We have just installed a wood burning insert (Vermont Montpelier) in our open fireplace as a more efficient heating source and because the chimney with needed a new terra-cotta liner. Our house is a 1929 center hall colonial.

As part of the process we had to take up the old marble hearth to install a new heat resistant pad. We also removed some old marble tile from the fireplace surround with the intention of making the fireplace opening smaller to accommodate the new insert (to avoid a large cast iron surround),

Underneath the old marble we found the original 1929 brick (we had assumed that the marble was original).

We are now torn between our original plan of replacing the marble - we would go with Nero Marquina, which is the closest match (here is an example, not with our insert - http://bit.ly/1ucjse4) - or reface with vintage brick to match the original (here is one that I like - http://bit.ly/1tt7sCe). My wife likes the formality of the marble; I am leaning towards the brick as a bit more rustic.

We would love some suggestions and feedback as to what would be a better match for the style of our house.

I have attached a photo of the original marble fireplace, the new insert with the stripped down fireplace, and photos of the house/living room to put it into context.