Hello All! I realize that this was fifteen years ago. But if there is anything new, please let me know. I am having the same issue. I did the flooring myself and did undercut. But the carpet was pretty much attached to the bottom of the hearth and much cement came right out when I was ripping out the carpet. My LVP sits much lower than the carpet did as well. My Fireplace installer has passed away, so I cannot ask him. I’ve been researching grout, but am afraid that I cannot match the original color and it would not adhere properly. Could the original poster, please send me photos, if available? Look me up on Facebook please? Lisa Dachel West. And send me a pm? thank you!

Any appliance that burns solid fuel - wood or pellets - requires a chimney, although I have recently seen advertisements a "window mount" pellet stove - no mention of code or insurance issues. You will also be faced with clearance issues on both sides. The book cases and furniture are way too close to the potential fireplace opening. Plus a hearth would have to be built out into the room. What you're left with is a direct vent gas fireplace, many of which would fit nicely in the space, assuming it's on an exterior wall. You might be able to cut the required opening as a DIY project, but I'd leave the rest of the installation to the pros from wherever you purchase the gas appliance. There are a number of code and insulation requirements that need to be considered.

I think freshening is more the idea than modernizing...I would choose a rich neutral value of a color you like and paint the inside of the bookcases and the wall over the mantel. I'd paint the brick black (and I like palimpsest's idea for soapstone as well). Then I'd hang a very large mirror in a very simple frame (I like a dirtied mix of gold and silver leaf) over the mantel. I'd take away the things on the mantel shelf itself, stand a few large ivory colored pillar candles in varying heights to the sides, put the clock in the center of the lower bookshelf on the right, and reshuffle your photos and bowls into asymmetrical balanced groups, with some of each on every shelf.

paintergirl94 - yep, way too contemporary for us. I mean, we live in a not old house but we not fans of contemporary at all. justgottabe me - what's that the say about the shoemaker's kids go barefoot? :) I hope you get your cabinets soon. curyly - yes, I think I'll need a rug too, once I get the paint picked and can figure out if I want a couple more chairs in there. Wow, Joann, your home is lovely and I am in awe that you made all those mantles and that beautiful furniture. What I love about your pieces is that it doesn't look like something newly made, but something that has been in the house for years and blends with antiques. Wish we had those skills but alas, ours run in a different direction. I really appreciate all the info that I can pass to the handyman. I sent him one email last night and he sounded very up for the challenge. I'm thinking though, that I will go ahead and get the room painted and everything else mostly arranged so then we can focus on the mantle. And Joann, gardener me is over the moon at your beautiful pond pics. I had those bookmarked a few years ago when we were looking for houses and had hoped to be able to put in a pond. Alas we have too small of a yard for one (just several water pondless features instead.) but your pond pages are still some of my favorites. Oh, and paintergil, here's the picture over the fireplace. I know the other things on the mantle are out of scale and can be moved around though the bronze figurine will likely stay there. Jan - love that you noticed that dark bowl on top of the other cabinet and my blue and white! I can't wait to get to tablescaping....my favorite part of decorating! Now back to the paint store for more samples to slap on some boards. I am almost sold on Baby Turtle in this room but since it gets very little natural light, I worry that it will be too dark. I can't seem to find another green/brown that has as much depth or interest or whatever you call it. :) Flowering Herbs, the next one up from Baby Turtle, seems too light. Thank you, again, all. So many wonderful things to think about.