Cover up the Bricks
In the photo below, the more ornate mantel was used to cover most of the bricks that the homeowner didn't particularly like. The change dressed up the whole room.
Fairly Simple Mantel
The mantel above shows the homeowner's preference for something less elaborate. They wanted to enhance the look of the bricks and incorporate a display shelf.
The Stove surround
Ken also laid the brick surround on which the mantel is installed. This photo shows some of the detail from that work and to point out that Ken has a broad range of building skills.