We used Centurion, Arizona color, a mix of Cutface and Ledge. If I am picturing it right, I think putting the rock on the window seats would be very nice. Seems like it would pull it together. We also used it on two interior walls, in our sunroom. Ours isn't rough to touch, so if your legs rubbed it, I don't think it would cause any discomfort. But I can picture how it would maybe stick out a little. Maybe you could put a wider seat top on the window seats? Here is a link that might be useful: pic of the stone

I did see a photo posted several months back with a white wood surround against the rock and I thought it looked great. But it was more than just a mantle, it was totally surrounding the fireplace with built in white cabinetry to each side to tie it together. If I see more photos, I'll post them. Is there a reason you don't want to use a stained wood for the mantle? Here's the old thread below! Lindy Here is a link that might be useful: Fireplace thread

Should I just do the recessed portion of my fireplace with stone ledger tile or try to perform the advanced miter inside/outside corner cuts? I wish the fireplace was just a straight corner because then it would be an easy miter cut to wrap. Would it look funny? I considered emailing our builder (This home is 2 months old) and asking if we could knock out the corners that jut out 3 1/8'' but then our mantle is cut to accommodate and that would also have to be redone. I have 80 square feet of this stacked stone. Front bottom recessed portion of fireplace-61.5'' W x 47 1/2'' H Front top recessed portion of fireplace-61.5'' W x 44''H Recessed-3 and 1/8'' Front corner face-4 13/16'' Fireplace juts out-18 and 1/8'' Ceiling are 8' high

3 Months, 10,000 photos, 100s of Hours, Still NO firm decision! In Nov, we removed a nasty behemoth of a brick fireplace that we lived with far too long. I've been stuck since then trying to decide what to replace it with. We have a style in my mind though it's been difficult to visualize. In a former life, I was a tech writer, so I've drawn many rough drafts. The biggest obstacle is that I know I change my mind more often than I'd like about my favorite styles. This makes me even more hesitant to make a decision. "What if I don't like it a few years from now!" I've never solicited an online resource for opinions, though I've used Houzz for inspiration and motivation for over 10 years. At this point, however, I need an intervention! My spouse is very helpful (in telling me what he doesn't like) but ultimately, within reason, the decision is mine. We are not looking to spend a small fortune; this is an update, not a remodel. In my Ideabook 'Fireplace/Fam Rm Remodel', I've listed (way too many) ideas, pics of the old fireplace, inspiration photos, and other uploads if any of you would care to wade through them with me! Fireplace/Fam Rm Update Oh... and lastly, we are avid, passionate DIYers with a full woodworking shop in the basement. THANK YOU - more than you can imagine! Design Must-haves: Neutral tones Budget <10k Stone and wood mix (MSI *Sierra Blue or Alaska Gray) (Mid-tone white oak, teak is too spendy for this project.) Floating or flush/floor hearth Plenty of display shelving Oak Flooring, mid-tone to match existing. Design Dilemmas: - TV above or adjacent to the gas fireplace? Hubby says adjacent, I say above; neither is a deal-breaker. We rarely light a fire, so high temps/TV is not an issue. Height is also not relevant as we could purchase a MantelMount. - Stacked stone. A full wall, 3/4 wall or only @ fireplace? - Thin, wood trim installed vertically to separate stone and painted wall? - Lighting, which will be a simpler choice down the road.