We are in the middle of a reno (so excuse the mess in the photo) and trying to decide what to do with the fireplace. We bought this wood stove but are going to have to return it because we found out that it isn't practiced to put a wood stove in a hearth. Our alternative is to put in an insert, but I don't think I like the insert win brick. I want to paint the fireplace white, my husband does not. Thoughts?