when you say elevate, you mean, 'update'? if so, are you willing to re-tile? Or how about remove the trimmed arch?

what you could do is close off the right side so that is asymmetrical like this one, and do a diff material

see how this wrap-around hearth is done? a solid piece? then you could redo the face all the way up

same idea,

solid hearth

Yes, I do mean update. We do plan on retiling we just haven't decided what.

And it is not a real fireplace it's a gas fireplace so wood next to it wouldn't be the most practical. I should also mention we have two kids under two.

any of these updates would look nice. just depends on what kind of look you want

Here are a few options.