Old, bulky fireplace

[jadenn]

I am moving into a cute, quaint duplex with only one problem: it has a big, wooden fireplace that takes up an entire wall in the living room. I don't mind the fireplace or the size, but the mantle, the backboard, and the sides are made out of a dark, bulky wood that looks similar to driftwood or the wood that is used for telephone poles. It seems very splintery and porous. Since I'm renting this place, I don't want to carry the expense of having it torn out and redone, so I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive way to add some appeal. Any ideas?