Stack up a huge bunch of logs like this in a wood that's like your mantel:

Also leaning logs--if you do birches, it'll tie in with the white background hubby likes. Also keep in mind that black backdrop means you have two black boxes to look at TV and fireplace, so maybe hubby's right.

Fireboxes—when painted—get painted black. Always!

That’s a very pretty fireplace, despite the white paint job. I love that brick! Is it a wood-burning fp with a gas starter or is it strictly gas?

FWIW, I live in the Deep South and am burning wood in the fireplace as we speak. ;)

Fireboxes are painted black as they will become black if fires are actually ever lit in the fireplace. And the paint MUST be for this - "high heat resistant" - ask your paint store. Be sure surface is clean before painting again.

No, it will NOT be okay to just slap heat-resistant paint over whatever is there now. It needs to be removed first, down to the original surface. It's going to bubble up from the heat, flake, and burn.

Jeebuz.

Do you mean to paint the 2 cabinets on each side of the fireplace to be black? If so it would go with your furniture as also to much dark color in the room makes the room look and feel smaller.

Ken

Line it with mirror and set various seasonal arrangements, candles, or logs in it. They make resin logs that hold tea lights too and won't catch fire. The mirror will double the effect of whatever you put there at any time of year.

Lumins Resin Tealight Fireplace Log · More Info

Erica, if you do ever plan to use the fireplace, you really must remove the non-high heat paint you put in there first, before painting it black. Ask how to remove it safely at a local paint store, as many strippers are flammable.

This link shows many non-flammable paint removers

Good luck!

Those cabinets on each side are too large for the space. Find them another home.

I have no understanding of a fireplace installed to accomadate a TV in the worst place possible. That TV is way too high and the fireplace is useless if never used that whole wall lokks out of place so I guess paint it black and put in some phoney wood and be done.

Patricia, you may be right but your comment is deliberately abusive. You have no understanding alright—you haven’t a clue how to keep your unwanted criticism’s to yourself. The op asks for firebox color and logset advise, anything furthur you might consider thr op’s first comment ”this is our new build”.

Might be a brand new tv placed in the only available location to where the tv and fireplace are viewed together. Try showing restraint or a hint of tact. #NoClass

Looks great Erica