I like the one on the right best. You've already got a lot of horizontal lines with the shelving, and adding more narrow horizontal lines in the stonework might look too cluttered.

I like the one on the right, the one with obvious stones.

By itself, no other influencing factors, I like the one on the right the best.

However, with what I can see of the other elements in your room, and the amount of space to be covered, I would go with the one on the left without question.

I like the one on the left for it being timeless and natural looking, interesting movement in the pattern without being overly busy. The larger pattern also makes it elegant and more transitional for changing decor.

The one on the right is also nice but a little more stong visually so the possibility of getting tired of that one over the years with changing decor would sway me to do the left stone.

Ack, I meant the one on the left! The marble-patterned one rather than the one with lines.

I like the one on the left best, the marble. It's a classic that will never go out of style. I think it's prettier, and it's easier to clean too.

I like the one on the left too. How far up will it go? I like the marble surrounds with a mantle and some wood moldings base, but if you're going for a more modern sleek look, I can see the marble without a mantle.

Both are really lovely. I don't think you can go wrong with either. That said, I would have expected to like the one on the right better (as I love long skinny stacked stone looks), but I think I like the one on the left best. Both for your space and overall.

I like the one on the left

I love the stone on the right, but I agree the stone to your left will work the best. It has texture but is not too busy.

The one on the left. It's timeless, elegant and will work with any decor.

caroleoh: we'll be doing a simple mantle surround that mimics the doors of the built-ins (and the same color), the travertine will be inside the mantle, and from the top of the mantel to the ceiling. the top of the mantel will line up with the the top of lowest cubby.

left here too...works better with the other elements in the room.

It looks like your style is more contemporary or transitional. If so then I'd vote for the one on the left. If your place actually leans more transitional/traditional, I'd vote for the one on the right. If you lean more arts and crafts, etc, then the one on the right.

Actually I would like the one on the right for contemporary if you turned the stone so it was vertical and not horizontal.

Left!

Left for me, too!

I like the Travertine stone the best. I have it in my bathroom and love it! The faux stacked stone look is too contemporary (unless you like contemporary) and trendy.

Srg215, it has been a long day, so I am probably just not thinking straight, but I am not clear on what your plan is for the mantel and fireplace surround. From your explanation, it sounds like you are doing an overmantel that looks like the doors, but then you say that the stone will go from the top of the mantel to the ceiling. Nothing around the firebox? Is there wood trim below the mantel and above? Sorry if I am just being obtuse.

The reason I am asking is that if there is a lot of wood, I would be more inclined to go with the stone on the right. If it is mostly stone, then the one on the left.

Personally, I would do no mantel shelf, as I mentioned in the other thread on this, because it think the fireplace will just end up looking like more boxes on the wall. Then a full expanse of the stone on the left, with all the movement and variations, can really be the star and be appreciated. If it is all broken up with wood pieces and a mantel shelf, I think you lose some of the character of the stone.

The one on the left is a classic...

Left. It will look the best with the rest of your stuff which is not shown but I remember from another thread.

it would look like the above drawing, but the brick pattern will not be so obvious (will look more smooth). the travertine will also be on the inside part of the surround in slab form and the hearth plate.

If you're leaning contemporary then the one on the right. Otherwise the one on the left is more classic and won't look as dated 10 years from now.

Thanks for the clarification, Srg. So you are doing travertine tiles above the mantelpiece? If that is the case, then go with the one on the right. If you were doing a slab, I would vote for the one on the left.

i could do slab depending on the cost. but wouldn't it still be a smoother look even if i did the tiles than the stacked stone?

To me, a fireplace is a calming element, like a bathtub. It is no coincidence that the spa bathroom look caught on for that reason. I'd do the more mellow tile there.
I am all for boldness in general, but think your choice on the left is soothing and interesting at the same time.
You are right to lean toward a smoother look....

Can you share the exact name of the stone on the left? It's really lovely.

the one on the left.

This post has more pics of your space which I think are helpful in deciding what will work. I *love* the stone on the right, but I wonder if it would be too much small rectangles going on with the backsplash you have (which is beautiful, BTW!) So I guess my vote is for the one on the left. I wish I could see them both photoshopped!

Here is a link that might be useful: Srg's thread with pics

it's ocean blue vein cut travertine

I vote for the travertine but in slab not in tile (if you can afford it)
A fireplace is where one should display stone in its full glory :) Large slabs of onyx, marble, granite, travertine etc.
The stone you have selected is gorgeous!