The updated pic is too small to really see.

I like the stone you chose!

Thank you, yes it is right over the existing brick. The brick was very rough and had deep grout lines so it worked out. For smooth brick I would probably have had to do it a bit differently.

small changes can really make a big difference!

Very nice, removing the mantel and renovating with new stone de-clutters the wall and makes the room feel larger!

Great job!

Thank you. I was very nervous about doing a job like this as I have never done anything like it before but it turned out even better than I had hoped.

looks great!