I love just a streamline plaster fire-surround right to the top, especially Venetian plaster, effective without being over the top, you could still add a mantel if you wish

Help! Drywall is starting today and I need to make up my mind!
I was thinking of having it taper in at two spots. Above the fireplace and again just above the tv (that will be above the fireplace).
Then the part that is going all the way to the ceiling will be the narrowest and won't be too wide and overbearing.
I like the transitional/traditional style.

What do you think about something like this but with equal jogs on each side? Not just the right side.
Not for that brick but just the shape.

We opted for part of the way up with a mantle. Can't wait to see the finished project

This is what we decided on when we built our home last year. Grainy pictures in panorama. The maple bulkhead above the fireplace travels across the 2nd floor engineered support beam and follows down to the bottom of the staircase.

SORRY!!! I just saw the date on your last post. The picture looks wonderful! A job well done. Have you got the finished photos? I'd love to see them.

@mickrocket that looks great! We could've done something similar but we don't have the main support beam there, but it is beautiful!

Next choice to make is whether we put some kind of hearth at the floor of the fireplace..... Hmmmm... I think I'm opting for having it flush to the ground so that it doesn't take up too much space in the sitting area. Thoughts???

If any one is interested with how it turned out... Now to decorate :D