I need advice on what to do with this wall. We already pulled off the dinky mantle and ugly tile and plan to insert an electric fireplace and new mantel surround. We will be installing the tv above it. I was given the idea to install millwork in squares to cover the wall and paint it all white and add crown molding at the top. I am considering this, but the rendering (below) seems so busy to me. What do you think? Do the squares have to match the size of the squares in the window? I think that seems small and adds to how busy it will become. This is a 17.5 foot tall wall and it opens to the kitchen. Do you like the millwork idea? Should I do much larger squares and ignore the windows? Should I consider some other pattern rather than matching squares? (The cardboard mockup is approx size of new mantle and the criss cross tape is the size of new insert.)