Thank you MSDG I don't know if I'm doing paneling work -- I need help designing the entire wall. The firebox cannot be moved because there is an egress window right next to it on the outside (basement). I'm not looking for the black/white look, I was showing the photo for the mantle style. What do you mean "Furred out portion around fire box?" Do you mean the marble before the wood post section? I can't decide if I should do a heart or not. I like it sometimes, but I need to figure out the entire wall to see what looks good together. I also like the look of a window seat, but I don't want it to look so casual like a kitchen bench. Do you think I should put a new window only on the right side of the fireplace? What are your thoughts on a bench seat underneath it? Thanks so much for your help!!

I haven't seen it in person.... only in photos and blogs. but I think your best best is to just paint the walls in simply white eggshell....bc next to the simply white trim in satin or semi-gloss, they will look good. It sounds like you want a subtle difference in whites...and just the finish alone will give you a subtle difference bc of the sheen and how they reflect light.

Two of the framed pictures are plenty; four would be too busy. Agree that there are too many black elements, if you must keep the mantel could you paint the vents to blend in? Also -- do you have a green plant you could put in the scene? Green brings things to life ... cheap to try, at any rate.

I’d go simple and symmetrical with two batteery operated wall sconces flanking art over the fireplace. If you can get another of your small seat for the other side, or two matching poufs to pull in when extra seating is needed, it will add to the symmetry.