I'm familiar with the internet information available but thanks. I was hoping someone with experience either selling or even better actually having a unit actually installed in their home might have some info to share. I realize they are fairly new which may mean limited firsthand experience available.

(side note to jakabedy) WOW WOW WOW...I am in love...where did you find out out about these? Can they be used wherever drywall can be used? Thank you! Now on to the fireplace: it might look nicely integrated if you do the vertical of the slate you like, with a full-width mantel, which is placed at the same level as one of the shelves cut into the narrow sides. So it would be like a brown ring around the whole unit, with the slate going up the vertical. I'm with palimpsest that I prefer not to have the slate go only halfway up. I am digging the brown wrap thing, though -- could you do a mantel there on the other side too, to complete the ring?

Jlc--thanks! I'm slowly warming to the idea of maybe tile just around the firebox. And I agree that a darker tile/stone would be best. Slate would look nice and not compete with the Carrara counters. I'd have to see some sort of photoshop or mockup to be able to tell. Mtn--I'm not sure I'd like the balance of dark charcoal top with white bottom. I think it emphasizes my low ceilings. Robo--different on both sides is a viable option I hadn't considered. I also appreciate you sneaking a photo of that fireplace while at dinner! You're very kind. That looks elegant, and helps me consider the options. Hi Colorfast! Nice to see you too. I agree with you about the feeling of the fireplace. I had not planned hearths when we reno'd. The fireplace area you see used to be a gigantic brick mass of two offset fireplaces as part of the wall that separated the two sides of the house, complete with massive ugly hearth on one side. I was rebelling against that set up when I re-designed the house and moved rooms around. I wanted a sleeker look. At this point, there's not enough floor space on the living room side for hearth. On the family room side where you see little DD's art table, there's enough space. I'm hoping that when we are finally able to buy new furniture for the family and living rooms that we can add some sort of little seating by the FR fireplace. Athomeinva--thanks. The fabric is not my style at all. It's hard to see, but there's a metallic thread running through the fabric. And it's showing its 25+ years of wear. Although the settee itself is much too ornate for my taste, I'm never going to part with it, and I don't currently have space to put it anywhere else in my house. It's a very special piece to me. I hadn't thought about having to possibly paint the side shelves. Not sure. The sprayed on finish is so lovely right now. Hmmmm....

What does the wall look like from the other side? Is there a fireplace in the separate room?