I am not sure about pricing but that can be found by having an estimate from a couple of tile stores with installers in house. This is certainly doable and i like the off set mantle . I would go with a smoother finish instead of something really rough and when it is done leave all the stuff off of the mantle or maybe one piece as this will be very contemporay ans should remain simple.

Thanks Patricia. Yes, I am a big fan of keeping everything simple and clean.

Thanks fly4fun. Ideally, I would like the fire & ice look but in reality I would not like to spend much if that would increase the cost considerably - which I am afraid it will (just the firebox itself may be around 2K). I was hoping that with the same firebox just to give it a facelift. We've been to the house for less than 2 years and we still have not used the fireplace. We'd use it for a few times perhaps during the 'winter' here in SoCal. Thank you again.

If you want to raise the box, I can tell you that it will cost you quiet a lot. We were looking into doing something with our fireplace and the models I liked had raised boxes. It would have cost us about 4k just to raise the box.

Your ceiling seems a tad low for a raised hearth to look well. I wonder,too, about any considerable thickening of a feature already butt against by furnishings; you will want to take the new mantle into consideration as you plan for depth of your new treatment and resulting furniture adjustments.

It depends on what you want done. To have my fireplace refaced with cultured stone and having a basic gas insert installed, the estimate was $4500. Upgrading the insert, added $3000 to the estimate. Having the insert moved down, did not cost any extra, since the insert was being replaced anyways. The mantel, I bought separately and installation was no additional charge.

I think the ceiling is to low for that. I would just take Down the black shelfs and add some nice decorative pieces on the mantel you currently have.

Thanks printesa. That sounds about right

Thanks studio10001. Yes, the depth of the feature is something I have not made my mind about yet- It probably should not be too deep. Maybe around 6 or 8 inches. Trying to keep sizing and all in context of the space. Would that sound about right?

Thanks Wendy - After some thought (about money especially) I think I'll probably go without the floating heart and using the existing firebox. Just need to find out the stacked stone cost and an estimate for labor.

@Megan - does not sound crazy at all. When we did our kitchen renovation I got those 'leftovers' shelves (somebody did not build them the right size for the space in the kitchen actually :) ) and thought I could reuse them - Did not quite like the end result, i.e. the modern look of the shelves on top of a traditional fireplace. Since our kitchen is contemporary and we have an open floor plan, that's why we are thinking to modernize the fireplace... but if we eventually end up not doing the facelift, I definitely will bring the shelves down. ;). Thank you!-

I thought I'd share the end result (with a holiday touch :) )...

Hi Omexus,

I think your idea is a nice one. I like the style and it can be customized to fit your space. Any cost estimates given here in the comments may not be accurate for your region. It would be best to have two or three professional stone workers come and give you a written bid. This bid would outline what they will do and at what price to you. Having it written allows you to compare bids and choose the one that works for you. Make sure you ask for and check references.

Also be sure that the fireplace facade can be supported by your current foundation. Real stone in that quantity is very heavy and could damage a structure not built to support the additional weight. If you are planning to use faux stone it shouldn't be a concern.

Happy decorating.
Clarice Booth