I'm putting a flat panel over my TV, too, with a frame and some art that will pull down to keep it out of sight when not wanted. It allows all the seating of the room to be oriented in the same direction, which is also the 'veiw wall' in my house-- I won't have multiple focal points fighting for attention. BUT I have a backup plan: the wiring will also run to my 'second choice' location, in case turns out that the anti-above-the-TV people have a point. My fp is in a 'chase' [FP salesman told me that's the right word for installing it outside the footprint of the room], just like yours. I think it is very likely that I won't be able to have the FP and TV on at the same time. At least for plasma screens, 95 degrees is supposed to be some kind of magic number: warmer than that, and the tv suffers. How this translates to those who have plasmas but no AC is a mystery to me. Still, I'll go with an LCD, which is supposed to be more mechanically robust, and I'll keep a thermometer up there the first few times I try to run them at the same time. If your fp will accomodate it, a blower with ductwork that would carry some of the heat to a secondary location might be a good idea. I think it would be easier if the FP wasn't in a chase: you could have some vents etc. on the side to conduct cooler air to the tv area, warm air away from it. As to storage, though: I agree it would be tunnel like and ruin the look of a chased fireplace. The wall o' shelving/cabs thing mostly developed as a way to make fireplaces look like they were in chases when they weren't. Remember too that 'zero clearance' refers to the firebox: there are rules about the setback for protrusions at 90degrees to the fireplace face, varies depending on model, should be in your owner's manual. Perhaps you could have some matching cabs in the corners, as far from the FP as possible, with no connecting elements... My plan is to put the equipment in a bench like unit beside the FP, sort of like an extension of my raised hearth. It will have a kind of traditional look, as if its main function is to cuddle up as near the FP as possible. The equipment itself isn't attractive, so the less I see of it the better, and this will keep it below eye level. Haven't quite figured out how to face this bench, though; I want something to obscure the equipment, but still allow the remote control signals to penetrate. I'm thinking mission style slats backed by sheer black fabric might do it, though I hope a better solution will present itself. The media itself can be further away, in a cabinet outside the fireplace zone. Not ideal, but workable, I think.

I need to come up with a reasonable solution for selection of a natural gas log fireplace in a home with no existing fireplace. The fireplace's general use will be for ambiance vs. as a major heat source. Looking for suggestions from those of you that know about them regarding cost/ venting/ installation problems etc. If you know of better alternative I'd be interested in that also.

I have no particular knowledge of how LVP reacts to heat when run up to a gas fireplace. So I did a little research on this via Google and found this post that describes discoloration with hardwood flooring. I would think the same may occur with LVP: http://www.city-data.com/forum/home-interior-design-decorating/1972371-gas-fireplace-safety.html My best guess would be that raising the fireplace 6" as you suggested might minimize or eliminate potential discoloration from heat. Yet it is certainly not required from a safety standpoint according to your installation instructions. You could even run carpet up to that fireplace and it would still meet code. I agree with PPF that contacting the LVP manufacturer is the best way to get determine if raising the fireplace is necessary. After being in the fireplace business for nearly 30 years, I personally have a hard time accepting the look of a traditional fireplace without a hearth. Meaning a fireplace with a mantel surround. But that is purely subjective. If you are aiming for a more contemporary look, similar to a linear gas fireplace, I think it would look best raised in the wall even more than 6". What type of surround do you plan on using around the fireplace? What look are you trying to achieve and what style of decor are you planning for the room? Answers to these questions will help you decide whether or not raising the fireplace off the floor is appropriate regardless of whether it is necessary.

The stove is a zero clearance which means it only needs 2 inches of clearance from non combustibles. The contractor knew that. If I move it back now I will have to rip out all of the work he did not to mention I’ll have a hole in my roof in the wrong spot so that will have to be patched. Doesn’t seem feasible but I’m seriously thinking of it because I really am not sure about the monstrosity that it’s gonna be when it’s done. I don’t know What to do