Thank you for your advice . If you have an idea for me to do , I would love it!

The article you sent, Butternut , is really making me think that it should "match the kitchen". I have this fireplace in my kitchen!! I do like the brick there, but ..... not sure for the living room. Thank you for allowing me to re-think before wasting money.

I have not seen a full 2 story fireplace that I much care for .

I think 2 story fireplaces are tough!

I think on yours...the mantel could be beefed up a bit to give it a bit more scale. the most dated element (to me) is the tile around the fireplace. I like the brick better but I don’t think you necessarily need to match the kitchen exactly. Is it travertine? I think you could replace it with stone or marble or something you like better and it may update the look.

I detest that tile! You are correct. The color is horrid!

I would LOVE ideas please from everyone ! Thank you!!!

The other very low cost option is to paint it... it would take you like 2 hours and the cost of a quart of paint. The backsplash in my kitchen wss very similar tile to that and I painted it the same color as the trim in my house. (which isnt white, it looks like you May have a similar tone in your trim).

Anyway, clean it thoroughly, prime with zinsser 123, paint it the same color as the wood surround. You’ve got nothing to lose :)

Painted backsplash:

Before painting:

eta - can’t get pictures to post right now. You can see them here: https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5583283/mini-refresh-of-my-kitchen-away-from-tuscany#23545208

I am not a fan of faux stone and given the weight of stone, real stone is most likely not a viable option. Love the wood!

Haven't read the Maria Killiam article yet but looking at your fireplace, I agree with Butternut, it's just a matter of beefing up the mantel for scale. You first need to see the fireplace as part of the whole room and not fixate on one element of it (e.g. tile). The 12-14 ft stone fireplace you posted looks truncated and does nothing for the proportions of the room. I think the options are bring it up all the way to the ceiling or beef up the mantel. Your second inspiration pic (clean line with wood trim) makes sense and look at the beefier mantel: it would work even without the trim to the ceiling.

Stunning athomeeileen ! I didnt even recognize the house ! Just gorgeous!