If anyone has seeds of this plant I'd love to hear from you. I prefer to do multiple trades with each person if possible. Check out my updated traded list. I have lots of new items listed (leftover after wintersowing this week). Here is a link that might be useful: My trade page

I don't think it would be practical to try to cover the lava rock...you will end up with a surface that sticks way out in relation to the firebox. The best thing to do is remove the lava rock and go from there. It's hard to say how to rebuild it without knowing what's under the rock and how much of it will survive the removal.

Texas here, too … had wood plank tiles in my last house and loved them. Would do again. I like both your fp tile choices. This board is pretty pattern-phobic, so keep that in mind. I don’t think either are too busy, and think they fit your style well. Re: holiday decor — tiles, flooring, etc are set features, are background. They don’t have to match your Christmas decor. Lots of Spanish/southwestern/etc style homes have these patterns with beautiful, traditional Christmas decor. But yes, if you’re just feeling too uncertain, agree with wish … lots of great neutral choices that have interesting textures and such out there, too. ETA: I predict comments saying Talavera tiles shouldn’t be used with your more traditional fireplace elements, I don’t agree. They can look good with a variety of styles. Or a Talavera design in neutral colors.

Unless you plan a much neater cabinet than showing I would remove those cabinets and get some that have closed storage and aslo a lighter color than black . Can we see the whole space that TV to me is way too high for proper viewing. To insert the cabinets will require opening the wall behind the cabinets you have so what is behind the FP. As for an update for the actual FP I think is it nice maybe just a new mantel in wood.