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 am just wondering if anyone has hung anything on this rock before I'm trying to hang a wreath there... Until we can get rid of this hideous thing

Simple: remove mantel, paint out the line around the fireplace and use black Rustoleum on the silver metal parts (as in Beverly's mock-up). The shelves are useful if you have TV/stereo components, books, or other things you want to display -- if you're straining to figure out what to put there, it might be worth removing them, or closing the bottom half, at least, into cupboards. Can't tell what the fireplace surround is, but you might want to replace it with something you like, or paint a color that contrasts with but harmonizes with your wall paint.

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.