I wouldn't make the FP darker. Given the angles of the ceiling, the FP stands out as it is. If you like it, then you could make it lighter in color. It doesn't have to match the trim or the cabinet sin the kitchen, As for the trim, if you have the same wood trim throughout the house, I wouldn't paint it white just in one room.

HI -- First I would paint the walls and ceiling all the same color . Rooms with vaulted ceilings like yours always look better in all one color .Then the fireplace could be it's own color without going with the other trims in the house . Just because it is all the same wood does not mean it all has to have the same finish . If windows are being covered with drapes and sheers etc. , then the window trims could also be the same color as the wall color . If they are going to show more then match to all the other trims in the house . If it is a completely closed off from room from the rest of the house , then the room could have it's own trim color . I like the look of the dark frame on the mirror on the fireplace and that could look great as the color for the fireplace also. Just remember not to do too many different finishes in the house trims such as baseboards and so on. It's also a good idea from the above posting to think about re-moving the over mantel as it is off set and almost dominates the room . If you put another mantel surround on then flush mount beams could be added to the ceiling for more interest which is great on a steep vault like this.

You might consider removing the top potion over the mantel and stain the rest darker.

Right now the fireplace looks top heavy. Even if you remove the upper part somehow it will still be weird because the mantel is too low. Maybe take off all the wood and buy a prefab that is the right size for the space. Good luck!!

I don't think it will look too heavy if painted cream or white. I would buy a large piece of art to fill in top. If you want to stick with a mirror I would have one cut to size within the trim.

Thanks for all of the comments! I should have mentioned that the trim in the rest of the house is white. This room and the kitchen open up to each other and are the only rooms with the golden oak trim. Lefty47, I like the idea of painting the walls and ceiling all of the same color--maybe a grayish sage or pale blue? Now that it has been pointed out, I do feel like the fireplace is top heavy. I have always thought the sides weren't wide enough compared to the height. How should I fill the wall over the FP if we removed the top? It's a 2-story vault so the FP might look too small once the top is removed.

As a side note, I am planning to recover the sofa and loveseat, remove the large chair and ottoman and replace with 2 armchairs. I am wanting to change the look of the room to update it but didn't want to do major construction. I think I could talk hubby into removing part of the FP. ;-)

I'd remove the top portion and just put a large painting up there -- you don't need to take in the whole height of the room, which is a place for the eye to wander. I don't understand comments about the fireplace being too small without the upper portion -- it looks normal and appropriately scaled for the human dimension of the space.

Do you like this?Transitional Living Room by Tacoma Kitchen & Bath Designers Signature Design & Cabinetry LLC

suzyq53, did you mean to post a link?

acm, thank you. Do you have a recommendation for refinishing the oak? I'm not sure if this can be done, but I like the finish on this FP and the colors in the room

Hi, Oak can be stripped and refinished to several beautiful looks. Rift Oak has open graining and can be stained in shades of Gray or Taupe/Brown. These finishes are being used for floors, walls and cabinetry. Depth and a rustic appearance is added by staining and then applying a glaze in a lighter color, across the grain.

Above comment I second!

I love your overmantel. Maybe this will help:

Here's a picture of my fireplace. The room has a very high ceiling too.

Mary - I was trying to post a link. But I did it wrong. Then I saw your comment, so I send my fireplace as an example of how to lighten up the top of your fireplace.

groveraxle, those examples are very helpful. I like the weathered wood look with a little more gray in the finish.

Thank you for all of the suggestions, everyone. We have decided the oak over mantle can be removed and will help update the room. I'm not sure yet if we will rework the mantle and oak surround or leave it and just replace the tile. If I leave the oak, I will definitely try the weathered, gray finish. I appreciate your taking the time to comment.

Are you sure you want to remove the overmantel?

groveraxle, now you are making me think again. :-) What do you think about lowering the overmantel to the height of the top of the windows? Would that look strange?

I agree the overmantel is very tall, but it looks a bit squat when brought to the level of the windows. Maybe a there's a happy medium.

I think it would look great painted white! If you put a bigger piece of artwork in the overmantle, it will look like an elegant frame. The reason it looks heavy now is the wood stands out.

To balance the top and bottom of the fireplace, make the tile around the fireplace opening darker. An easy fix is stick on slate tile. Slate can go very well with golden oak with its tones of grays and oranges, and it will bring more color and texture to the area.