Great idea to redo your existing fireplace.

The sconces are too low on the wall and they limit the size of the painting that you have. I suggest that you get rid of them. You can add new can lights in the ceiling or a tract with small LED lights that shine on the painting........

The mantle that you currently have is too thin as well.

Find a photo that you like and get prices from several contractors....It would be helpful if you had a local interior designer work with you and the contractor to guarantee the look that you want........

You show both modern and traditional fireplaces. Which style do you prefer? That is your first choice to make.
What material are you considering?
What are the colors in your room, and will you be changing wall or furniture colors to work with your material color and choice? Or will you reface the fireplace to go with your furniture and paint colors?
Do you have a collection of fireplace photos that interest you? If not, search Houzz for “traditional” or “modern” or “stone” fireplaces and select maybe ten or twenty photos which speak to you.
Narrow it down to five and then choose the one photo you want to use as your inspiration.
Call a contractor or study YouYube for informative lessons on installing tile or stone. Call your contractor or a recommended contractor: a pro will get your materials at a discount, and will have the job planned and carried out in the time it would take you to collect the materials and tools you would need unless you are an experienced DIYer.

The position of these sconces work if you select a light fixture that extends the light UP from the electrical backplate location.

I don't think the stone should extend to the ceiling. I would use the stone as the mantle and keep it streamlined.

I agree with Grover!

The current sconces seem just too large. If you need them for lighting, then consider something far smaller.

The mantle is quite dainty. It needs beefing up.

The surround is rather blah. It’s trying to be modern but instead is just boring. Modern is simple, but with an edge, or a cleanliness (starkness) that makes it stand out. This isn’t that.

The overall style of the room (from what we can see) seems rather neutral and traditional, and you can do almost anything. So gather pics you like, look for common threads to help you clarify your tastes, and go from there.

(I could say something about the vents but you’ve got that covered!)

Thanks for the feedback. I do really like the first inspiration pic I posted with the grey stone. I guess my number one concern is choosing a fireplace that fits the home. (It’s a 1950s ranch.) my style leans transitional, but I’m willing to expert bit to fit the bones of the home. Here’s a wider shot of the living room. (I am aware that the window coverings need to be updated.) I’m leaning towards solid panels with black rods, but open to suggestions. Don’t mind the bench. Was just trying it out for size.

Like this too.

I don’t think you have to worry too much as long as you avoid anything too traditional. Your home doesn’t appear to be MCM, so even the current fireplace would work without the vents and with a thicker mantel. Your second inspiration pic would work as well.

Yes to updating the window coverings, and you could do a more modern chandelier.

HI WW. Sconces are too low as mentioned. I wouldn't want the vents either. I would also add a separate deeper mantel, either on top or above. It gives more depth dimension. If you want more modern, eliminate the detail molding on the mantel. A note: the white side table near the chair seems too tall.

Agreed side table is too tall. I’m looking for a new one! Just trying to decide. The black looks pretty good though.
Grover, agreed on chandelier. Any suggestions?

Also... what kind of stone do you think they used in my first inspiration pic?

It looks like granite.

My first thought for your chandelier was this...

Robert Abbey Meurice Rectangular Chandelier | YLighting.com · More Info

...but it’s kinda pricey.

Thanks everyone. Can anyone suggest a mantel that would work here? As for the surround material, I really like the idea of a solid piece of stone. I will try to get a quote this week. If it’s out of budget, should we do tile instead? Any suggestions there?
Grover, I also like that Jonathan Adler light. A bit pricey, but worth considering. Does anyone know what kind of glow it gives off? Is the lighting harsh without shades on the bulbs?

Beverly - your mock-up is great and gives us an option if we decide to keep the sconces. Where are those sconces from that you posted? I wish it was an option to just patch the tiles where the vents are now, but I don’t think we will ever be able to find that tile again. Not sure where the previous owners purchased it.
Felizlady, we will need to repaint at some point, but most of the furniture will stay: Light greys and charcoal. Open to updating the lighting though and maybe adding some accent or end tables. Open to suggestions! New drapes too of course.

Meantime, I found these two super large tiles (24x48) that might be a back-up option. Not nearly as a dramatic as the slab though!

Any thoughts on this chandelier in the dining room? I found it at a great price. It’s large, almost as wide as my table. Thinking about white drapes in here on a black rod. Something like the attached picture, but in white. Or could do the drapes as close to wall colour as possible. Thoughts?

It appears one of my posts didn’t make it. I was saying that I think the inspiration pic might be super grey granite or super white Calcutta.

That's a pretty Slab. All Granite yards might have the same name, but the patterns can widely vary.

It's best to either request an actual photo of ther stock or view it Onsite.

Here's some Drama : ) Beautiful Colors with shiny pearlescent areas.

White spring

White Spring

Detail

Detail

So we found this slab that we are considering. Is going all the way to the ceiling really the way to go? I’m attaching another shot of the room taken from a little further back. Our fireplace is 6’ wide. Ceilings are 8’6”.

We are also considering tile. I found these two inspiration pics. The first is Ann Sacks marble. (Love it!) The second is large porcelain tile. Thoughts?

Both are pretty. Granite... I'm partial to a little more movement and pattern to make a lille bigger statement. Just my taste though.

#2 inspo has nice movement too.

The other is subtle.

Thanks LB. Here is a piece of the same tile I brought home, but in grey. This piece has the veining in it.

WW, you're welcome. The vision if you use the predominately gray tile with a little white veining is.... it will be against a gray wall also. A lot of gray that blend together. Not much contrast between tile and wall.

The fireplace will not be much of a focal point on that wall. Pretty tile though. If you prefer that vision, then it works for you.

It does have some contrast which is ok also.