Painting my chimney?

My wife and I have made the decision to rip up this horrible color carper that the previous owners installed and go with hardwood floor. We have found one we believe to go really good with the wood paneling but nothing we find goes well with the brick. It's a mixture of pink, light red, and white. It's really frustrating. So what i'm wondering is if we should paint the brick? We are trying to bring a modern clean look to the house and some of the new homes in the area that have chimney's have been painted white.

Attached is a photo of the chimney entry way. An additional question I would have, is if we do pull the trigger on painting the chimney white, should we leave the paneling the dark wood tone? I think it looks ok but i'm no expert... after all I need help color coordinating at times lol.

 

The main thing to remember if you paint either the paneling or brick - it's all but impossible to undo it if you change your mind. Expect to apply 2-3 coats on the brick and 3 on the paneling. The brick doesn't have to have a special primer. You can thin your paint 10% and use it for a primer if you want. The paneling would need a light sanding, a solvent based primer and then 2 coats of your choice of latex paint.

 

The hardwood we liked went with the paneling well, just not the brick. That's why we didn't know if we should try to find one that went with both or paint the brick fireplace / entryway white.

 

I can't help much with your carpet choice. You and yours are the ones that will have to live with it. Personally I like the paneling and brick as is ..... but everyone has different tastes