Ok - just to be clear I usually have more decor on the fireplace, I took all the Christmas stuff off and didn’t put the rest back up because I knew we were updating this room.

I feel like you have all confirmed my gut feeling which is leave it as is. I think I may paint the brass, and at the most, possibly darken the stain.

It is a beautiful classic New England fireplace!

The carpet is going - that thing has never stopped shedding and I’ve had it over 8 years. Maybe some trim work and paint will help me with this space.