The cabinets should have been built deeper. Pull them forward.

I guess you could bring out the framing for the wall units forward. Why aren't you asking the builder what his suggestions are?

" Why aren't you asking the builder what his suggestions are? "

I may not ask him either since he thought the small stones were a good idea. Tell him you do not like it and want it fixed to your satisfaction. Let him solve the issue. If you come up with a solution and it doesn't look right, you own it as it was your suggestion.

I like that idea. The grout is still a little wet so I am hoping it dries the same all over.

Very good advice. Thank you

and I realize this is stressful now, and it's the only thing you can see (i.e. 100% of your attention) but know that it's about 2% of the "overall" and once you minimize the lines, it will be a fraction of the 2% - and it will not have a significant impact in what you are trying to acheive with your new home. Good luck and stay calm!

Just Janni- thank you- that helps to hear!

Once you live in the house for a week you will not notice it. What bothers me more is there is no end-grain in the wood mantle, but that is a minor detail too.

Mark- it’s not a true beam:(
Just a box made from stain grade wood- I wish it as a solid beam-

That looks like crap. That is not something that you are going to forget about after you move in. I suggest installing a stone edging the same color as the grey part of your fireplace (don't know the term for that seat in front of your fireplace) running up both sides--like trim work to hide that.

Fireplace- thank you so much for taking the time to do the mockup

I like the second idea -I will show that to the builder