My lounge had an open fireplace, but we're now installing an eco-stove. Today the original fireplace insert was removed, exposing the brickwork inside the hearth. The installer says the bricks are in relatively good condition, and most people want to leave them exposed, but some people want them to be lime-rendered and painted (usually black), especially if they're in good condition. Mine are obviously sooty. He said they can't be cleaned, which I think is unfortunate, but he said most of the soot will be hidden behind the stove and the liner pipe above. We'll be getting a slate hearth and slips fitted, so the slips will also limit the view of the bricks. So, I went with his steer and said we'd stick with the unrendered bricks. Do you think it was the right decision?