Kiki, So happy to hear you are commissioning an artist for your daughter's portrait! Actually, an artist in general!! If your f.p. is gas, there should be no problem with hanging the art above. But, you will need to have it professionally framed. This is very important if you want the painting to last. You will need to use archival mats and museum glass. The archival mat is so that no acids touch the w.c. paper. Even the tape used to hold the art to the mat needs to be acid free. The museum glass does 2 things: it will cut down on glare when viewing the art, and it will reduce UV rays hitting it, too. Sunlight is a huge enemy of any kind of art, too. And then, depending on the frame you choose, this is not cheap. Nor is it the place to cheap out. You may also want to look into lighting for the art. Although a cathedral ceiling and stone may be an issue...just something to think about. Finally, you can't decide placement until, like you said, you know the finished size or orientation. Will the artist be providing sketches? Or maybe a *sneak peak*? I don't do portraits, but when I am commissioned, my process is always to present sketches, sample of colors, etc. Of course, once you unveil that beautiful piece of art, those things don't matter. And, if you do hang the portrait over the f.p., and maybe add a mantle shelf, (that metal grate above the firebox is where the heat will come out of) the amount of stone may not bother you. It's always good to get your stuff into the space before making any big decisions. Looking forward to seeing the portrait!!

Do I understand that you do not use the piano?? If anyone wants to play- then it needs to be brought out significantly from the wall. When playing it should be in an open area with some sound absorption to minimize harsh prolongation of a sound; resonance-... I am so jealous that you have a piano!! I miss mine and hope to have another with next house- but living in Florida is very difficult- the high humidity alters the tuning FAST! I will need a dedicated humidifier in a closed off room but you do not want to play in a small room- too confining for the note-sound. Hmmmm why did my print style change in the middle of my text??? Anyway- even if you do not playb plesse put the piano off the wall- looks too much like a train lined up on the tracks. Imo oh- yes- you need a piano light! A must have if anyone wants to play!

Like many new home owners, it appears you would like to minimize your cubbies while staying within a reasonable budget to work on other projects in your home. That being what I've gleaned here, the cubbies can easily be minimized, as is, with adding minimal items to each (perhaps a few books stacked vertically, etc) while building up the fireplace front. Pinterest & houzz have dozens of photos and one I particularly like for you is a traditional (why change, it's timeless) white wood painted front, including mantel, perhaps going all the way to the ceiling. I am not able to paste it on this site so check those sites for visuals. This would provide a wow factor and within a reasonable cost.

It would be best if you took everything off the hearth below and moved them where they don’t look they could catch fire. I would take away the objects on the right side of the mantle, and I would add a tall blue vase between the madonna and the painting, with dried grasses In it I think I would propably leave the rest of the mantle blank, unless I was going to add St Francis on the other side and a few birds… ;) I might frame and mat the painting and actually hang it.