Putting any idea on paper is the first step in finding a solution to the many problems that need to be solved with a project that has so many limitations. The legs of the surround could only be about 4″ wide and have to wrap an outside corner touching the two side cabinets. This would limit how much detail that could be used. A claw and ball foot would be great here but maybe a little much for the other details in the room. A fluted leg with a carving at the base could work but just didn’t seem to be enough detail.
The space above the fire box is also a little complicated. To maintain a minimal heat set back on the granite, and with minimal details to create a mantle, it would require more space than was available. Then to make it tougher, the screen projected out 8″ making it impossible to display anything on the mantle.
The first thing that must be decided is to whether or not to move the screen up and if it would look better to recess it into it’s own niche. Recessing the screen also protects it from the heat of the fireplace. Since there were so many niches already, a “frame less” niche could be appropriate with the screen flush to the front. Just fortunately, we had a vent less fire box and the space above it was void of anything mechanical.
It was obvious the finish of the new mantle would have to match the two side cabinets. The coloring is a soft light brown with a darker brown glaze on maple wood. This color matching process can be a lot of trial and error to reproduce since cabinet manufacturers are not willing to give up their secret recipes.