SFGate

Susan Mills Design Can we see more of the room please? Ta!

K.O.H. Construction Corporation Very busy looking ,does not look like the work of a true artisan.

Wendy Hummingbird Designs I kind of like it ..... But I can't tell much about the room with just this picture.

14thstreet I saw somewhere a similar fireplace that had been sandblasted or something to that effect and the color difference was amazing.

Dytecture You'll probably have 50% of readers voting to keep the stones and vice versa.

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. I love the stone, I would keep it.

Sandra Whittier Comb thru the varity of fireplaces at www.fauxpanels.com .I'm sure you will find what you really have a feel for.

Robin The small firebox in the large wall of stone is off balance. I would add a mantle. Overall the stone is nice, just overpowering.

lefty47 HI -- It's too much , it's dated , and if the client doesn't like it , -it should go . So the client rules .

yvesun I like it!! A thick weathered cedar mantel would look amazing!

Patti Wilson add a mantel, whitewash the stone, decorate the mantel with transitional pieces...depends on the geographical location..if this is Colorado then yes, but Atlanta no. Does your client want a more country, mountain feeling?

hpsandiego Keep the stone - but remove the standard wood fire place screen - add in gas and do a more modern glass bits - in a light color. I think it might open up the little dark cave/cubby of a burn space and give them a more "transitional" look?

Barnhart Gallery Who wouldn't want the luxury of an enormous fireplace in their kitchen?
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Perhaps the homeowner has trouble envisioning the end result, where the focus would be less on a particular tone in the stone and more, "Wow! You have a massive fireplace in your kitchen!" If you can give us a few more pix, we may be able to help procure some visuals.

Joanne Rago It definitely needs a large mantle. Nice that it incorporates stone and is in the kitchen. Lucky you!!! just put in a chunky mantle shelf, and let your decorating ideas pop!! I can see a rustic basket with wood and maybe rooster or decorative plants across the shelf, brass planters and candle holders would look nice!!!

Denice Shuty The opening is too small with that big clunky stone. Go with a stone or tile of a smaller scale.

BeautifulRemodel.com If this was a mid-century modern home then it could look great, especially if it was soda-blasted to make the colors more vibrant. (The rust may look great then). If not, I'd consider painting it white. Shocking I know, :) but it can look awesome if done well, would eliminate the color the client doesnt like, give you far more decorating options and still retain the gorgeous texture. I also agree with the need for a beautiful mantel to balance the proportions.

-Steve

nFORMAL design Not a fan of that stone as it looks dated, but not "vintage". Also, I would suggest painting stone only as a last resort. Brick looks okay painted , but IMHO, stone doesn't reflect that aesthetic as well. I'd either go solid over it (concrete overlay) or put up a totally new surround. It all depends on the aesthetic of the client.