First, you might want to have the chimney cleaned and inspected. Second, I'd make an effort to contact the former owners, ask their advice: how often and how hot did they burn it, was is used after the pine trim was added, any issues you should be aware of before you fire it up... Then, you could build a nice hot fire [I know, not really the time of year for it], and monitor the temps in the areas you wish to change. Of you could just change it out as you please, and plan on never burning anything hotter than a candle in there...

Hi, my suggestion may not be what you want but I had my brick fireplace before we installed the wood floor. I didn't like the look of the wood abutting the brick so my DH got quarter round molding and installed it (even around a slight curve) and I mixed up some paints to the exact color of the bricks and painted it and then varnished over the paint. I painted it before he laid it in. We had a floor may from Lowes here today to measure for a new floor and he asked where we bought the custom trim, he'd never seen such a good match to brick lol. It's an easy thing to do, I used acrylic craft paint.

You might also want to ask your contractor if the housewrap is being installed as required, because that’s a BIG deal. Per DuPont: “Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB) Code Requirements The 2015 International Residential Code (Section R703.1.1 Water Resistance) requires that “the exterior wall envelope shall be designed and constructed in a manner that prevents the accumulation of water within the wall assembly by providing a water- resistant barrier behind the exterior veneer as required by Section R703.2 and a means of draining to the exterior water that enters the assembly.” Section R703.2 (Water- resistive barrier) states that “one layer of No. 15 asphalt felt, free from holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D 226 for Type 1 felt or other approved water-resistive barrier shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls. Such felt or material shall be applied horizontally, with the upper layer lapped over the lower layer not less than 2 inches (51 mm). Where joints occur, felt shall be lapped not less than 6 inches (152 mm). The felt or other approved material shall be continuous to the top of walls and terminated at penetrations and building appendages in a manner to meet the requirements of the exterior wall envelope as described in Section R703.1.”” FWIW: Whoever cut and laid the stone did do a nice job; it looks like a much better job than what was done by the dingbats who built my house!

@WestCoast Hopeful Thanks for the comment and the photo. The cabinet that I first chose would have looked good with a fancy crown molding but because of the layout of the cabinets, that would not work. I have gone with a more plain cabinet front that a flat trim will look better. When I first asked the question about crown moiding I did not expect some of the comments about other things--not pertaining to any kind of trim. Thank You again. I have removed the top glass cabinets from the center part. I know it is a big empty space but it is what it is. I just need to figure out what kind of one-piece covering for the wall. It is a 7' x 7' area and my "Wonderful" Kitchen Designer" suggested doing something maybe 7'w x 3'h. I don't want any kind of tile--I want one solid piece. I know 10' ceilings are high. The doors are 8'. All of the windows are set at 8'. The reason for the lighted glass cabinets--I want to display my husband small buildings that he has built over the years. His health is failing and I want to be able to see his handy work. Most people think I am crazy for building such a large home but that is what I want. My sewing room is 16' x 20' with a large storage closet and an extra bath. I have a large peninsula and a large island. My dining table is on the other side of my peninsula. I have seating at my island in my present house and HATE it. The stools are always in the way. The North views are very important to watch the wildlife. Sorry--I was going to make the short--sorry for the rambling. Thanks again.