Could you elaborate a little on how the power supply and various cables connecting the TV to cable box, Roku, DVD player, etc. were handled?

We have our TV mounted over the fireplace (love it like that, by the way!). We have a remote sensor installed and wired to our front closet. That closet is where all of our components are....vcr/dvd, dish, video games, etc. Everything is controlled by the remote. It was super easy to install the sensor, but we did it as the house was being built, so we were able to wire it all before the drywall went up. Could still be done going through the attic though. We bought our sensor from smarthome (dot) com. Here is a link to my blog where I have posted our house pictures. If you scroll about 1/2 way down the page to the post called "Some House Pictures", the 5th picture down shows the tv and the front closet in the same shot. That is the closet where all of our "stuff" is at. Here is a link that might be useful: Blog with House Pictures

I'm in the minority here, as I MUCH prefer the cathedral ceiling. I had one in my last home and LOVED it....also painted the room myself with no problems. Just because it is cathedral, doesn't mean it has to be that high. Mine were, I think, 10-12' in center, 8' at edge. It most definitely makes the fireplace the focus. As for your TV... have you considered placing it within the shelving in option 2, but on a wall-mount, hinged bracket that will allow for you to pull it out and angle it for viewing as necessary? I believe that if you did this, once your shelves are fully accessorized, it won't call too much attention away from the fireplace when not in use. I believe they call it an "articulating wall mount" and I think there is a poster here on GW that has one in cabinetry like I'm suggesting, but I do not recall who it is.

What color should I stain the mantle so that it's a showstopper (white, mahogany, espresso) and should i stain / change the trim panel which is a peachy off white color. Cherry - as in a Georgian or Pennsylvania Cherry Look for Bartley Gel Stains. Top of the line furniture stain. Woodworker Supply has them and a better price than Amazon. 1 qt does 200 sq ft.