Can you post a picture of your plan showing where the brick goes and where the stone goes? My first inclination would be to use the Alaskan Flagstone, because it wouldn't compete with the brick. However, depending on where the stone is, your house could end up looking like a saddle oxford. It might be too much contrast.

I really like oakleyoak's pic, too. We are in the process of completing our own fireplace. I would think rustic fieldstone (mortared) would give a nice old world look. Or you could try a stone done in a dry stack effect (just looks like stones stacked on one another). But the mortared irregular fieldstones might give a nice effect. Our own fireplace is very rustic but with a different look. We have a raised hearth and used shadow ledgestone done in a dry stack (no mortar), it is a stone veneer and looks very rustic. Surrounding the firebox we have tumbled multicolor slate tiles, then an oak mantel/surround in a craftsman style. The drywall above the mantel is tapered back to the other walls. Hope this helps. Amy

Why change it up at all if kids are using it, I mean really using it for desk purposes. Let the glue, sharpies and any other homework materials mess up the Formica (?). It would be sad to spend good money on a new countertop and then be paranoid about damaging it. I would think wood would mark up and dent easily. Especially if you write on it, even if it’s coated with polyurethane, the writing will show through.

I responded to your other post. I think it looks like it could also be this one, which is the one I’m looking at on Friday.