As of 10/25/2011

Below is the original fireplace to the house.

Below is an antique walnut mantel I bought at the Architectural Emporium in Canonsburg, PA.  I believe it's from Belgium and from the late 1800's.

And I truly leave the best for last!  Though there are a few people that will dispute this.

Beginning the destruction of the existing fireplace. 10/21/2010

The new mantel in place.  Need to lower the firebox.

Tearing apart the wall to get at the firebox.

I decided not to use the existing firebox.  The one below is a gas fired Victorian cast iron one.  Looks much better.  I pulled the carpet in the middle of the living room floor and replaced it with tile, the same that is shown in front of the fireplace.

I'm replacing the cabinet to the right of the fireplace.  I borrowed scaffolding from the company who is building the cabinet so I could finish putting the travertine split face tiles on the fireplace. I had to put the bench on top of the scaffolding to get the top one foot.

Now just need the cabinets so I can finish the tiling.  Yes, it's one YEAR after starting the fireplace.