Hello Diane, Well the thing to think about here is that apart from the fireplace being a focal point... it's a really practical and beautiful thing to have in ones home.. It will also add value and keep you warm in winter.. So I would say do have it.. But it depends on what the additional cost will be... It could be that you have the chimney put in and then you put a surround later on that you like.. Reclaimed is a good idea for re using and purchasing older fires and surrounds.. Ebay and other sites.. For reclamation consider Lassco and Solopark... Also think about what you might like.. Open and roaring.. or a wood burning stove.. There are many styles and also the Scandinavian wood burning stove called a Jotul is also magnificent!! The heat output is amazing! Also they are lovely looking with nature scenes often on the sides.. When I was little we had the living room in the basement with french doors to the garden.. Parquet flooring and an open fire and 1 end and a Jotul at the other.. You can also smoke fish... by lifting the top off.. Pictured is an old style which we had. I think you could look on ebay for or try the other sites I mentioned.... : ))

What are the maximum dimensions of the footstool? Also what's the height of the sofa to the seat cushion? Personally I'd go for a Chesterfield on legs to keep the feeling of space in a plain fabric with a tray on top as AJ suggested

I think all of them could work, definitely depends on what else you will be doing with the space and how important the TV selection is to you (I do really like the Samsung one and agree it’s far better than the black boxy look you get with a standard TV). Also, you can achieve the Philips TV effect with other products by Govee and even a one from Philips themselves (Hue HDMI Box - albeit expensive). Or if you are ok to settle on lights that are a static colour there are hundreds of options on Amazon or eBay. Whats the rest of the room going to look like as that might help in making a final decision?

Without reading everyone's comments, I'd sum it up as "rug" and "colour", definitely. In your very first pictures, the thing that struck me is that although I hate TVs, the picture where the TV is on is already better than the one where it's off. Reason? Colour. The mantel is fantastic, but assuming it's a working fireplace (can't really tell from the fire you've got in there...) I'd put a gorgeous wood-burning stove in there. I'd also not hesitate with some dark dramatic colour. The thing you can't put your finger on is "bland". Very, I'm afraid. Be daring!