Could you post photo standing further back?

Hi Flo! Here are shots from each direction

Kim you could have doors made for upper part of fireplace that open and close with TV hung inside...paint it all out a warm white add some beautiful hinges and big handles..

Girl metallic pillows I thought you sad you are trying to get away from the 90’s:)))

Julie I think the part that bothers me the most about the it is that it is so WIDE. I absolutely love this look but can’t think of a way to do something similar without tearing out the existing insert. I don’t mind tearing out the columns but not sure what to do then. I’m not a fan of having the tv above the fireplace

Julie, lol I love metallics!

Everdebz, this post is only for ideas to redo the structure of the fireplace

I don’t usually recommend tv over fireplace but you really dont have a spot for it other than angled in front of that window area so you would benefit from it over fireplace....I really don’t think it would be that big of a project to ripe that surround out..they are just empty boxes attached to the wall studs...I would just get rid of the surround and do something simple like you posted but with your normal sized firebox.

Julie would that look weird though because the firebox is inset? Another thought would be to tear out the surround and just add a mantel. I’m having a really hard time picturing what to do

Here are a couple “looks” but not sure what style direction you are leaning towards.

Flo the second one really gives me a good idea of what it would look like if I just walled in that whole structure. i could do the same thing with wood or tile right?

Yes. Once you wall it in you can do whatever you want. That would be pretty simple to pull off. Then a nice piece of artwork along with lighter wall color if you wish would be enough. Then a mantel with no clock! (Sorry i am very biased against these large clocks)!

Haha. I’m not crazy about it either anymore. I don’t think I want it to be as wide so I may need to rip out the existing and start over. I started looking at the cost to replace with a linear fireplace and holy cow they’re expensive! I actually like the look of the one you posted along with my inspiration photo I posted without anything on them. Nice and clean looking. Painting everything a lighter color next month:)

Framed with box angle / "The fireplace surround was built in place: wood framing with cement plaster on lath." -Merzbau Design Collective

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/wild-basin-living-room-modern-living-room-austin-phvw-vp~41046[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/wild-basin-living-room-modern-living-room-austin-phvw-vp~41046)

Seems this material was cut to fit on inside too:

"The intent was to reduce the mass of the fireplace and to scale it to the space. The size of the fireplace box opening was made to appear larger without changing its physical size with the use of a steel metal surround. The angled river rock walls were clad with drywall to have them blend with the adjoining walls. The wood paneling above the mantel keeps the proportion narrow and slender." Emily Minton Redfield Photography

https://www.houzz.com/photos/aspen-alps-condominium-remodel-contemporary-living-room-denver-phvw-vp~15075660

I would remove it all and add built ins with space for the TV on the right and a matching space for displays on the left. Use Ikea Billy bookcases to keep cost down. (Instructions available online.)

If not the build ins, restyle your fireplace to be traditional/transitional, and leave space on sides for two tables like the one you have now. The TV would fit if the fireplace surround weren't so wide.

following...

I found a contractor that can do the fireplace. He’s done a complete remodel on a friends house and did an excellent job. He suggested if I want to go with wood to use wood flooring as it would be more cost effective. I just found a pic here on Houzz of a fireplace using it. Pic is only an example of the wood, not what I’m considering doing with the surround

I also found this pic that could work well with what I have now

Kim any update..how are things going?

Hi Julie! Gosh I haven’t been on here for a while. Nothing on the fireplace yet but everything else is done. Yay! The interior was finished about 2 weeks ago. I went with Natural Choice like you and Flo suggested and it is perfect!

Bathroom vanities were done too

New kitchen lighting. I had to have an electrician do the wiring for above the sink. I never had a light there before. Isn’t that crazy?

Don’t mind the mess :)

Kim I am so happy for you...it looks great..and even that big fireplace looks better now that it has been lightened up!:) hope you are feeling well and just enjoying your home!

Thanks Julie. I’m loving how bright it is. I still have a few things to tweak but, other than that everything else will need to wait until after the holidays. For fun I found the original pics. Holy cow, what a difference!

Wow! Kim. That looks amazing. So much brighter and lighter. Ya done good. Enjoy your holidays.

Thanks Flo! I hope your move went well and you’re all settled in.

Thx. Move we t extremely well and we are 85% settled in. . Garages are 55% organized. Yea!! We just love it! Happy Thanksgiving!!