Love the mirror idea!

I don't think you should get the home and try to make it something it isn't. It's not meant to be modern, and it would take an awful lot of change to make it into a modern home. Just find a different house if you don't like the rustic style.

Lol! I'm thinking you are right!!

If you love location and enough of the house, pay for custom work, a few thousand, etc... for open-work metal piece [screwed over the hole] which would keep light coming through...

shivece said a large picture / canvas is lightweight.

Something like copper leaf made into art ?

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-are-copper-films-how-were-they-oxi-dsvw-vd~28728[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-are-copper-films-how-were-they-oxi-dsvw-vd~28728)

Just ideas - this is about $1,000 and could be framed well, somehow.

• Overall size 7 1/2 ft tall x 5 1/2 ft wide [9 panels at 22" wide x 30" tall]. Comes with 4 mounting brackets.

• Manufactured By Desert Shed Design
• W 66" / D 2" / H 90" / 35 lbs. Designer Nick Kowal
• 
  
  [https://www.houzz.com/products/steel-accent-wall-prvw-vr~72900626[(https://www.houzz.com/products/steel-accent-wall-prvw-vr~72900626)

You cannot put a mirror there! Don't even consider it.

Answer this question...What would you see reflected in a mirror up there? Right--the ceiling. The. Ceiling.

I don't know why people suggest hanging mirrors willy-nilly like that. it makes no sense.

everdebz - thank you for the ideas! I love the staircase!

If you did a long mirror like the inspiration picture it would reflect other things like a pretty light fixture etc.

That house is not my style either, and I'd pass it right by. I just could not buy it - right layout or not....please do not make a mistake that you will live to regret.

Thank you I'm really struggling with it. My hubby loves it and will let me have free reign with design etc but it might never be what I want it to be. I have moments of thinking I could do something really cool but second guess myself. Ugh

I'd forget about covering up that hole in the stone, can you redo it to make it more your style? I assume this room is your make or break decision or is there more?

Pretty much this area and it's mostly the abundance of wood. I like the architecture of the wood but not the color if that makes sense I'm a all white wood work kinda of girl. I actually like the texture and character the beams add just not the wood color. But the stair railings need to go.

So it really comes down to the fireplace, because I like you, prefer white wood and replacing the stair railings would be a top priority. If you can get in contact with a stone mason to ask about that fireplace, it might help with your decision.

That house will never look like your inspiration photos. You have log railings and carved beams, it will never look modern. It will end up looking like a hot mess.

Do you have any additional pictures of this space?

It’s feasible to fill that opening. It would even be possible to replicate the look of the surrounding stone - either with more stone or with carve-able cement. It’s also possible to change the current color of the wood. But all of this comes at significant expense. The work we are discussing would need to be done by a highly skilled artisan and is far from ground level, to boot. (Both increase costs.)

It makes sense to me that you ought to get some preliminary pricing before you make a decision to buy the house.

If you're willing to go through the expense (and mess) of changing out the stone on the fireplace, and changing the shape of the opening, I think you can get where you're trying to go with the overall design. I think the current stonework is going to fight with what you want. Either way, I'd talk to an interior designer. I've seen plenty of rustic homes updated to a more modern style, it can be done. Just not for pennies.

Here are some additional pictures

Wow, in the UK people would really love a house like that. It reminds me of the lake house in Gone Girl. There is so much wood and to be honest the current owners furniture is not helping. Replace the unsympathetic flooring with a different material and maybe lighten (using LYE) the wood rather than painting it - it's a beauty. Yes the hole is unusual, but is that a deal breaker?

The whole house is built to convey "big hulking strong" with its wood and stone. It is not going to look airy even if you paint all the wood white and replace the wood railing. The fireplace can't be replaced without huge expense, including patching up the roof. I suspect there's a strong hook in the fireplace hole for the previous owner's bell or sculpture, now sensibly packed up by the seller while the house is for sale.

I agree that it will require quite a bit of money to change it to what you want - and yes, rustic can meet modern....Good Luck with your decision.

What is on the other side of the hole? In other words, if you look through it - what do you see?

The other side is a storage type area that has a big window so I assuming they wanted the light that shines thru that window.

Yes, that sounds probable. Would you have plans to finish the storage area on the other side of the hole? If so, you may want to leave the hole as is. Do you think you could get used to it?

What about making the hole larger by squaring it off.

Inspiration:

This is a good idea.

Squared off.

Notice the railing in this one.

Mantel is decorated nicely.

shirlpp-yes, those are some great ideas! Thank you!

Great!....I forgot one. This would entail wrapping the top in some kind of other material, so you'd only have the stone at the bottom.

shirlpp-my brother is a contractor and he actually suggested a idea like this too! It might help with the fireplace not looking so rustic too.

Exactly, it will cut down on the rusticity. Let us know what you decide.

I saw the ceiling 'logs' - is there any possibility way to encase them for the prettier look? or are they just too big anyway..

In one photo the fp looks a nice soft grey -- you could have that light iron railing, etc....

This is a warehouse loft, with thinner beams, etc.. the flat front [smooth also?] white cabinets. Your kitchen isn't exactly next to fp, and maybe you'd like creamy white instead.... ?

Someone suggested lightening floors - here's lighter - a waterfall!

Add drywall to appropriate places, have light sofa, and cool lighting?

The fireplace received a complete overhaul with a custom cement casing application. The roman shades, platform bed, simple pendants (that hang from the ceiling) and modern light fixtures truly change the entire feel of the room. Sesha Smith, Convey Studios

Hilda! she added to my metalwork: adding gems! now that's thinking.... you now live in a castle, and you are a princess. :)

People removed stair railings all the time - how many such railings are there!?

I picture a skilled chainsaw to roughly cut down ceiling logs: into squared beams...