ELECTRIC??? That's the MOST expensive way to go. If you just want the entertainment of a fire then I guess it's fine. But if you're looking for anything else like heat.... OUCH. Do a Google for electric fireplaces and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for. Up here electricity is VERY expensive at almost 15 cents per KWH. And power failures can come during a blizzard. So we have a real fire.

OK, thanks for posting the picture. So, with this type of electric fireplace, there is no way to change what is inside of it. If you take it apart, you will see that it is just a very shallow fake screen. There is the potential of changing the entire electric fireplace unit to something a bit more realistic, but I am not aware of any electric fireplace that has fireballs. FYI: I sell gas logs, fireballs and glass crystals to burn in fireplaces. Florida and California are by far our biggest markets. Just a bit of history: People love fireplaces in their homes regardless of the climate. The fireplace was the single most important feature in Early American homes because it was the sole source of heat. It is where everyone gathered in the evenings and where much history was made. Family portraits and all of the most prized decor was usually featured around the fireplace. So it became a fundamental part of home decor. This is why people still love having fireplaces in their home even though with modern heating, they serve no real necessary function. That is why so many people and mild climates opt for a gas fireplace instead of a real wood burning one. Electric fireplaces somewhat popular in mild climates, and people buy them because there is no installation required. But they usually don't go over very well because they really do look fake. Anyways, that's my two cents on the topic...

I can see option 2 working the best, but hopefully there is some flexibility at this point. Consider improved functionality, as well as (eventual) resale. You can gain a wider area between kitchen/seating area by changing the opening on lower right to be near kitchen. Now seating area can be moved down! Suggest an island (longer than peninsula if possible) to gain access on both sides, added storage, wider if possible for better entertaining (ie: buffet). I’d move sink/dishwasher to be near dish storage and to keep island/peninsula clear. People will gravite here. A focal wall with built in electric fireplace would feel spacious, be a great feature in your open concept, and keep that space uninterrupted to get to opposite side of room. Opposite wall idea. There is a lot to consider and thinking about overall functionality is key before furniture placement. Hopefully you have a floor plan with exact dimensions, structural components and space requirements to make the best decisions. Good luck.

Fire is more dangerous than steam. Opti myst looks like fire, its almost impossible to tell the difference (look at this youtube video). Opti myst produces the moisture of 1-2 person so isn't a big deal or any extra effort for my AC system in a 2400 sqf house. Plus I only use it in special occasions or maybe a couple of hours at night when I wanna relax in front of it. My concerns are the others I listed in the questions posted above.