macv - Thanks, so much for the reply. Well, with the 42" x 30" opening, our ratio is 1.4. If we had gone with the 36" opening, we would have hit 1.2 on the head. I know I should have paid more attention to previous discussions on fireplace proportion. darn. All of the imitative stone chimney enclosure is above the roof surface on the rear of the house. I think only one neighbor will have any kind of view of it during the winter when the leaves are down. Due to the slope of the lot from the road to the house, only the very top is visible from the road which is why we want this to have a nice treatment like the one you showed in the picture. I just talked to DH and he & the fireplace guy have come to a mutually agreeable to solution to trade some aesthetics for avoiding potential water issues. He said that he would write that up for me so I can post it. The corners won't be visible at ground level. However, we are using the same real stone thin veneer which will be at "foundation" level below the Nichiha shakes. DH says that there are corners for it. I know you were upset when you had to have your stamp removed from that project, so I'm sorry if I stirred up unpleasant memories. However, thank you so much for the insight. It really helps. Jo Ann

Val, I've been considering painting my fireplace, but not a solid color... rather an image on each side since it is a see through fireplace. I found a nice selection of rocks for one side and painting a slab of granite on the opposite side. Of course, being an artist, helps. There are some great pictures out there of different slabs if that is something that interests you. On the onyx side, I plan to put in some vague images of recognizable things, perhaps a horse climbing a mountain, etc. The human eye wants to see images. We look at clouds and want to see a face. I'll paint one side after I get the living room painted so I can work the same colors into it. Trompe L'oeil style. Already planning to use my barn door down the hall on one side and paint the rest of the wall in the same style as the door with the intent that the barn door would blend and not see where it is... in theory only. I'm sure this isn't what you had in mind, but it's my plans. Good luck with yours. I think I'd stay away from orange unless it works with the rest of your room's furniture as colors change from one year to the next. Good luck. I for one would love to see what you've done when it's finished. Xtal

I had a Pacific Energy insert installed in a 55 year old home last spring for $3600 including some chimney repairs and a full stainless steel liner. It heats fantastic- with an insert a blower is a must to get efficient heat. My heat pump hasn't kicked on yet and we've been in the 20's a couple of times. I agree that spring would be best. This is the exact worst time to buy a wood stove/insert as everybody and their uncle are considering the same thing. Go ahead and take that tree down and split that wood, though. It won't be ready to burn until next season anyway, so use the time betwen now and then to research inserts. A lot depends on your existing chimney and the size of your fireplace- I would schedule an inspection and an at home consult to narrow down your possibilities, then hit the web . I've included a link to a very busy forum that can give you tons of information and suggestions. They will likely ask for a photo of your fireplace so get one ready. Here is a link that might be useful: Hearth Forums

Several things..the island will feel less contrived if you were to replace the table with a round. The current square brings too much attention to the angle of the island. Either replace the foyer wallpaper or re-do the wainscoting to match the two—tones in the d.r. If you decide to replace the foyer paper be aware of background white/off-white/creme, etc. when choosing your paint color. I agree new fans without lights is in order. I think once you have all elements in place then would be a good time to reselect your lighting. Lighting has a huge influence on the overall look you are trying to achieve. Your home is lovely and has a very nice lived-in look. Good job!