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!

Hi 2Find! Thanks for your cohesive little selection of images. I will replace the lights for sure (though I have a pet peeve re those lights where the bulb is visible as am quite light-sensitive, preferring diffuse light). There is no furniture in the room, we aren't living there till the reno-extension is done as it won't have a kitchen. I would like to keep a muted pastel colour scheme throughout the entire house. Kind of a nod to the 30's. Sorry, but I can't do brown tile, it's a visceral thing! Cheers for the lovely photos siriuskey (lovely star system). Very nice and I probably will go for a pretty simple 30's weatherboard cape cod type theme. The house is a raw looking 'ranch' style from the US, lucky we have so much lovely British weatherboard culture to draw from. I adore that hallway!

Hi Kel, Megan from Bluethumb online art gallery here. I agree with Ann and Quadrant Design that a feature artwork would look great on the mantelpiece. The dark grey stone would be the perfect background to offset a bright piece. With the scale of the room and fireplace, the piece needs to be large or else risk getting lost in the room. I've compiled a few suggestions around a couple of different themes for you to look at. If you're after a bold pop of colour, then these pieces from some of our most popular artists could be great: https://bluethumb.com.au/helenhelenjoynsonco/Artwork/moonlighting https://bluethumb.com.au/sacha-beverley/Artwork/i-wish-for-acceptance https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/martine-perret/artwork/la-reverie-turquoise https://bluethumb.com.au/brewman/Artwork/forest-of-colours-ron-brown Or you could harmonise with the timber beams with some earthy tones: https://bluethumb.com.au/dinah-wakefield/Artwork/moonlight-on-the-ocean I've mocked this one up for you: https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/pennyp/artwork/thalassophile-3 https://bluethumb.com.au/patricia-walsh-studio/Artwork/the-dawn-sees-a-mist https://bluethumb.com.au/martinesart/Artwork/ocean-at-midnight Let me know if you'd like any more suggestions, or any more of these works mocked up. Hope this helps! Megan

yes, the lack of space on the sides has certainly made it hard to try and find something to go around it. The whole thing unfortunately wasn't really thought out very well and has been a learning experience. I like the reclaimed wood mantel suggestion - thanks!