flat things, that don't dangle.

a metal decorative plate/platter

How often will you be using, opening and shutting, the cabinet door? And I think I'm seeing an illusion, the beam doesn't really go into the cabinet does it?

Beautiful wood work.

schoolhouse_gw: not often will I use them, the beam does not go into the cabinets. Thanks.

Nothing. There's so much going on as it is. Why do you need more things to look at there?

I am glad Mayflowers was brave enough to say it first. I agree with her 100%. Nothing more is needed.

Thanks for all your recommendations and or ideas, I will leave my mantel above stove as is.

Another "Nothing"! You have quite enough going on and you'll never use those cabinets above if things must be removed first.

"Removing it?''

The fire will take care of that.

Especially if you ''forget'' a pan of grease heating on the stove.

I see barnaclebob's concern that the enclosure could lengthen the carry path, moving things from the stove to other areas but where would one typically go with a hot dish? Either to a cold burner to cool a bit or directly to the table I suspect. In either case the sides shouldn't get in the way. I personally like the look and the walls should help direct flow of air from the cook and up the vent. As a bonus, wouldn't it now free up the side counter space for things that normally couldn't be kept close to the stove side...spices, paper goods, anything that would be difficult to clean food spatters from? I tend to agree the mantel looks good empty. You could add a seasonal decoration special occasions or maybe a sleeping cat that would be appropriate for a warm spot.

Agree barnaclebob's response was insensitive and not at all constructive. Apologies are in order I think.