I would use the marble you have in mind all around the fireplace and just float a ledge mantel above it, as someone suggested above if you must have one. However, I think it would look better without a mantel and just let the beauty of the marble be your decorative statement and element. I cannot tell how high your ceiling is from the photo, but would be inclined to run the marble up to the ceiling. If you don't like that look, You should go at least as far above the FP box as you will below to the floor with the marble. Unfortunately, it looks as though your builders put the electrical switch and outlet (on the right hand side) just in far enough towards the FP so that you can't extend the marble tile to the right as far as to the left (end of that wall). I'd ask the electrician to move those things before you start tiling.

Wow, great mantels gals! jfs2009, thank you. my3dogs, just beautiful as always. I especially love the bunny (I have a special fondness for bunnys) :) kareen, thankyou, I hope you will be able to post a photo later :) Caminnc, thankyou, there is just something so soothing but still exciting about Fall colors. bonniee, Very nice! I so want your cherubs too, and they will fit in with Christmas and even Valentines day too, I love items that have multi use. livvyandbella, thank you, I lucked out and bought a matching pair of the dogs, this is the first time I used them on the mantel, usually they are on the bookcase. leahcate, thank you! I hope more folks will post their photo, it's always fun to see everyones style.

Thank you Beverly! We have considered white washing the fireplace. That's so neat how you gave me a visual. Thank you! The whole black-trim-on-one-wall-thing came about when we had someone come out for a consultation on widow treatments/blinds (which we haven't figured out yet either). We also needed blinds in the master bedroom and newly renovated master bath, which both have black trim, and the look is really great in those areas. She suggessted we carry that out into the living area by doing the fireplace wall trim black, plus the ceiling beam and staircase rails. It doesn't have to stay, but looks a bit better in person with the whole house in perspective. I'm so grateful for the suggesstions!!! I'm an accountant, not an interior decorator!!

I agree that less on the mantel is best, more focus on the sign. I am also not a big fan of prefab fireplaces with louvers. Even though it is a blatant distraction, most people overlook this and don't realize it can be hidden like this: Shown Above: 1P30M Labyrinth Fireplace Screen with MAN-9 Gallery Andirons in Statuary Bronze. Here's a picture of the Labyrinth screen in Polished Nickel. This entire piece is made from solid brass and then finished in many different options. The Labyrinth pattern hides what is behind it very well. Shown Above: Custom Fireplace Screen with double woven mesh in Dark Bronze. If you paint the existing glass door frames black they will disappear behind the double woven mesh. Provided by: Free Fireplace Design Service at Hansen Wholesale