A grouping of three very large paintings could be dramatic. Try cutting newspaper to 24 by 36 inches (poster size). Look at some images to see the effect https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/sb1/oversized-wall-art-c215363-a69076~263263.html

I actually think that the whole wall of stone would look better than the " squatty" lower section. A mantel might have been okay if the drywall was not right up against the firebox. If you are planning to keep the wall as is I would not use any patterned rugs, pillows, or furniture nearby. They compete with the busyness of the stone.

I would also remove the small shelves and pictures above the fireplace and experiment with some larger art. This might take some work in order to avoid the pattern clash. Unfortunately I do not have any alternate paint color suggestions but the gray is rather depressing.

I am sure that some of the many talented folks on here will give you great advice.

Are you sure there isn’t more rock hiding under the drywall and the paneling below that? If there is, I’d expose it. If not, I think you really need something to separate the two sections. Of course, a full-length, rough-hewn beam across the entire wall would look good, but, it can’t abut the firebox because it’s a fire hazard. Even something like this would look better:

I would paint the wall the same or darker color that the grout is, put a mantle up that goes the whole width so there is a visual break between the rock and smooth surface and then re-access regarding if 3 or 1 very large painting goes on it. Also, you have too much stuff on the hearth which isn't helping it visually. When you have a rock fireplace like this, less is more... including NO WALLPAPER.

I think it looks really good and like how you've integrated the 1960s into the modern world. It helps that you have some good rock to start with, and it's clean looking.

I agree with the others about a long mantel though--a nice chunky slab of wood going the length of the wall would be perfect. Then you think about art.

Alll - Tried to edit original post but couldn't: There is no rock underneath the drywall. And ignore the current decor on wall (the whole point for that is to go.)

@sammy - I like your photo, as it supports the separation idea. Thank you. Would a mantle really be a fire hazard?

If you want to go back to the 60's vibe you could put nicer wood above it. Does the wall overhang the rock as it doesn't appear to be flush?

Also.. Most codes specify mantel distance from the firebox itself. As a general rule, a mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Add an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. So, a mantel 6 inches deep would be attached 18 inches above the firebox opening

Canterbury · More Info

I like the mantel in the pic above and the pic posted by Sammy. Even if it is just a line of demarcation and not a true mantel that is deep enough to hold items, you could hang art above it to make it look like the mantel is supporting the weight of the art.

What you have up there now is way too cluttered. The answer, as usual, is fewer items and bigger.

@tedbixby Yes, unfortunately the wall overhangs.

Also, just found the photo from when we first saw it. Should of just "brightened" (painted or something) the original stuff. Room has a tendency to be very dark.

Are you sure there’s no rock behind that paneling? If so, do you know what is behind it that’s making it (or allowing it if it was intentional) project further (farther?) out than the rock?

To visually raise the appearance of the rock and reduce the size of that wall a bit, could you place a wall-length mantel at about the height of where you have that middle shelf, and then paint below it with a darker greyish color that comes close to the greys in the rock or grout? You could leave the light grey color above the mantel and add large art.

I would demo all and start over

If you don't want to demo the stone, how about bringing the drywall down on the sides and creating more of a clean slate to work from something. You would have to put mortar over the stone on either side of the opening, likely 12" on each side and then smooth it and paint it to match the drywall. You can even add a nice fireplace glass door to tie it together.

Here's a quick example.

Would it look bad to paint the stone, probably the whole wall and stone white? Otherwise I like Hansen Wholesale's idea. Not sure I like the stone hearth but the front of that could be covered also.

Taking Erinsean's idea about adding drywall to the front of the hearth, here are a couple more ideas. I have kept your existing wall decor, but there are certainly other options there as the wall becomes more of a normal backdrop.

Here's how it might look if you drywall over the stones and the face of the hearth and then grey was the hearth and put some slate around the opening with a white mantel surround and our Carolina Window Pane Fireplace Door. To achieve this look you would need to float the fireplace opening out with bricks before installing the slate.

Here's the same concept without the slate and mantel just using our Legend Fireplace Door with Custom Tuscan Leaf Surround. You cannot use drywall right up to the fireplace opening because it is combustible, so you would need to float the fireplace opening out with bricks and then plaster over the bricks to finish flush with the drywall. Bit of a challenge, but doable.

Hansen Wholesale specializes in Custom Fireplace Doors.

Painting the wall the same colour as the grout will eliminate the need for a mantel, I think. If this were my space, I'd totally play up the sixties vibe and hunt for some affordable vintage metal wall art or sculpture for the wall. Perhaps an abstract and a sunburst mirror? Definitely try apple_pie_order's suggestion of cutting out newspaper in different sizes to see what shapes, sizes and orientations please you.

My goodness!

What is behind the drywall? How is the drywall attached and what is the drywall attached to?

Hopefully not wood framing.

Because if is wood framing, you have a disaster in the making. (Exposure to heat lowers the kindling point of wood over time, something that most people do not know or realize.)

What was behind the panelling when you removed it prior to installing the drywall?

Did you remove the panelling or did you only add a layer of drywall over the panels?

First be glad you have a fireplace. My bff bought a home with the same half wall and "hearth" but no fireplace.

Tartanmeup - Thank you. And as it so happens my husband has a BFA in Metals so perhaps one of his pieces!

I actually love the before photo..can you pull down the drywall and play up that vibe? 70's maybe? put a mantle wall to wall just where the drywall meets the stone.. do a gallery style wall with art and photos.. some plants of varying sizes with some decorative items.. or a mirror in the middle that is tall not wide.. i wish i was good at that photo editor stuff to show you what i mean.. good luck and have fun with your adventure..