Hmmm. . .Not sure about painting it or not. Right now this single picture gives me the impression that the formal, traditional mantle does not match the lovely, rustic/modern ledge stone. Maybe one of the design gurus can give you better advice.

mmm yeah. i'm thinking white might call attention to the fact that your windows arent formally cased. a more blendy color on the surround might serve you better.

I would paint it black or mahogany to exaggerate the beautiful windows

I think it is pretty as it is. I think the white looks bright and clean and matches your trim/woodwork. Nice stone!

I'm agreeing with all of you. That is my problem. It never occurred that the mantle was too formal for the stone. But it's a done deal now. So I guess I can fret about that! I'm leaning to keep white to maintain a clean look or a brown color. Afraid of black.

What does anyone think about a cream color? Would it look dirty with the moldings? Ps the floor will be dark wood by next week. Will that make the white a better choice ?

Please don't paint your mantle a brownish or dark color. I do think cream would look fine. You look like you are going for a beachy/ coastal look so leave the fireplace suround light.

My suggestion would be to paint an off white color (maybe an ivory) just so the white isn't so stark. By doing that you mesh both looks (the rustic of the stone & the classicism of the mantle/facade) together without trying to make it one look. That then goes with your wall color, still goes with the other molding- with a slight difference, and you can enjoy the beauty of both without your eye fighting between the two. I hope this helps!

Lovely with the ledge stone. I think keeping it white as it is or even going with a cream, however if you keep it white it certainly shows off the ledge stone better. Wish you were not going to go with dark wood floors. They are so hard to keep looking their best. Good luck with your choices. A bleached wood look would be so perfect for the beachy vibe going on in your lovely house.

maybe a bash stone or tile

Thanks everyone. I'm not really beachy/coast. Just happen to put this out for summer look(it's LA so we are having summer early this year with the drought ). I do fall decor and Christmas the last part of year. So the rest of house is dark wood floors and dark wood furniture . Greens reds gold. Sorry the fish threw you! I'm guess now it's between a creamy beige or white.

I would have Plantation Shutters installed on the windows.

I would remove the curly appliqué on the mantle and keep the current color. That would be more in keeping with the modern feel of the stone.