Donna cheek, yes lol I have a fireplace on the right side flanked by two windows. Would love to see what you’ve done. This area is open concept so not a lot of wall space to put art, pics etc except for this one wall. That’s why I don’t think I should do too much to it so it doesn’t unbalance the room??

Just a Goggle find, Tena. I'm a former SunBelter living in Wisconsin. Many trips to N. Mexico & southern Colorado where I fell in love with the unique style of that region. Have you pared back the additions on your fireplace? If not, I suspect you may be pleasantly surprised when you do. Looks like the bricks are just sitting on the original hearth. Maybe just to raise the wood stove and/ or protect the original hearth. How is the sheet metal attached? Or is it attached? What type of chimney liner? It looks like the previous owners were careful to do no permanent harm. I hope that proves to be the case. Have you tried contacting them regarding the wood stove addition? As to how it was done, the chimney connection, etc.?

I like where you are headed. Love the artwork and rugs. I like the concept of the Ruggable rugs but will it really work? You would need a very large capacity washer for it to fit into. What I would suggest are carpet tiles from flor.com while the children are small. They’ve come a long way, customizable, easy to install. And if something happens you just pop it out, wash it in the sink or replace it. The sticky dots won’t damage your floor and you can send them back to the company for recycling. As far as toy storage, I would look to Pottery Barn Kids, IKEA, or Amazon. I’m not a fan of toy boxes per say, but if you could put the toys in bins and then the toy box, it might work better. You could also get a coffee table that has storage. I would definitely turn the little bookcase you have now on it’s side. I can just see a child pulling that down and I would remove the lamp and get a sturdier table for the other lamp. For sizing of the gallery wall, I found this great article on https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/wall-art-size-guide-T1500?refid=GX434403191997.~b&position=&network=g&pcrid=434403191997&device=c&targetid=dsa-836899573866&channel=GoogleIntent&gclid=CjwKCAiAgc-ABhA7EiwAjev-j1o4lbiBnCxOmieDeLnQ5E8ASpVHfAZgHV7REe-y7LIyefcieRIYiRoCcG8QAvD_BwE. Love the kitchen ideas too. Post some pics once you get further along!

For a Scandi feel I would paint the walls white. Instead of removing the wood surround I would try painting it the same color as the walls. It "should" provide you with some interesting texture once painted but shouldn't stick out like a sore thumb. If you don't like it once painted would suggest you just remove it and replace with a more traditional surround with a mantle. Would also suggest hanging artwork that has an appropriate look above the fireplace once painted. Good luck!