Hello, are you Chinese?

Hi Linda, some ideas --

Usually the height of the mantle should be at least 20 inches above the fireplace opening. However, always check with the building inspector for the rules in your area.
The proper height for a fireplace mantle varies slightly, but is should follow the guidelines set by your local or state law. Usually, the laws of state are in accordance set by the National Fire Protection association.

Here is a link that explains how to measure for a fireplace mantle. Hope this helps.

http://chrisalexander.articlealley.com/how-to-measure-your-fireplace-for-a-mantel-18453.html

If this were my room, I would get some charcoal gray paint and use it to make the fireplace bigger 'visually'. In other words, paint a frame around the fireplace to make it appear bigger, Then I would run the mantel from one bookcase to the other, to make it look like a bridge that is connecting the two pieces.

Actually, this is the kind of mantel I'm going for:

If that is the style you like then get a carpenter to build you something similar that is in proportion to your fireplace.

Yes, thank you, but what would be considered proportional?

@The Mantle Guy .com thanks so much! That's exactly the answer I was looking for!

And I totally agree with you on those cabinet doors! There is so much to de80s-fy from this home.

Look at some local guys work, and decide wich one you LOVE. Then have them build you a mantle. Just have tham give you a drawing first, so that you know what to expect. Make sure you look at several of their projects and talk to their clients about the quality of their work, and the ease with wich it took to get their product finished(not that it is ever really easy) but, not a horrible experience, you need a carpenter who listens.