If you hate it you hate it. From what I can see from the photo, it is too overpowering for the space it occupies.

I believe you can shiplap over it - but you will need to have an experienced Fire place contractor make sure it comes up to safety and insurance code. Furthermore, you will have the added expense of having the firebox hearth switched out.

Get a few estimates and explore your options with qualified contractors.

Best.

Drywall over it. Accent paint. Mantle. Artwork.

Good luck.

Daniel @ artgreeT.com

Add a reclaimed wood mantle and some artwork.

Normally I don't like staining natural stone, but I think a white stain on this stone could really make it look good. Then add two tall pieces of furniture on either side to help visually reduce the height of the stone and perhaps a piece of art work on the stone and this could stand as is. You will open a can of worms putting shiplap on that not matter how you try it. I will find some "inspiration" photos for you. bbl

This is stone painted white, but if you still wanted some stone to shine through, a watered down paint creates a stained look. I think I would try that before anything else. Then get some "recycled" wood bookcases if you like the shiplap/recycled look for either side. Something like these.The height and style of these would look great with the stained stone.

I would bite the bullet and take off the upper portion and put a rustic mantle on it. Proportionaly this does not work in its present state.

Adding a nice looking mantle might make all the difference. Look to our newest design below for some other ideas:

You must watch clearances when putting drywall, shiplap, mantles, or any other combustible material over a fireplace.

HI -- Put the horizontal ship lap on the walls on each side of the fireplace and then add a square box mantel across ... that would look more up to date with the stone . It is hard to cover the stone with drywall and I think it is a waste of a feature and looks like a cheap fix . The stone is a feature and I think you should work with it . Adding the wood on the walls would be cheaper than hiding the stone under drywall.

It appears we have lost the OP...............