What were you trying to copy?

I wanted the fireplace and frame to look like this. Much more proportional and a bit more traditional.

This now requires the assistance of a custom millwork shop. They can make the additional pieces of trim and apply them to what you currently have.

Thank you! I will look into it :)

The easiest thing you can do is use an off-the shelf mantel to get the more transitional proportions and detailing you are looking for. Here is an example of something you can order:

You'll need to verify that it will fit properly around your fireplace and meet the required clearances, but it doesn't look like you have anything terribly unusual.

There will need to be a little fill piece behind the top shelf of your mantel in the TV recess, and you'll probably cover up a little of that pretty white marble surround to get the proportion right.

Rustic is better to do with decorating than with the bones of the house. It looks like you have a parquet floor and traditional trim. I'd stick with something that looks more at home with the rest of your detailing and not try to force something in that focal point that will look like it belongs in another house.

If you'd like to see what that would look like, post a photo that captures all of the fireplace wall (from a more slight angle) and post the dimensions of the wall height, width to the outside of the trim and the width and depth of the hearth. We can sketch something up so you can see what it will look like before you do it.

Thank you for the detailed suggestion! If I were to do an off the shelf mantel, would I need to remove the existing one or just tack the new pieces right on top/underneath the current one? I will take some photos of the fireplace from the front this afternoon. Thanks again!

Good options above. If the millwork solutions seem pesky, I'd say get a much thicker mantel, preferably quite rough, and add a decorative screen in front of your firebox -- both of those touches would pull you in the direction you prefer.

Also, another time, be troublesome! What you asked for was not that unusual, and he got nowhere close! Hope you can find a solution you like.

@Coastroad, the mantle is 88 inches wide. The length and width of fireplace is roughly 100 inches tall and 78 inches wide with a 10-in side overhang from the mantle.

@acme, thanks for your suggestions! I really do want to get a new mantle, something rugged and older looking like you mentioned, I'm just not sure how to tack it onto the current mantle without destroying the current one. Are you familiar with staining? If so, do you have any staining suggestions as well?

The fireplace in your inspiration photo isn't even close to rustic. You can have a simple box built and attached over the current mantel, but it looks a bit incongruous, IMO.

Or you could buy or have made a full traditional surround to replace the mantel there now.

This is just an idea. It would require removing the existing shelf, reworking a little bit of the trim on the face and raising the TV about 4":

@groveraxle, you're right. The fireplace in my insp photo is definitely more traditional than rustic. Either way I do like your second suggestion. Talked to my contractor and he said that is an option he could fix. Thanks!

@coastroad, that looks pretty! Not sure if I want to move the Tv up even higher since we're already straining our necks to watch Tv, but I could definitely remove the existing mantle and build out from underneath. Thanks again!

You're welcome. Just remember to be careful about your clearances!

The contractor built the stepbrother of the photo you show here. The millwork in puny and the mantel can barely hold a pair of candles. You must learn to speak up...you are paying to get what you want. Meek doesn't work. Now go out and find some beefier millwork that you can add to or replace on the fireplace surround. You need a bigger mantel installed by someone who knows how to do it. Be sure you have a minimum of 12 inches or more (better) between the firebox and any combustible material, or whatever clearance is required in your town. What is the material used for the current surround? If combustible, you may need to change that too.