Remove the brass doors entirely, get a nice set of andirons or a nice grate install a nice mantel or surround, and don't paint the brick.

Thanks Berlin! We actually painted the brass last week black...but I didnt even think about removing it completely. I ordered a custom mantel that will arrive next week. My husband does not want to paint the brick either- I just think it looks "dated". Thanks again!

Re-grouting the brick in a lighter gray would lighten the feel and make it look cleaner. The current grout/mortar looks well inset leaving you lots of room for new grout, grouting closer to the brick surface will make it look smoother and less of a light sink in the room.

You can also whitewash brick to lighten the color but not change its character, see link

Here is a link that might be useful: whitewash brick

This post was edited by tinan on Sun, Jun 2, 13 at 18:38

Just a quick tip, I mount mantles daily and if yours has a hollow back mount a appropriate length 2 by 4 or 2 by 6 with tap con screws at 62 to 65 inches from floor level then mount the shelve to the 2 by with 3 inch finish nails, you will have the strength and the looks. Good luck. Ps I hope he pained the brass with rust oleum high temp grill paint otherwise it will peel from heat.

If you remove the doors you are going to make the fireplace a heat loser. It will suck the heat out of the room and up the chimney.