Marthaelena, Yes our mantle which surrounds the tile, is pretty simple, and white. It has fluting down the sides of each side, and crown trim around the long upper actual mantle, but that's all as far as detail. So it's not ornate, just a standard white fireplace mantle. I so wish I lived in bungalow or old home with tons of character... I too was draw to the split face because I liked the 3-d texture, but I also liked the fan mosiac because it was so different but I'm not sure if it's quite right for a fireplace surround? If it helps the den on the otherside of the this fireplace which is the LR, is a full wall of HUGE sandstone. It is quite rustic and beautiful, but this room is our "man" room now so it houses the pool table, bar area, etc. I'm trying to make our DR and LR classic, comfy, yet use accessories to bring in pattern and color. Our LR is painted a shade lighter than ralph lauren canvas, so it reads a very light green/gray. One wall (staircase wall going upstairs) is Glidden olivewood.

Emrit, I stole a slate tile fireplace for your room. Actually, the original photo was a bit too gray, so I warmed it up a bit. You'll have to get tile samples and bring them into your room to see how they look in your light.

Can you not put the din table in front of the fireplace? My dining room has a fireplace in it and it's most grand. My living room also has a fireplace. They are great visually in both places (we have yet to get them working again, but it's on our list). That said, on the other hand, I honestly like the status quo better than the proposed rearrangement. Keep in mind that a bigger kitchen isn't necessarily a better kitchen. If you want more kitchen, I'd think that expanding into the breakfast nook area would be better. Also you could consider opening the wall to the dining room. Designate between the spaces with an island/peninsula with a wine rack or something.

Omg I LOVE Rookwood tiles! Yours are just gorgeous. Yeah, situation with the contractor is bizarre! Rookwood is fabulous. I spoke with their designers and they were able to design the layout fo the tiles for me based on my budget and what I was wanting with the roses and leaves. It's not bizarre. it's either that he hasn't a clue how to lay tile or more likely doesn't want to spend the money on a talented tile installer. My tile installation if I recall took a full day just for the tiles. Then grouting took another bit of time.