My fireplace is brick - red and black. I have always hated it and would like to change it. I have considered painting it but not sure whether or not I can use regular paint. I have also considered refacing it with stone/marble but it seems quite complicated. Any advice on do-it-yourself fix-ups or even someone in the NYC area that is reasonable?
They are real bricks and I own my house.

do you own or rent? some advice would be dependent on that info

if they are real brick pavers, i would sand blast, and use a brick sealer on them bact to the old brand knew look

Painting would be a nice fix a nice neutral color would look awesome!!! :-)

You can paint it, just tell the paint guy what you are doing. A newer color topped with a nice mantle would be easy. If you want to reface use fake rock. There are some that look REALLY good, but are light weight, you basically glue them on.