That sounds great.

For the actual fireplace itself, you can give that an update with one of our fireplace safety screens, check out the before and after photos at www.fireplacesafetyscreen.com

Hi sp1ike, I would suggest removing the entire wood trim and base platform to give you more space for the room, you could either tiles, stone, or just drywall for the fireplace surround depending on the style in the rest of your home.

Yes, I would agree with removing the base. Since it is not wood burning it will free up some needed room. Just facing the fireplace with granite or tile and surrounding it with a decorative mantel is a traditional approach. Could also consider surround with stone... Possibilities are endless.

I love that first image that Dytecture posted. It would also be fun to take that same idea and tile the face of that wall in a modern textured tile, like this...
https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-fireplace-design-ideas-phbr0lbl-bl~l_37245?fi=104
Any texture really would look great. A plank size stone always looks modern set in a brick pattern, like a 4x12" size. Hope that helps. Charmean Neithart

Oh dear. That appears to me to be an old Vanguard "Classic Hearth" gas fireplace.

I hate to be a spoilsport, but I can't suggest you spend any money around that fireplace. I'd suggest you get rid of it and start from scratch, preferably with something new and vented. Dytecture has some cool ideas.

Figure out what you want it to look like when you are finished and take your ideas to your local fireplace professionals. You can try the Hearth, Patio & BBQ Association's website and do a dealer search: http://www.hpba.org/retailer-locator

Or you can go to the National Fireplace Institute website and find a certified gas specialist: http://www.nficertified.org/pages_consumers/consumers-1.html