I use a photo editing program (MS Digital Imaging Suite, which is discontinued :( I capture images from the net with ScreenPrint Platinum and then cut and paste materials into the photo. It's pretty much cut & paste, although I have taken to a lot of the other tools to work with color and blending, etc. Someone recently posted a free photo editing program ... You can either superimpose (paste) or also cut the stone out of your original picture and place the new material behind in the blank space, which might be an easy way for you to go. Usually the net images are too bright, so tone down the color a bit using the saturation and lightness/darkness features in the coloring tools. Feathering the edges with the blur tool is another good tip. I would say it seems you have enough detail with the grill and mantel, so it's hard to imagine putting pebbles in, which does seem off in style as well with the mantel. Not that we need any rules :) I do think they look very pretty together with a simple, plain surround, though. I only tried the soapstone, low contrast, which I find keeps it very simple to let the details of the mantel and grill shine. Everything shouldn't be calling for attention or it will get too busy and confusing to look at. I'm sure you know what I mean :) Such beautiful pieces!

I'm not sure how board and batten will work with your wonderful rough plaster. B&B (or flat-panel wainscot) is really more consistent with colonial, shaker, or arts-and-crafts/craftsman house styles. Your home, from what little the pictures show, is more storybook or English cottage style. Are those coved ceilings in the living room? Keep the wainscot in the bathroom, but don't spread it into the rest of the house -- it won't work. The fireplace is wonderful and unusual. I agree with the others that a heavier mantel shelf set it off beautifully. You have a charming home as it is. Play up its character rather than trying to turn it into something it isn't.

Hi GreenDesigns, thanks for your "spot on" input - I agree with you, and like how you phrased it! Since the flooring with be dark, not sure I will want all the walls dark, but definitely want the granite surround wall to be a color that "pulls out that rust color". Thanks again!!!

Yes, my idea is what others have suggested. In your pics it appears you like bright colors. An old chest redone in color would work in the room. Many are using all types of furniture for their TV setups now. Standard TV consoles really aren't necessary unless you find one loved. Floating shelves are another option which would keep your space open. My fireplace is close to identical to yours. Living room a bit larger with a need for walkways. I like that you are able to float the couch with back to doorways. I'd love to see your house, just from the layout it must be charming. It looks like there is plenty of room to move the couch down to watch TV on the right of the fireplace. Even though a small room, those of us with small find there are wonderful cozy options. Chispa, you are funny....but so right. I'm sure he is proud as heck to get everything connected. And suspect in little time the TV is going to be morphed into a larger one. It doesn't cost much to go wireless, but could depending upon the equipment one currently has. I have all wireless too. Realized one day that the office closet was behind one of my living room walls. The computer is hooked up to TV too. It does confine me in making any furniture changes. But not having all those wires is wonderful. Definitely learned what a "dongle" means now. I am still working on decorating around the TV black hole on the wall.