How it all started:
We are restoring the exterior of our 1895 home and the wood framed chimney to this fireplace was unfortunately covered with vinyl siding. So, rotted wood, completely falling apart on the exterior so we decided to update existing wood burning firebox to a new Heat & Glo gas unit (will be delivered in a few days). We (contractor and I) knew we were going to be opening up a can of worms by removing existing raised hearth and making room for new unit and this is the result....
Obviously, this fireplace was not original to the house and it was put in very poorly. We want to do it right so we knew ripping out everything was a possibility.
I attached a picture of what the new unit will look like. I am having trouble wrapping my brain around what kind of surround and mantle to do. As you can see, we have an off centered fireplace and a very long narrow room. I would love to incorporate an old vintage mantel and have more of an eclectic style.
I would love some ideas on how to balance out the off centered fireplace and possibly what to do to surround the new unit.
I am open to any ideas! We were considering putting our TV above the fireplace as well but not sure about this?