Hi, I'm in the middle of a modern farmhouse remodel and running into a dilemma with the fireplace. My plan was to run horizontal boards (each board wrapped around sides and across the face of the fireplace wall) down the entire wall above the fireplace and around the sides of the firebox itself. You can see the picture of the boards I have all milled and ready to go. These were the inspiration pics:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/131519251592198361/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/131519251592198367/

I'm told it's out of code having wood that close to the fireplace; I'm trying to decide if I care. I'm putting soapstone in the kitchen and am debating having some tiles made to go around the fireplace. But, it's so out of proportion. Seems like it needs a few more inches on either side of the firebox to look in proportion.

My dilemma is wrapped up in what I'm going to do on the sides too--I was originally going to find 2 antique dressers/buffets to fit in the nooks--most likely painted white. The left side opening is 64" and the right is 54". The TV is going to have to go in the left side. And then having thick floating shelves--white above...I'm now toying with the idea of built-ins...

This pics are causing me to rethink my original plan:
Vertical boards, boards creating a mantle and tile/stone all underneath?


thinking I would do the barnboard in the areas of grey paint in this pic and soapstone/tile all around the firebox:


Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :).