I think it’s the black mortar that makes the fireplace look dark. The rocks are light colored.. Is there a way to change mortar color?

Nothing wrong with a dark fireplace. If you apply a freash coat of mortar in a different color, all the rocks will stand out like a giraffe pattern.

Besides it 10x more work than limewash

Lol! I didn’t think about that!

Is there any way to do a mock up of my fireplace limewashed?

Chris, my first idea was to put in windows!

I agree with comments above that the issue its not the fireplace. I would leave it there (always nice to have one) eliminate the wood shelve on top of the stone. Lower slightly the TV. Eliminate the cabinets both sides and do built in shelves. Since they are shelves they will look neutral and wont look small. Would add plants at both of them. Stone, lime-washing seems a good option so it doesn't contrast as much.

I actually like the previous example with the dark walls around the original dark fireplace more than the lime washed options.

I love it! Thanks!

i love the winow at each side idea....espescially as you seem to want to keep the stone ...as is....but what would be the view?

however. the rustic look of the fireplace ...as is...really doesn’t go with the decor/style... of the room

joan,,,one more pic! look at this one. same type of vaulted ceiling. I know you said you were thinking about doing windows.

if you do decide to remove the rock and do windows (or a door), here ya go!

talk about updating your space! this is beautiful

I’m moving out the cabinets today. I’m really liking the window on either side idea. I may cut out windows from brown paper to get a feel for how that would be. Iwould love more light in the room and will probably be replacing the leather furniture soon. I’m seeing lots of potential to change the look of this room entirely! I live in a rural area so my view is a house in the distance. Thanks for all of these great ideas! I’m so inspired!

I think it’s the correct instinct to remove the cabinets. I can totally relate, we have a similar type of fireplace with windows on either side. Do you think you might do limewash? I’d love to see the results if so. Good luck!

If you cut out for new windows, the whole room will change dramatically. The fireplace will look COMPLETELY different. If that idea is cost-prohibitive, maybe the limewash idea plus the thicker wood shelves Beverly suggested would work with lighter walls. Several inspiration photos here have more windows and much, much more light, which would be great for that side of your house anyway.

@Beth H. : do you mind to share your source of the pic with the extended hearth as seating? I'd love to see more of that house if pics are available. Thanks so much.

Cabinets are moved and I’m getting window estimate. Yay!

Aladdintn, that pic is from Emily Henderson design.

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/emily-henderson-4760697/how-we-styled-our-living-room-to-sell-5420600995

Not being a pro, I’m not sure this would work : perhaps it is possible to frame out and drywall over the stones and have a cleaner look as in Beth’s photos.

O

Are these lava rocks I.e. faux? If so I’d remove them. I removed ones like the guy above, doing most of the removal as a dyi, followed by hiring for installing drywall. Dusty for sure but made a huge change.

My fireplace is real stone. i have a friend who did drywall over the stones only above the mantle. He then faced the rustic cedar mantle with wood that he painted a lighter color. The way he did it, he (or the next owner) can go back to the original configuration if they choose.

It already looks better!

Thanks for all the help.

Looks great just as it is now.

Great improvement. If you have a collection of something with enough volume to stand up to the stones, you could add thick glass shelves on either side, lighted from the top, and display your items there.

Since you don't use it, I would remove it. You'll gain a nice chunk of floor space if you do.

But, it will be an ordeal. You'll have to deal with the flooring and a hole in the roof. Perhaps a very large hole depending on the chimney. Hopefully, the chimney is prefab.

There was a thread awhile ago where someone drywalled over the top part of a stone fireplace, above the mantle. It looked good. They left the lower stone.

I’ll see if I can find that thread. My aunt visited today and she’s all about painting it.

She’s also in favor of Windows. I don’t have a collection of anything to display On shelves but that’s a nice thought.

Can anyone help find that thread? I can't seem to find it. It was a long thread and she made quite a few changes, including the fireplace. Room looked great when she was done.

Maybe some inspiration here. https://www.thespruce.com/fireplace-makeover-ideas-4175589

Maybe the problem is that the bright colors in the room are colors that clash with the fireplace. The fireplace is fine.

Here's how it looks with the removal of the bright blue, orange and red. The room takes on a more pleasant look, I think. A bit of pumpkin orange on the mantle would look good, but keep it simple. If you think your grout is too dark, you could have it repainted sort of a soft gray like the color of the majority of the stones. It would blend in if it is not lighter or darker in tone.

Burnt orange accents would look good in this room. Or some wood carving or pumpkings in a bowl in a warm wood tone. I think those tones would complement the rug, stone and leather, which all look good with each other. White is too harsh. Maybe a shade loving plant in the corner.

If you prefer a more modern esthetic, start bringing in some more modern furniture, rugs and accessories. Try your arm chairs flanking the fireplace. 100% better without the bookcases.

Partim...beautiful inspiration photos! I would love to see the thread you referred to but I can’t find it. The one color that is least favorite in my household is orange. The leather has lots of red undertones. I think grey looks good with the stone.

The fireplace is ok ..and yes everybody is right it's the cabinets ..if custom made shelves are too expensive but you have books ...you can buy shelves Amy length and install yourself ...as long as they are filled with books it's not important to have them custom made . You can make it into a cozy corner with very little money ..just remove the cabinets ..put some ottoman in both areas and paintings ...

Sage green would look good too. Is the rug staying? It looks a bit small or does it just need to be pulled over so the sofa legs sit on it?

It’s staying and, yes, it needs to be pulled over. Green goes better with the rest of the house.. Thanks!

partim, can you do a mock up with a tall window on each side of the fireplace?

Windows are a bit more than my Paint skills can accommodate!

I’m not famIliar with the mock up process. Thanks just the same!

Can we see the whole room? Do you have any interest in putting the TV over a cabinet, instead of over the fireplace? It's considered better ergonomically, and many people prefer the look.

With the area above the mantle drywalled over, then painted to match the walls. Mantle could go lower too, either the same one or a different style. But I think it looks good as it is too.

Oh wow! I really like this!!! Don’t want to block the bay window with a sofa (we have 2) so it works out best to keep the TV as is. The room is 27 x 16 so we are comfortable with viewing. drywall above mantle, chunkier mantle and a window on either side of the fireplace would change this room entirely!

Partim, is pensivern’s thread about lightening a room the thread you were thinking about? It was an amazing transformation of a fireplace covered in drywall.

No, it was a much older thread, but I agree that was a great transformation.

You seem to have a lot of windows already so not sure that you need more flanking the fireplace. Yours will be long and narrow and might look a bit squashed in there. I'd do any other changes first and see whether you really need it.

Hi Joan, I think the stone is gorgeous and it looks great with your leather furniture. I am going to go a bit against stream here... the room clearly has ample natural light so I might venture in painting the walls on the side of the fireplace and the mantle a warm-toned charcoal grey. If you are set on keeping the bookcases, paint them too. And I might even venture to suggest painting the beams to really tie it all together. Have a look on Houzz for inspiration pics of stone fireplaces matched with dark grey. The results can be stunning.

Thank you, Alicia! I have removed the bookcases and am so happy with the space without them. I will do the search on House as you suggested. Do you have a particular charcoal gray in mind? Thanks so much!

Hi Joan, I am so glad you are enjoying the space more. As far as a particular charcoal, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you... I only use custom color paints. BUT have no fear. You have options...
Ask other designers if they have a go-to warm charcoal or
Do what I do: gather natural and artificial lighting information on the space and visit your go-to guy at the paint store. What direction does the fireplace face, North, South,...? Does the space get more morning or afternoon/evening sun? How much artificial light and what kind is directed towards the fireplace? ...
Assistants at paint shops are worth their weight in gold. They know their trade. Get samples and take your time choosing.
Just be sure it's a warm charcoal, not a cool charcoal. The yellow undertones will compliment those beautiful stones.
Apologies for such a long comment :)
Best, Alicia

Your tans, browns, and blues look good in the space, and the fireplace already has enough depth of color. I wouldn't add charcoal to make the area even darker and more cave-like around the stone. Either add the windows or just leave the area around the fireplace as is.