I am having the same difficulty. I would like to put the fireplace in a corner (I personally don't like having the TV off to the side on the same wall. In theory I would like it on a corner, but my room is all windows on one side, an a straight wall that joins a hallway so I'm not sure how that would would. As for it being too high, my current plan is to get a very comtemporary low fireplace. Currently we have a similar set up and while the TV is a bit higher than I like it (maybe 6 or 8 inches) with it tilted downwards it has never felt uncomfortable. Some inspiration pics: I'd prefer this without the inset TV as you never know what size you may buy in the future. [contemporary family room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-family-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_720~s_2103) by chicago interior designer Michael Abrams Limited The below option could be made much lower. I like the fireplace closer to the floor! [contemporary entry design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2103) by vancouver general contractor Klondike Contracting This one doesn't have a TV, but you can see that it is low enough that it would end up at the right height. [modern living room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2105) by new york architect Chelsea Atelier Architect, PC

These are ALL amazing ideas! I am a huge fan of IKEA, so I will definitely check out the Besta cabs - I have a lot of smaller statues and items to display that feel like they could work with shallower shelves. Gwbr - that's an amazing idea. I love the thick mantle and the imbalance of the space. I also certainly have plenty of art to fill any of those walls. Thanks for taking the time to sketch it out for me. Chickadee - I was thinking about panels of some kind all the way up. Speaking of IKEA, I kind of love the idea in the attached URL - they used Nexus yellow/brown drawer fronts -check it out! Unfortunately, I don't have any more pictures from further back right now, but these ideas are a great place to start. Please keep them coming and thanks again for your help and warm wishes! Here is a link that might be useful: Ikea nexus fireplace surround

You buy the corners. Which are the expensive part of the job. 2 corner pieces = cost of one box. And they are trying to get out of that expense. Or, the corners can be mitered. That’s not as effective in a “random” stone, as it’s supposed to look like the same stone goes around the corner. It’s a lot harder, and more labor. And in the end should cost more if they are paying a tile setter what they should be paying. Obviously, they hired cheap, and are not paying qualified labor rates. They need to be made to understand that their cheapness and stubbornness is going to ensure that more money comes out of their pockets.

Similar to Jinx...consider removing the trunk and the bookcase, put small cabinets of some kind plus artwork above. Quick and dirty mockup,,,I chose art that was vertically oriented to make the room seem taller as well. Then picked some random cabinets off google. They aren't my favorite but what I could find quickly, lol. Also then they give you a place to store your piano music.