It would be awesome if it was marble!! Looks similar to the link you posted, but I am in Australia, marble cladding is not very prominent/used here, so I didn't think it would be? Anyone else to second Bodo or give their thoughts?

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!

We are renovating a 70's home and replacing the entire exterior weatherboards of the home. We are using Colorbond Dominion in Monument to match the roof which is the same colour. Our dilemma is what timber cladding to use that we can extend from the outside to the inside entry of the home. We are wanting something that is low maintenance but doesn't look like "imitation"timber. (I love Spotted Gum but think it will be way out of our budget)!! Would appreciate any help!!

Probably 15 years ago I did a shop front in what I think was called Engineered Stone , and I think it was made in China . Dreamers reference seems to be actual stone , the stuff I used seemed to be essentially stone ground up with filler and cement , and poured into moulds . Basically , the panels were 100cm x 50cm , and the pattern repeated every panel , and then there were internal and external corners available too , as well as sills . The stuff I used ( its still in place ! ) looked pretty authentic , but tap it and it has an almost hollow sound to it . Does yours 'feel' real ?