Just purchased a wonderful home. However, many design challenges...especially in the living room. There is a large brick fireplace that consumes the entire space, making the room appear dated and dark.

Considering covering with faux stacked stone, to update the room and lighen the space. Not sure if I should stone the entire surface or just the center portion and sheetrock the sides?

Second challenge is the beautiful dark wood on the ceiling and the dark and much used carpeting. Would like to keep the ceiling but not sure if I should stay in the same color family as the existing ceiling or if it would be o.k. to use a lighter stained wood.

My ultimate goal is to bring about a room the has a "Sophisticated Lodge" feel to it.