We are replacing our tile floor with laminate and so we might as well replace the mantel and surround too, right? So here is what we have (sorry, messy): http://i60.tinypic.com/2n88zgi.jpg and http://i59.tinypic.com/2h83edl.jpg

We really dont like those spaces/cubbies above the fireplace. We considered drywalling over them and then making the fireplace symmetrical, but then what would we put on that wall? The wall is about 7ft high from the top of the mantel to the ceiling. The top of the mantel is 4ft from the floor.

The room itself is awkward, 10ft x 15ft: http://i61.tinypic.com/jj6yxu.jpg

We would like to put in a sofa or loveseat, and a chair or two in the room.

We found a mantel and surround that we kind of like: http://i57.tinypic.com/es98aa.jpg

I did a quick shop of it in our setting, lol, i know its bad: http://i62.tinypic.com/6y1cnr.jpg
It looks ok, but something just doesnt seem right.

I could at least take out the glass doors and glass shelves and replace the shelves with wooden ones so they look more like bookcases.

Another problem is that my wife would like to put things on the mantel but with the shelving level with and behind the mantel, she feels that she cant put anything on the mantel because they'll just be in the way of the shelving. but i guess she might just have to get over that. We are looking for a cozy/farmhouse style.

Should we make the fireplace symmetrical or leave it that size? My wife really wants to have the columns on the side for the surround, so a hanging mantel alone is out of the question. I'm willing to tear out the current mantel and surround if needed. Any suggestions on what we can do? Thanks!