Brick, exposed

When NYC brokers run out of "great" and "exciting" items to put into their listings, they always mention that an apartment has "exposed brick." Or, better yet, a "decorative fireplace." The new place, though not lacking in other ways, is blessed with a decorative fireplace constructed entirely of exposed brick. See above.

I can understand the appeal of "lots of light," "spacious," or "near the train." But escapes me why all of this brick is supposed to be a good thing. Nor, for that matter, do I see the point of having a non-functional fireplace, other than for the preparation of decorative s'mores.

Some decorative fireplaces serve as mantles, for Christmas slippers, pictures of the grandkids, and other essentials. Ours, however, extends flat up to the ceiling in brick, and thus is not only not functional as a fireplace, but not functional, period. As you can see, I'm at a loss when it comes to interior design, especially on such a difficult surface. Our brick is now slightly less exposed, covered with part of a Flemish Primitive Madonna and child, one postcard from Flanders, and one from Israel. Better than nothing.