with your search.

Bricks are a fired clay product and will give you 4 hours fire resistance so do not worry about fire. If the wall is internal then no problem re heat insulation, however if the wall is an external wall then the insulation to a new wall should meet the current heat insulation standards for a dwelling.How you meet the requirements will depend on the construction. If a new structure it should have been checked by the Building Inspector. If an existing wall then check out the construction to assess where and how it can be insulated - cavity fill would be most discrete if you wish to avoid heat loss. Traditionally almost any paint can be used but will need regular freshening . if you like the bricks then simply seal them with a proprietary brick sealant and no more painting of that wall.

Hand held angle grinder and patience. You also need to consider how you intend to fill the gaps where the bricks are broken within the wall structure. Also do you own the wall or is it a neighbouring property as hacking off their bricks is a real no no! Might be an idea to attach a trellis and grow something over these as they are not attractive bricks.