I would actually make the fireplace smaller than advised above, and smaller than the blue tape on wall in the picture. First, it's not a huge wall, and the ceiling looks to be right around 8 ft. or 8'8" at the most on that wall. Putting a fireplace surround all the way up to the ceiling is going to bring the ceiling down visually, and whatever material is used will look too heavy for the size. Something modern and uncomplicated , like a drywall bump out with the firebox recessed and flat slate or something around it? I wouldn't do elaborate moldings or a wooden mantel as that would draw attention to the lack of molding in the rest of the room. From the picture, the placement looks problematic. Most people want to use the fireplace as a focal point and arrange seating around it. The space chosen looks like it is a walk through from another room, and if so it couldn't be blocked by any furniture. Unless it is the space currently occupied by the tv? It's hard to tell from the pictures.

Regarding a pocket office--- In my previous home, I had a big office space, but because it was upstairs, I went up there only when I was writing or editing for hours at a time. The day-to-day stuff was downstairs. Now, my office is my favorite new piece of furniture that is at one end of my long, narrow living room. I bought a secretary/desk from Arhaus where the inside space is large enough for me to connect my large monitor when I need to edit. I bought an adjustable leather stool, rather than a chair because it forces me to sit correctly when writing. The bottom area locks, has a file drawer and a printer shelf. Everything I need in one place! I also have an antique pie safe (with glass doors) that belonged to my grandfather. It is coincidentally the same height and width as the secretary. It's at that end of the room, too and I use it as a bookcase.

I do agree the house tells me what it wants..especially with me being a kind of a person that still animates inanimate objects a lot:) Hell, I even think that cars are somewhat alive..houses for sure are talking to me and stuff:) Jokes aside, I think a house should be worked with and not against. When it's about elements that are more or less permanent at least, or are there to stay for a long time..like kitchens or baths or fireplaces or architectural details or moldings or.. When it comes to more "movable" elements-lights, furniture, fabrics, colors, etc.-I think you can be much more free, playing with periods, juxtaposing styles, etc. It has all the potential to be wonderful. I can see all my things that I truly love in all sorts of places. Because what I truly love are art, silly handmade ceramics,and books. And they're easier to take with one too. I for example moved quite a lot. Some things end staying behind; but my favorite books and art travel places with me. I also like fabrics, a lot, with various feel and patterns and florals..it will hardly ever change wherever I am. I could never be really solemn for example, it's just not me..so whatever the house will be, you can be sure it will never be very majestic or reserved or ladylike; it will have all parts of my mess peeking from the corners. And it's okay I guess: houses were not built to be alone. Mountains and seas don't really need humans; houses do. As much and as loud as they can talk-it will be always an invitation for a dialogue. Otherwise it will just cease being alive. One thing for sure: the greater the house is, from architectural point of view, the harder it is to do wrong there. It will support all sorts of styles, your main concern is not to overdo it and not to spoil what's already there. That's why many modern interiors can look totally smashing in amazing old homes. The blander the house is, the seemingly more freedom you have-but you also work harder. You need to make an effort so to say, to hear what it's saying..

I've decided to construct a fireplace and a built in bookcase and could use some help. The fireplace will house an electric log unit as I will not be running a gas line there. So the whole thing will be a faux fireplace but I don't want it too look fake. I'd like a nice focal point in my very small, open living room of my two year old house. The entire downstairs of my house is only maybe 800 sq ft and with the exception of the powder room, you can see the entire thing (kitchen/dining/living room) from the front door. I'm in the process of redecorating. I plan to get a new rug, sofa, window treatment for the side door, and the cabinets are being painted. Overall I'm going for a light and airy feel, some colonial style/ English country look. The kitchen isn't done yet but the cabinets are in the process of being painted a linen sort of color, white appliances, Carrara marble counters. All walls are SE Dover White with bright white baseboards and doors Heres the kitchen inspiration (kitchen is just a few steps from the "living room") Actual house. Fireplace will go where red tv stand is currently. Built-in bookcase to the left is what I'm thinking. TV will not be over the fireplace, perhaps a smaller one will go to the left in or above the bookcase, not sure. Standing at front door (living room to the right, staircase to the left) The wall opposite of where the fireplace will go (fake stove will be going) So what I'm envisioning will not be symmetrical, but with the door on the right it's not symmetrical anyway. The fireplace surround will go all the way up to the ceiling and I'm thinking of using beadbord above the surround (I have bead board nearby in the mudroom hallway). I will have the fireplace bumped out a bit Here's a rough sketch of what I have in mind I guess I'm looking for confirmation that this will look good. Also, suggestions on fireplace surround materials? I'm planning on going with a traditional white painted mantle, probably the one piece colonial style thing you can get from Home Depot. I have white subway tile as the kitchen backsplash, should I do the surround in that? Or maybe brick veneer? The exterior of my house does not have any brick or stone. Some fireplace inspiration pictures I've collected. My fireplace will be smaller in scale, width-wise anyway. And there will only be one built in to the left