Is the entire project a DIY? There are lots of ready made FP frames and mantels that you can buy.

There are so many options you can choose from... The design, and various use of finishing materials provides nearly endless options. With that being said, I would classify your choices within two main categories. Tiling option or millwork option.

For one you can choose to hire a finishing carpenter that will design, and install custom millwork surrounding the fireplace. This option would require the use of typically mdf panels, and trim thus potentially saving you from spending $$ on more expensive materials like stone or tile. For the record saving money choosing this option does not necessarily mean you will be sacrificing on aesthetics.. I have seen many jobs done in this way with impressive results. With that being said it may come down to a matter of taste or preferred style (modern vs traditional). If for instance you wanted something with more wow value, or simply, you just like the look of stone or tile cladding finishes, then there is many options here as well. You can clad around the fireplace in materials such natural stone with a rough cut, or natural stone with a smooth cut finish. You can also use porcelain tiles as a cladding material. Or if you really want something more unique, you can opt to clad the area with natural cut stone slabs or manufactured quartz slabs offered by companies like Caesarstone. There are also new slabs on the market which are cut extremely thin and backed with a plastic composite, making installation much more practical. You can find these thin slabs in materials such as white or green onyx. They look amazing, and add a lot of wow value but of course going with slabs, and hiring a fabricator for install will come at the greatest cost.

To answer your questions, normally there is some sort of base at the floor level of the fireplace, which juts out from the wall. Then the cladding material is installed on top of this base, and follows through up to the mantel. If you would like to avoid adding a base, then that is fine, and in that case you would just carry the cladding down to the floor. Typically you would not need to frame the wall. Most tiles and stone do not need any additional wall reinforcement, and can be applied directly to the wall.

If I can make a suggestion, you could make this easy for yourself, and simply put a reclaimed wood mantel above the fireplace leaving a reasonable gap between the two, and opt to put no cladding whatsoever. I have seen reclaimed wood mantels available on kijji, and I personally have a contact with access to them. I got an estimate for a client of mine last year for a 8ft piece, I believe it was for $400.00. They add an amazing presence in a room, and add a lot of wow value. The best of all is they can be used in both traditional, and modern styles. Plus considering your kitchen/furniture style I believe it would compliment the space nicely.

Hi, Here are a few suggestions for you. Add a stone surround and white mantel as show in these two examples. Use stone or tile around the opening and to create a hearth on the floor. I would also use a white wood mantel to tie in your kitchen.

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would it be financially viable to cut a slab of countertop material for the fireplace facing and top with a mantle stained like your cabinets? while a free-floating mantle wood look very nice you could always include the support features from your island counter as mantle supports

Since the kitchen and living area share space I would think you would want to bring the look of the stainless into the room without going over the top modern. There is a stainless sheeting contact paper that is actually used on original appliances available from 3M that would give you this look.

Here is an image from our portfolio. Maybe it will help?

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