I would keep the bricks forming the hearth and either whitewash the rest or skim with plaster then paint to blend into the wall. I would put beautiful ceramics on the top as any mirror would be a strange proportion to fit the space. I have a dinky fire in a large wall and it looks fine.

Have you actually got any quotes for it's removal or at least making it smaller? There isn't a chimney breast so it may not be as expensive as you think to remove it or at least make it much smaller. You could leave the hearth/step if you don't want to re-carpet.

Otherwise, I agree with [colourhappy[(https://www.houzz.co.uk/user/colourhappy), I'd plaster the sides. The mirror needs to go up a couple of inches and then you need some things with height but not square on either side to balance proportions ... lamps, sculptures, tall vases. Alternatively, find three pictures/paintings roughly the size of the fireplace opening to go above it, again to balance the proportions..

How about a new stove - here's a groovy little number www.stovedesign.com/shinywasp

Sorry this may appear heavy handed , but the fire surround is completely dominating the space! I have been here many times both personally , look at our recent discussion on before and afters that is my home , but professionally anything that you do to cover up/paint etc it will still dominate. You are better served investing in a removal and replace with something more appropriate and that you will love. This may appear drastic but is good direction and you will thank me for it long after you have forgotten the cost!! Old Gucci Motto . Regards Malcolm Duffin

Hello meadowside,

I think it's really the proportions that have gone awry somewhat.. I would think of perhaps taking the black gas fire? out and opening that area out a bit more to make either a dark recess that the fire sits in, so it looks bigger.. or open it up and have a real one.. So really it's creating a bigger opening.. rather than knocking it all down..

For the mantle area.. the mirror is far too small. Why not consider getting something much wider. A rectangular mirror that is at least half the mirror width more either side, hanging about 5cm higher at least... .. What about painting the wall above and little sides.. a colour that will compliment the red brick.. Then instantly you have a less dominating fire surround and a whole feature fireplace..

The brick is red so work with.. rather than against.. Much better to paint the wall a complimentary colour I feel that will make it all stand out.. After all a fireplace is not meant to be an after thought or something that is blending into cream walls.. The carpet works with it and I would simply move the square pouffe a little further away.. and possibly add some rusty red coloured cushions to tie in the fire and the carpet.. It's important to work with the fire that actually suits the period of the house. : ))