This client wanted a less formal family room from the before picture seen here on the left. The paneled mantle with classic moldings did not fit within the contemporary rustic theme that we were heading. So what I suggested to the home owners was to remove the panel, and mantle shelf and face with veneer stone. I then matched the bluestone in the hearth and faced the brick around the firebox. We chose reclaimed wood sized to fit and created a new mantle which fits nicely with the rustic TV console and table. This together with the BM Metro Grey, toned down now created the envelope for the leather, mohair, wool,and silk fabrics. They love the change the stone made to the room.