It is really just a matter of removing the clutter around the grate and giving it a good cleanup. It is quite an interesting feature and will stand well on its own. I would remove all of the objects around it and clear out the grate. The modern stand of tools needs to be replaced with a simple set that matches the style of the fireplace. Not sure what the round item to the left is, but I suspect it might me a lighter of some sort. It and the jug seem to feel comfortable but the rest of the items need to be removed. As suggested above, a careful application of the appropriate blacking will do wonders, but even before that I would call in a chimney sweep to clean the flue and make sure it is in working order. Even if you do not plan to use the fireplace it is a good idea to know what the working status is. I imagine this is meant for coal burning, though I would not take my word on that. I have a gas fire with imitation coals that "burn" quite realistically. You can get them at a fireplace shop and they do indeed look like coal. You could use those if you do not plan to light them, or even use real coal to fill the grate. When I restored my fireplace and set in a coal basket I was lucky to talk to an old fellow who knew just how it should work. If you can't find good advice from a shop or chimney sweep then it would be fun to do do a little research at the library to find out how the fireplace was used and how it should look with proper accessories. I think you will be pleased with the result.

My plan shows steps down from the kitchen to the garden room as I noticed the wc was on a lower level. I still prefer my plan because:- you end up with a bigger living room (on the first floor) and the plan suggests there is a balcony outside these windows; you move the dining room to the entrance level and then put an opening to the hallway so that the hall seems bigger and your first impression is improved; the front basement room will have the most limited outlook and light so in my opinion should be a gym or guest room, you have a kitchen in the heart of the house; you have a living space at a likely similar height to the garden; the main bedroom moves up a floor to a likely quieter position; the guest rooms all have fewer stairs for the parents; and you don’t have to take out major walls to achieve this. But of course this is all based on the plans provided but you know your house best. Perhaps now you are getting some ideas you should consider the available budget and explore some of the layouts with a designer or concept planner.

Thank you, this would have been perfect had the fire pit tables width been around 90cm. We are ok with the table block access to the left hand door of the french doors as in the future we will be having sliders or bi-folds. Thinking about it more, we could have it on the right hand side of the patio instead although it will some what restrict access to the single door into the garden...

Would you consider an electric or a bioethanol fire at all? Woodburners are heavy polluters both inside and outside the home and their use has already been restricted in some areas. Some of the electric and bioethanol fires are very authentic looking. Here’s some examples. The first three are electric and the last one is bioethanol and requires no flue.