I think the mantel is the wrong style for the FP and is throwing everything off. As nice as it is, it looks like the legs are missing. Maybe look into adding legs that go to the floor or remove it and try a rough hewn wood beam mantel.

Do you feel like you need to keep the mantel that your husband has built? That limits what can be done. The mantel projects out from the wall quite a bit - I assume that it lines up with the depth of the stone that is currently installed under it. Unless you build out the surround area under the mantel (after removing the stone), I feel like it will look odd because the mantel will project out too far over whatever is installed under it.

Would painting the mantel and stone to match be a temporary fix until you decide exactly what you want to do OR are you ready to make whatever change you decide to do right now?

I have thought about removing the Mantel and just doing a tile or marble surround. As there is only 11 inches either side of the firebox, it does not leave room for a more traditional surround

AI says, and I like this particular rendering because staining the brick will brighten the entire front of the house.

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Colors make the house look very French Country, IMO.

Yes and they absolutely love it! They have referred me to 3 new clients!!!

Hi, the room is much brighter. Can you tell me the dimensions of the vanity and the tower?

it's painted now, so it's essentially a color change. that's the good news.

rule of thumb in terms of psychophysical color strategy is the ceiling should be lighter than the floor. e.g. dirt is darker than blue sky.

a darker ceiling 'on top of' a lighter wood floor can feel upside down, off, heavy for some people. it's a choice that needs careful consideration.