Thank you for your advice. It will be a big open living kitchen area with charcoal brown carpet living area and a light grey white large tile kitchen area. We are having a family dining table made from the same timber as mantel with stylish black legs. The fire place is the center piece of the room with two large windows on either side, to draw you to the fire. I was just worried the mantle may appear too high. Jacinta Jolly

Hi, Pin down a builder? I would suggest you take the plans you have to a builder and get some feedback before you go much further. Builders are often your best ally when it comes to practical ways to achieve the design intent.... many is the time we have been asked to price a set of plans where the client has invested an inordinate amount of time and money on detail only to receive a rude shock when the reality hits the budget for all the detail desired.... cheers

Early Settler has fireclay ones for around $1000.

Mimosa has a similar product. Without knowing the actual furniture manufacturer, mimosa may be a good alternative.