I had posted a few weeks ago wondering how to update our existing family room. We finally decided on a design. Now I need advice with materials to use.

We lowered the vaulted ceiling by about 5 feet, cutting off the top triangle and finished it in the same bead as the existing ceiling. Adding recessed lighting and a new fan, have a new window on the porch wall and I am planning to box in the brick chimney. Also planning to add sconces over the fireplace.

We are about at the point where we need to build out the mantle and fireplace surround. We are doing all of this on a conservative budget. We will build the new mantle out of wood, obviously. The question is what do we use for building out the fireplace surround (above the mantle)?

We have essentially two choices according to my contractor:

1. Put strapping over the brick and then do cementboard and plaster to make it a smooth wall surface, then add wood trim.

I’m afraid if we do that it will look like molding on a painted wall. I want it to look like trim work - oil painted. We are painting the ceiling and fireplace and trim all the same off white, in oil based paint. We are painting the walls Edgecomb Gray I think.

2. Put strapping over the brick and use wood to build out the above mantle surround (my inclination) -

This I what I am leaning towards. It's a little more costly. And what type of wood? I would want it to look like cabinetry, sort of. Smooth and painted, like built ins. Contractor was going to use poplar for the mantle, maybe, but it doesn’t come in big enough pieces for the surround above it. We could use wood that comes in 4x8 and hide seams with trim.

We are wiring for a TV but not hanging one at this point. Reinforcing for all things in case and adding power.

The above mantle space would be 8’x8'. I’ll attach current photo and also my two inspiration photos.

We are leaving the brick as is surrounding the firebox and hearth. I think mantle will be 16” wide on either side. We’ll box in the existing one and add a deeper one over that. On the simple/shaker/chunky side.

Any recommendations or thoughts on the best materials to use to cover the brick and finish the look? Thank you!