- Changing from your existing masonry fireplace to the linear gas fireplace in the photo you posted a link to would likely be fairly expensive, as it would require removing/modifying the masonry of your existing fireplace, but there are other approaches you might consider. One of the keys to modern is minimalism. You might try keeping the appearance as uncluttered as possible - perhaps by removing an existing mantel or stripping away other elements to leave only the most essential parts. If it is a wood burning fireplace, the building code requires that you leave non-combustible hearth protection in front of the fireplace, but you might be able to change the hearth material to make it more modern (pink wall with hearth flush on floor). The other thing you might consider is changing over to a modern gas burner, with glass media or stones (first photo, with black mantel). There are gas inserts that are beautiful as well last photo with stone wall), but the investment goes up when you get into a full system with firebox, surround, venting etc. If you have a photo of your current situation, we might be able to tailor our suggestions to be more helpful.

Check with your local brick supplier. Most of them sell a thin brick that goes on just like tile (just use a tile mastic adhesive). It doesn't make near the mess as using using full size brick so it works well in existing spaces. A word of caution: The brick tiles do cost significantly more than full size bricks. Here is a pic of a similar product and some pictures from a basement we just completed that used the tile brick as a fireplace surround and an accent wall in the kitchenette.

I think i'd use subtle blues and/or greens against that brick, which i would use a sealer on to bring up the color a bit. White would be rather boring on the windows i feel, i'd use a darkish muted red or charcoal maybe for this detail. Such a pity to adopt boring western color codes when you have such a fabulous tradition for color in India. You don't have to go crazy on flashy color and can adapt it to a more modern feel. Very cute little house, i love it's details.

I think this was just brick added to a wall so you should not need anything other than mortar but IMO this looks odd just put in the middle of a wall I would remove it