I am wanting advice as to what to do with the fireplace wall. THE FALSE ROCK MUST COME OFF! I like the idea of having the wall plain as per the rest of the room to create the illusion of a bigger space. We need to have the tv on this wall too and I am not sure if the tv above the fire place would work, (I know we will be using the fire often and the heat may not be good for the TV) or a slim line shelf running across the wall on top of the fireplace would be best, with the TV at one end. Here's a 
photo. The TV is 37inches, and there will also require a place for a DVD player. The distance from the edge of the window to the right to the fireplace itself is 42 inches, and the width the fireplace itself is 36 1/2 inches with the height of the fireplace 27 inches
Love to hear your ideas!
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Thanks Mrs.Peacock - we are worried about that as well, so we are using the image as inspiration & tweaking. :)
The TV is probably going to sit on the same level as the firebox, probably to the right with log storage on the left. We are also considering extending the raised hearth the full length of the wall. Really making it a feature.
In my current condo, I did a fireplace update from a traditional mantel to something sleeker that had the TV above the firebox. Had to walk a fine line to make sure it didn't end up too tall.
Fireplace before: traditional (TALL), builder basic MDF
Fireplace before: Lowered all items - TV at good viewing height
Love the wall Wendy P. Just a word of warning though - you might get a sore neck if your tv is set up too high. That being said, and you still plan on putting the tv above the fireplace, make sure the area is wider than the tv is. What I am trying to say is that it looks like the area where the stone is now is only as wide as the tv is and I think it should be alittle wider than that. Does the stone area have a bump out. If you are drywalling, you can make it bigger. Maybe redo that whole wall with some notches like in Wendy P picture for some firewood, a floating mantel and hearth.
Here are some photos in H&H to try and get some inspiration from. http://www.houseandhome.com/design/mantlescapes
Hi tim.cathy,
Not sure what style you're going for, but if modern is in the mix, you might want to consider a raised hearth cantilever set up. This is the direction we are going to solve a similar problem. Attached are some pictures to give you an idea of what we mean.
Not only can it look great, but the raised hearth can give extra seating & make the space an actual conversation area!
Raised hearth cantilever fireplace