To balance hard modern lines and surfaces I agree that anything that adds 'life' to the room is good i.e. anything colourful, organic, or that reflects individual character. So I would go with some wooden items and/ or a wooden floor, plants to bring life, colourful or interesting textures in the soft furnishings. You don't have to go all out with colourful furniture. You can use cushions and rugs for this and the best thing is they can be changed fairly easily if you fancy a new look at a later stage. Original artwork (painting or sculpture) or interesting lamps are great if you can afford. Photos and books (!) bring personality and show that real people do live here. My rule of thumb is that you don't want your home to look like a showhouse. You want it to have life and to reflect your personality. You don't have to go all crazy cat-lady with loads of kooky clutter but a few elements to break up the monotony will really help. Stellahome, your house looks lovely btw! I also love the idea of using interesting or asymmetrical bookcases. You could get a carpenter to knock up something interesting or better yet, do it yourself if you have the skills.

Hi again! For anyone that's interested, I have finally managed to have a go at my varnished stone fireplace and am pretty happy with the results… It's not perfect but makes a huge difference in terms of light in the room and cost me next to nothing! I used a tiny bit of annie sloan paint to dull and lighten the stone - my mum sent me leftovers of 'paris grey' that she had used on some furniture. The link I had found which described the painting process belonged to an artist, so I was aware that my results would differ quite drastically from hers, but I'm still happy! I also had a new mantlepiece made from old planks that my boyfriend has had stashed away for years - a carpenter we often use put it together for the equivalent of about US$10. We don't own the house so I haven't waxed the paint on the stone (meaning it can be washed off with water and a light scrub) and the new mantlepiece is literally slotted on top of the old one and discreetly screwed in place. It is no huge home improvement project but made a big difference to the feel of the room using minimal time, money and mess… Now just the rest of the room to decorate…!

Hello th0m45, Definitely leave them soot and all if you want it to look like a fireplace but you don't want to use it.. (I'd see if you can do) but some people don't want to or can't. This doesn't mean you can't have the aesthetic... Buy a Swan basket freestanding rather than dogs.. that is big enough for the opening.. Then fill with logs.. You could have a slate hearth made to fit and then paint the chimney breast a contrasting colour so it stands out and then add a mirror. You can even add a mantle with two brackets and a large piece of wood as a very make do idea.. Here's a pic of mine as an example.. The original black and white surround was ripped out bashed up and thrown into the recess which I found (heartbreaking).. and in it's place it had a thirties thing put in...before I bought the place! So although it's a working fireplace (now) it doesn't have all of it's original features - I did though open it up and get it working again.. All I need now is a marble surround. or make that two as it's the same in the bedroom!. : ))

Hi Natasha, Firstly congratulations on your new home! An exciting time :) I can't see the photo of the room itself - only the floorpan and the 2 inspiration images. In answer to your questions, The gaps either side of the fireplace are quite literally made for some beautiful cabinetry and shelving and it doesn't have to cost the earth either. It absolutely won't look strange having the cabinets coming out more into the room (in fact in the first image you have shared they do in fact do this!) I also think any kind of bespoke storage like this is always going to be a worthwhile project - like you say it will help to finish the room and make it look more cosy and together, whilst also providing you invaluable storage space. In terms of pricing the best thing to do is to speak to a few local carpenters (3 I would say) and show them the picture - they should be able to give you a more accurate quote - you can save money by using MDF and also by painting it yourselves if you are up for that! Hope that helps :) Good luck! Dani