If you’re after modern coastal, consider a consistent boxed part. Could be stone cladding or horizontal VJ.

Those are excellent suggestions, thank you very much. I got a bit of a shock to see how much space the structure now impinges on the living area, as it is a smaller living space than your photos, like a rectangular structured living area. Other points are to consider the timber flooring whichis coast Coastal style, and the New York marble benchtop on the other side which forms part of the kitchen in the open plan. In other words the stone cladding would need to be something that does not clash with the New York marble and flooring. Also, I like the idea from your photos of the benches on the sidewhich sort of complement the large structures and perhaps I could work with doing something along those lines. In other words, some sort of structure low on each side of the fireplace gives a better sense of integration.

I wouldn’t use stone. I’d use cladding that matches the wall colour in a small space. Do you need and have the room for benches? They look great but aren’t a good fit if you’re already pushed for space.

We are putting one in our new build but only going to mantle height

Can u post the floor plan so we can see how much space is there. You want simple clean lines in a small space. I a wondering if you can build wall out to the corner, incorporating storage

Much appreciated Kate. Here with the floor plans I have marked up where the fireplace goes with a red squiggle, the plan is 1 to 50.

....."Designed by Builder" ........would we trust "Built by Designer"???..........we best keep to our own lanes......

Two potential ways to manage this - either

1. be considered as bookending / integrating with the solution for whole wall in the living room if accommodating TV/entertainment/display which if so may be better to have articulated with a continuous base that becomes either a seat, shelf or bench / ledge with integrated storage:

Or 2. if wanting to minimise bulk and flexibility of layout / furniture etc possibly a freestanding expression of the unit may work better than boxing out and making a "feature" which if you leave as is will feel quite bulky and heavy

Suggest to resolve the design / intent for the whole wall / room.

Less is more - seems this is a tight floor plan so best develop a solution that doesn't feel like it's imposing or draws attention to itself - current framing looks/feels over bulky/overscaled for the space

hope this helps!

PD

www.pauldistefanodesign.com

I would build out to the corner and remove the frame on top if it is not housing the flue. Then maybe some floating shelves or a painting above Keep it simple and clean, maybe a marble top to the unit or painted timber. Have you got a furniture layout?

Inspiration

Yes @Kate - clean lines, simplified build in - great integrated example