After seeing your before/after photos in your [kitchen thread[(https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/kitchen-reno-ideas-suggestions-please-dsvw-vd~3651370?n=11) I thought I'd bump this thread. I have a better idea of the whole space now. Have you had any more ideas of what to do? I think by cladding the whole surround and wall above could have big impact and modernise so it ties in with your new kitchen. Also give some balance as it sits alongside the glossy black bench. If you like the warm of timber, you could clad running the wood horizontally. This final photo is cataloged as a transitional look but same idea with cladding all the way up. ETA: That artwork would look great on a dark grey backdrop.

I wish to thanks those that have replied. I need the information on a "look a like" wall fire place, that looks like flame but is no heat. I have found a you tube that shows using a dvd player in a screen in a false opening that replicates a fire. I would like a commercially made item, and also the information to contact the company.

any gas log fireplace should have very specific instructions for safe installation with measurements for distance from back and side walls, height above floor and height of any mantlepiece above the front of the heater and details of the correct method to enclose the flue..first check these instructions and then decorative finishes will be much easier to decide...if you haven't chosen your heater yet all the instructions should be available on line and this will also help decide the best heater for the space available

which size fireplace you choose will need to be decided by the available fireplaces to suit your needs (ie heating capacity, fuel, location of flue, overhead beams etc) so i'd start with the fireplace insert and then work all the other details from that..but, you should add scale sized furniture and suitable walking paths to the room so that the seating is angled to suit the view, the tv and the fire and you might find that the alcove with the bulkhead could be a better location for the TV and/or fireplace and storage wall