SFGate

oscarisrael11 This is the full view of the fireplace. Also, what do y'all think about mounting our flatscreen above the mantel once it's all said and done?

luv2naach You can keep some colorful painting above the fireplace and candles or photos depending on your style on the fireplace. The painting will really brighten up the space

Showcase Decorators, Design & Remodeling Come on Baby Light My FireplaceX2
By Showcase Decorators, Design and Remodeling
15 photos

Tile over the existing with split face slate

Peg Silverwood The mantle appears to be out of scale. Is it possible you can replace it? If not take it of. You have plenty of shelving with the book cases so You could add some beautiful large art in that space. It appears that it is brick that has been painted over, You could paint it a warmer color that would compliment the floor color. The white is quite white, toning it down with a cream or almond color could very soothing painting a little lighter shade than the fireplace. Making it a focal point.

smldesigns I assume you are moving the TV as long as you are rebuilding the built-ins. I would take down the mantle and extend the hearth and the sides of the chimney with drywall (hearth with another material) and put on a proper 3 sided mantle. Then reface the fire surround with tile, brick, etc. and do the same with the hearth. I believe you will have to at least extend the fireplace so that you have the right amount of fireproof material on the surround. Then do the built ins.

Interiors International, Inc. Here are some ideas that might inspire you.

oscarisrael11 The mantel will be replaced, as well.

J Maness Designs Here is an idea; this picture shows the before & after. This was done all cosmetically without compromising the structure of the masonry fireplace. You may still use some sort of veneer stone to cover the rest of the way up.

mwbpaperboy Loose the cabinets, paint the walls a darker color, have mantle the same color as walls, but use matte sheen on walls and semi-gloss for mantle. Then put art on walls, and decorate mantle.

syannaccone If its at all possible, I would first bring down the fireplace step so that its level with the flooring. Then I would tile or remove the brick look around the fireplace itself. Unless you are planning a built in with ample space for the TV, I would suggest mounting it above the fireplace, as others have suggested (flat screen tv that is). If you do plan on making a built in with TV access,I would suggest a bookshelf to display books and decorative accents with the top section lending itself for a pull out flat screen tv. That would allow for proper placement and adjustment of the tv to suit the needs if the individuals watching. However, my preference would be above the mantle. What flooring are you putting in, in lieu of the green carpet?

careforcat The shelf over the fireplace is definitely what's making it all look imbalanced. I would either remove the shelf or replace with a full mantle, with sides down to the hearth. I also like the idea of the TV over the fireplace.

fairviewbonnie Make sure the tv you place over the fireplace can be hung that high without compromising the picture clarity.

Natalie Hi---like both of these looks for you. Went traditional/transitional instead of contemporary---have no idea if that's your style, but if not then cover the FP with any material (glass, SS, porcelain, etc.) and have it running horizontally rather than vertically, (you already have enough vertical height because of the 2-story FP)... Whatever you decide, do wrap the same wood of the custom built-ins right across the facade of the FP for the mantel...Good Luck![houzz=Great Room 1][houzz=Great Room 2][houzz=STonehedge Exteriors]

oscarisrael11 We're thinking about replacing the green carpet with either beige-colored carpet or dark wood flooring.

Helene Susanin since the fireplace is central, I would definitely extend the cabinets all the way to the wall and match them on both sides. Place the tv over the fireplace, by all means.

House of Rocks Stone would be a great way to make the fireplace the centerpiece of the room. Nice natural stone would look great