If you are planning to tile all the way up the ceiling, I would build out the support post so it is even with the ceiling edge, making a straight line all the way up. But how are you handling the window area? Tiling that whole back wall? It will look odd leaving the window right side untiled, but that's a small space to tile. You might reconsider the tile option.

Calidesign, the tile will be on the same plane as the support so therfore will be built out about 8" and have a small integral mantel. There will be a return on the right near the window to match the left of the window. By ceiling I just meant to loft (floor) height not all the way up.

I out-line the area to be tiled below.

Posting again, the outlined area will be tiled in a large format steel-like tile.

It would look odd to me. I don't understand the need to tile the column. Just tile the area between the column and window. I'd also take it up higher. You have great height, why not emphasize it? DOn't go for a short, squat design.

Adding the full height would look better, as long as you have enough room to leave the same wall space around the window on the left side that you have on the right side alcove.

Beverly and Sina, we need to bump out that wall to accommodate a deeper fireplace. We plan on including a niche for the tv. Thank you Beverly for the great Visual!

Calidesign, i like your idea about building out the support wall to avoid a strange offset or niche. I think it might look strange to have the entire wall (including right side of window) tiled? I would most likely leave the same distance of plain wall on both sides of the window if I go to the ceiling.

Yes, that would be best to leave the area around the windows clear if you have enough room. I'm wondering if you may have a better wall for the fireplace instead, like the wall to the right of the windows.

While pretty, I do hope you put the art somewhere else. Fireplace and TV is enough along with the tile that Beverly shows.

You could bump out the fireplace wall all the way to the ceiling, eliminating the ledge, but also balancing the window framing. Although, the ledge could look interesting with a collection of things on it, colored bottles or ? But it would leave you with the odd ending to the window. If you take framing to the top, I would stop the stone (or whatever you use for facing the fp) at the (vertical) edge of the upper wall, unless you had something great to hang on that lower left portion, or placed a tall item, plant or ? in front of that side. I get your reasoning to clad that left side since it will be flush with the fp wall. Someone could photo shop all these options and it would make the decision easier. I love your house and style! I just noticed the sculpture on the floor. You could build in a shelf on the left of the fp for him to sit on. Good luck, I'm sure it will look great no matter what you do.

It's certainly a tricky spot and you're probably going to have to live with it being a little unbalanced. Still, i wouldn't tile the column; I think you're better off if the overhang cuts off a portion of the fireplace on the left.

Cali, sadly this is the only option for the tv or fireplace. It’s a narrow wall to the left of the window.

I meant to say right of the window.

Well, you have nice light and a great ceiling height anyway! If you're building out the wall and leave space by the window, I think your original idea may work. I would get some dark paper and tape it up to see what you think from different angles. Or maybe someone can photoshop it for you with the tiles you're thinking of.

Another way to deal with the column if you really want to tile it would be to run the tile a different direction or to use a smaller format of the same tile so it visually does not extend the eye over to the left with a continuous line of tile. For example in the photoshopped verion suggested above, if the tile ran vertically on the column that might be an option. Agree that mocking it up it a good idea for sure!