I'd consider wider block of wood (sleeper for rustic or smooth sleeper for contemporary) as an upright at various positions - rather than a solid backing (uneven number) then add cushions of all sizes - that way you can arrange them however you like and change the tone for the season. Still having places to lean but not blocking the whole back of the seating. OR like the image below with bright cushions, have a cushion with an attached roll at the back - If the seating area you've built is deep. Rgds Jac

hi Neryl and others, I love fire pits and we have a special area in the yard with stone seating around it. we love it and it is great for the kids and when they have friends over. we often burn these funny hexagonal 'logs' which are made from recycled something (I cant remember whether its paper or woodchips). we got them from Bunnings but I can't find them on bunnings website right now. they are called ecologs or something like that. they are slow burning and good. we have the chappala sun god fire pit from bunnings and it has been good. the metal parts do rust tho. the good thing about it is the screen lid which I feel is a bit safer. but the lid does get hot so you need an oven mitt or similar to lift it to roast marshmallows or add more wood or anything. downside is it has no drainage hole so fills with rainwater. good luck

If you get good dry wood and for the right price I'd go with wood everytime. It burns hot, dry and clean. However not everyone has the ability to get the wood, nor has time to stack, bring it inside, etc.. I'd have a wood fire for the look and feel but just use it occasionally if regular wood supply is not possible. Electric reverse cycle is very efficient now and even better when used with solar power. Gas was the way to go for heating up until a few years ago now its back to electric again.... Keep the open fire and have electric reverse cycle as well! I'd keep the chimney but add some corbel's to it. Maybe the blue feature brick like on the window sills. You could make the chimney a feature rather than trying to do the opposite.

Do you plan on using it for a heat source, or is it purely aesthetic? If it's a serious heat source, then I'd consider retrofitting an enclosed Jetmaster slow combustion or gas fire. Slow combustion fires are always preferable to open fires like you have- they slow the wood burn and direct the heat into the room, not up the chimney. Check out what the local wood supply and costs are first. If it's aesthetic, may gets run when you entertain. I'd get some black fireplace paint- paint the grate and the inner fire box black. I'd change the hearth- make it bigger, will prevent sparks and scorch marks. Like some others have suggested, keep the slate- change the mantel. Lots of DIY to give a go there!