We are a stove showroom that offers a supply and install package. Myself personally, I would go down the fire board the chamber route on the sides, square off the opening as the arch is small or just leave the arch brickwork exposed and split face oyster slate the back of the opening which will give you a nice light opening, the sides can then be painted a light colour. The hearth I would recommend something rustic such as an Indian stone which will tie in nicely with the oyster back. If you square off the opening this leaves you the option to install a beam or not. I have attached a picture of something like what I would recommend. The stove is a DG Ivar which at the minute is an extremely popular option.

Hi mv5869 Thanks for taking the time to offer your suggestions. As it happens I have replaced the fireplace. I am very grateful for all the suggestions people made and they gave me lots of food for thought. I was going to post a photo to show everyone who commented the "after" pictures but was waiting for it to be completely finished so you could see the full effect. I seriously considered a reclaimed Victorian surround and insert but in the end I decided it just wasn't what I wanted. I called in a local specialist and he built me a fireplace with a Bath stone surround and black slate slips and hearth. We in put a gas insert fire. I absolutely love it. The natural materials are gorgeous and in my opinion the design is contemporary but classic. I can turn the fire on when I get in from work (usually late) and I really enjoy the fire every day at the moment. It wasn't a cheap solution but after years of fretting about this I have exactly what I wanted. I will try and add a link to the specialist in a minute. As you can see I took up the carpet and sanded down and varnished the original boards. A few boards needed replacing but a local reclamation yard was able to supply reclaimed boards. The pine came up quite bright but I like it! I also had bookshelves built in on the right and painted white. Thanks so much for suggesting this it looks amazing. I am in the process of reinstating some of my possessions but trying to be selective about what I put back. It just takes time to sort it all out. I went for what I thought was a neutral colour on the walls but it turned out to have a slight orangey tint. I am happy with it. The new sofas are orange so I haven't lost my strong colours altogether! there will be a rug as well so when it is all in place I will post another picture of the finished effect. Tim Davis Stone and Fire

Irenelanca@talktalk.net

We've just fitted a Gotham 900 electric fire from Flamerite. We had a gas fire but didn't often use it as we don't really need extra heating in the room so it was just dark and lifeless. This fire has a great flame effect which can be used without heat, but it can also pump out heat when needed. It looks very like the long fire in the photo - but the one in the photo looks like gas. We wanted a gas fire with lights so that it could glow when it wasn't turned on but apparently very few gas fires do this as, when the fire is turned on, it blows the bulbs! Good luck with your renovations.