I think I may be missing something- have you posted pictures of your actual house? The better to visualize!

I wish i could help, but I too am stuck on fireplace design.

I will post a link to this dilemma on nidnay's dilemma so people can find you.

Brick or stone. My preference is stone. Please no ship lap.

I love that light stone in picture 3! I really like your exterior brick too! I'm no help, I know.

I like the second stone picture where the stone is light and subtle, but still textural. That is a good versatile stone that can transition to other styles as your tastes change. I think the more rustic stone really limits your options.

"...I very much enjoy natural light..."

If that is a major priority, then everything in the interiors should be responsive to this simple priority. Your very first photo is a wonderful example of how light values and light hues effectively support and respond to natural light in the interior of a home.

Dark values and intense, high chroma colors will always compete and attempt to overcome the beauty of natural light. Avoid all of these.

Naturals are the way to go in your situation.

Good luck on your project!

No shiplap!

We are doing white painted brick exterior and are considering bringing that inside with the fireplace. That might be too much white for you. I do think replicating the exterior is a good idea - makes it seem true to style

No shiplap. Yes, it's a fad.

That’s a very attractive brick so I vote brick with a substantial floating wood mantle.

Hi Labs.....I absolutely LOVE the first pic you posted of your inspiration room. I would just copy everything there and call it a day (except do stained or white doors instead of the black like you mentioned). In answer to your question about my cabinets, I did not really get the specifics on the paint finish for them, but from what I understand, if a water based paint is used, there should be no yellowing. It’s only with oil based paints that things yellow. Pros can chime in here with more info on that.

One thing you mentioned is your love of natural light. The direction your main living space faces (as well as the amount/size of windows) will have a direct impact on the light in that area and how it makes you feel in your room. I can’t emphasize this enough. A north facing room even with a wall of windows will not give you the ligh you want. Don’t be fooled by that photo you posted....unless there are more windows off camera to brighten up that space, they definitely are using photographic lights to help make it look bright and cheery. I don’t know where you are in your building process, but designing your home specifically with it placed properly on your lot (main living area facing mostly south) will make or break things in that department.

I guess I'm going to be the lone person to say I like the shiplap, at least in your inspiration photo. Shiplap has been around for a long time. If you're using the real thing and it makes sense in your house, go for it. My issue with the shiplap (or really any) feature wall trend is when the material is introduced and isn't found anywhere else in the house. In your photo the tongue and groove ceiling detail complements the shiplap on the fireplace. Because it's all painted white the ceiling and fireplace disappear and the beams, mantle, doors and view are the star. If you want the wall to be the star, then maybe brick is a better choice.

I like the ship lap idea. We used to call it paneling. If you decide that you want to do shiplap, make your proposed chunky mantel shelf is the star. Paint the ship lap and the surrounding walls in the same color. I like your goodwinfoust picture. But, it hinges on monotone paint and wood finishes.

Yes, shiplap has been around for a long time. But as siding on outside of homes, out building, out houses, sheds and INSIDE walls as a base for real walls. It was rough and cheap. Only the dirt poor had shiplap as walls in their homes. Most farmhouses had plaster of some sort or bead board. Next some decorator is going to slap up some cheap aluminum siding inside a home and people are going to follow like blind sheep.

Paneling is not the same as shiplap. Paneling was/is made for wall usage and except for the 60s/70s paneling was made of quality wood with furniture grade finishes and took a finish wood craftsman to apply . Now a days to have quality paneling will cost you an arm and a leg.

I would NOT put shiplap over the fireplace. It isn't durable if you are going to install a wood burning fireplace. Pick a light colored stone. I would recommend sandstone, which is light in color and neutral flat finish

Cool stone- I like that direction. In addition to Flo's urging to get current samples, you're also going to need to be there for install. It's subtle, but there's enough color variance that, if not laid out properly, could leave you with uneven dark spots here, too light there. The wrap will make a big difference, too. Make sure the install crew lays it all out BEFORE anything is put up, so that you can confirm the look you want.

Finally, make sure you have a nice overage of the exact same tile on hand. The last thing you want is to have a beautifully planned/installed rock feature that is "short" a few tiles. Only to find out that the new boxes of the tiles- even labeled the same, even a manufactured product- don't match. Been there, done that with a small backsplash. GC/tile company took care of it all, and I ended up with a different rock tile. But your fireplace is a big feature piece, so just protect yourself.

I agree with Caroline that shiplap doesn't seem appropriate near a fireplace. Why surround a fire source with flammables?

Plus shiplap is, as someone else said, what only the very poor had inside their houses for years. Why is it suddenly cool? It's not cool to me. I'm finished with being poor.

Another vote for no shiplap. Ugh!! Shiplap was appropriate in some circumstances--today not so much. Look at the materials that were used in the very oldest houses in your area. That is what you should use. Humans have always used what is locally available and what suits the environment. For example, I wouldn't build a pueblo style house in New England. It doesn't make sense and the materials aren't native to the area. That idea, using what is available locally or in the geographic area will lead to a long lasting design. l

Beverly - I LOVE the third photo you posted. Any information you can share about source or details would be great.

Back to the stone and more tips Laurie's post reminded me about. If you get real stone, fine, but depending on the mason and the stone, you might also need "corner" pieces since you will have a "return". The "return" is the wall going from the very front side around to the sides on both sides since if I recall, this will stick out into the room. That is required for simulated stone or even some veneers.

Here are a variety of ideas for you. These are all designs we have done. Perhaps it will help with your dilemma.

Classic Inspired · More Info

Family Equestrian Estate · More Info

McCormick Lake House · More Info

Rustic Modern Design · More Info

Woodside Model Home · More Info

I like shiplap too. Don’t see anything wrong with it as a design element. I ran across this picture here on Houzz.

This is an old converstion but would like to add a little. Here in New England, in expensive coastal homes, shiplap is classic(not a fad) on and around fireplaces, in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens kitchens, and entryways/mud rooms. It is no more a risk than any other material as it is placed over the stone structure of the fireplace. It uses a fireproof adhesive that insulates against extreme heat and protects the wood. Using a gloss or semi-gloss paint will allow you to wipe off any soot/smoke discoloration that may occur down the road.

Those referring to it as a material of poor people are out of touch or unaware of its historical use. The white pine of New England made the finest shiplap for homes as well as the whaling/fishing boats and battleships.

The modern materials are of very high wuality and quite durable if you choose wisely. Disregard MDF shiplap unless you want it to look cheap or you need absolute uniformity. That wont give you the classic look and feel though. I suggest birch if its available, for its resistance to humidity and water.

You can recreate any style home yiu want in any location. There are no rules about maintaining pueblo homes only in the south west, or a craftsman only in California and the midwest. Doing so is an exercise in suppressing your own creativity and vision. Be true to yourself and live your ideal life regardless of future concerns. Dont worry about what buyers may want in 5-10 years unless you are just flipping a home.

Build what your best self belongs in.

We are currently grappling with the same decision and are considering shiplap.