Hi, here are a couple of suggestions for you to consider - or at least perhaps a jumping off point. I am assuming you are staying with wood burning?

First, I would suggest knocking off the raised hearth and dropping it to the floor level. In the space that has no wood flooring you would install some sort of stone - tile, marble slab, slate etc. Or this could match the stone you put on the face of the fireplace.

Then you would build out the upper section of the fireplace so that it lines up with the lower section. Then cover it all in tile of some sort of stone - large tile would be most economical - picture with art above gives an idea - this is with 12" x 24" porcelain tile. Other picture shows a simple mantle if you want to dress it up a bit more. Or these may be more modern that you mean! :-)

When picking a stone surround make sure the colour you choose wont show smoke marks and/or make sure your chimney draws well.

Deborah

The Sierra Showhome (Calgary, Alberta) · More Info

You're welcome!