Keep the shape of the whole fireplace, but cover up the stone, as you need a contrasting element. Cover the complete fireplace right down to where it meets the blue area around the fire place in shiplap, or reclaimed timber, in tones that would match the stone on the floor, including some grey tones. Then paint all of the blue, in dark grey and I would add a small raised hearth in front, covered in a matching grey large tile to blend in with the paint, or if brave put in a raw chunky cement one, the added heath is simply to give the whole fireplace some depth and balance, as at the moment it looks top heavy and unfinished.

I agree with Kat about a small hearth, but I would leave the stone and clad all that is blue with a dark grey or charcoal granite (or faux granite or marble cladding). Make the hearth from the same granite - just a plain slab to anchor the fireplace.

A metallic or metallic-look finish that has a subtle lustre. Like hammered copper, antiqued copper etc.

Agree with Victoria, needs to be neutral rather than darker to blend the hood and floor into a cohesive unit. Using a darker colour would be distracting to the eye. A piece of artwork on the fireplace breast should be the focal point rather than the fireplace itself.

Yes, it is too top heavy. I would get rid of the stone on top and paint the same colour as the wall behind it. It's still a feature but I would make the fire place the focal point. If you don't remove it, I think you will have to do the same on blue otherwise it might be too much going on. I would pick a larger (so not to look busy) tile colour in a darker, warmer shade chosen from the colours in the floor. One base uniform colour as the floor is already too busy and not greyish because you want to add a bit of contrast and compliment your wooden (warmth) furniture. I personally would not do a hearth if you are doing a built in enclosed fire unit.

Really like the idea to continue with the stone. It would be a shame to cover up the work already done up the top.

We recently clad a fireplace surrounds with wood flooring which looked amazing. It was an Oak in a rustic grading with the knots filled with black infill and a white wash over the top. This would pull out the brown colours in the stone and add warmth with the wood tones.

I would suggest a stone hearth matching the plain stone trim but not as wide as the whole unit to reduce tripping hazard. Possibly with a black trim edge. Then a mantle shelf. the same stone would be great but probably too heavy. I think a 'live edge' timber mantle would be great and introduce an organic edge to the straight lines and angles. then paint the flat surface a neutral colour as others have suggested. display something with white/cream tones (candles?) and something with an accent colour on the mantle. if mantle too pricey a big artwork a little wider than the fireplace itself with some black in it or a black background chinese screen or similar. I have no commercial affiliation with them (just like their work) and don't know where you are based but Time 4 Timber Brookvale NSW could probably help you with a live edge shelf/mantle. good luck!

I would add in a black gloss for some conflict and interest. Something like this:

Escea - AF960 Gas Fireplace · More Info

Hi Abhayden, Just curious to see what you went with for the fireplace. I'm in the process of organising mine too. ;)