I would really appreciate some ideas and feedback with the niche beside the fireplace. The current cabinet is from our old home and clearly not going to work.
Do I have a matching kitchen cabinet at 40” high with black slate type counter, do I add pictures or floating shelves above?
Do I match up the rustic block of wood as seen to the side of the niche?
Do I close up the space and creat access to additional storage from the closet beside the niche?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or feed back. Walls are Benjamin Moore, Bennington gray, floors are white oak, fireplace rock is Ocean Mist. Throughout my decorating I have been trying to bring the outside (lake house) inside.
GAil