I think there's not much to do but add a thick mantel and hang your tv. Even though I wouldn't do that, I know most do and it's your home. I like the warm tone of the stone too.

I think you could easily tone down the orange stones with limewash or another similar product. There are lots of great tutorials online. I’m glad you don’t want to do a solid color, it’ll look so much better staying as natural as possible.

Is there any way to do the mantel and keep the arch? It really is pretty and adds a lot of character.

Do you have enough space above the stove?

@Jinx, I like the arch too, but it’s too high. We only have enough space to hang the TV if we cut the mantle straight across, starting from the lowest part of the curve. I will research limewash options. Hoping to keep variation in stone color, so I don’t want to paint a solid color.

Hi. Something to consider when planning to add a wood mantle. Your local code may require a certain distance from the wood burning stove for any combustible material. We were required to raise ours to meet the code. As we had no plans to put a TV above it, this wasn't a problem for us but may be for your design. Good luck.

@Sue, thank you! I’ve already looked into it and have planned accordingly

Whitewash or shmear the stone. Lovely inspiration

Check out designer Emily Henderson she did a schmear on her mountain house rock wall. I think that could work here.

I love picture number three. I love the stone but all it needs is lightening up the stones. Good luck with your project. Please post pictures after you have completed the renovation of your fireplace.

Thanks, all! @Julia, I found the mountain home fireplace you suggested. Beautiful! I’ll research schmear to see if a lighter application will allow for stone color variation to show though.