Hate our fireplace facade

Hi! We’re maximalists who aren’t afraid of color, texture, or wallpaper. We’re looking to pull the boards off the fireplace to see what’s behind it. Hoping it’s more brick, but would love some ideas to help make this space the focal point of our living room. Pretty much open to anything except getting rid of the built-ins (they’re from the 50s and I love them).

Thanks in advance!