I think you have to keep the mantel in a similar shape or you would run into the window trim.
Wen you say stone are you planning to replace the existing stone with a different stone or stony the whole surface?

With this big a project why not a total demo and eliminate the raised hearth all together?

We will be adding a stacked stone to the entire fireplace, from ceiling to floor. We'd like a straight mantel but worry about the hearth making the fireplace look too bottom heavy....?

@decoenthusiaste I wish we could... It would be a much larger project. We'd have to lower the firebox, and add new carpet to the room to fill the empty space.

I personally woud raise the mantle higher than it is now to bring your eye up, esp since you are adding stacked stone clear up to the ceiling- the stone alone is a great focal, a very simple clean mantle would look great. If possible, and I can't see too well in the pic, but raising the height of the curtain next to it would give you nice height and good flow as well-it seems to cut the line short because your beams practically shout that they want to be seen too and a high curtain would achieve that. Great looking space-good luck, re-post when you finish so we can check it out later too!

I think the FP looks great as is! Maybe just update the granite? So many people on houzz are trying to change their FP to look like yours! Isn't there a more pressing project in your home? : ) Hardwood floors? New furniture?

Darzy, we do have hardwood in other rooms. And we just ordered new furniture pieces for this same room. We just feel like our FP lacks interest. And we greatly dislike the granite. Any other change options for us other than stone from top to bottom? Tile where the granite is perhaps? :)

Our finished project! I appreciate all the advice :)

Just saw this discussion for 1st time tonight. Good timing on my part! ;-)

I liked it before but I like it even more now. I'm no expert on fireplaces, tho (live where you can use it maybe 2 times a year!), but I like the change.

Since I don't see drapes back up yet, I would agree with the suggestion of taking them to the top of the windows instead of the space between. Think it will make the room even "grander".

Nice job.

gorgeous work! I bet you guys are really enjoying this new look, I love the colors and the size/color of the new mantle too!

Hawaiidreamer, This project was actually completed maybe 6-7 months ago but I'm just remembering about this post. We kept the drapes but I'm now considering moving them up... Nice idea!