You can put the TV over the fireplace, not the best situation but the way the room lays out it is the only logical place to put it. If you could you should add one additional layer on your mantel that could extend it out another 4" to deflect the radiant coming from the fireplace. I would also mount it on a slimline mounting bracket and have the bottom of the TV no further than 4" above the mantle. Ideally you want the TV to be in as straight a line as possible with your eyes. You don't want to look up too high at the TV, it's like being at a sports bar. Also if you can snake up the power and the HDMI from the cable there is a box they make that has both in one so it makes for a very clean installation.

Have you thought about getting slipcovers made? If you wanted to go with a cottage look white or off white would look good with your rustic fireplace. Don't be afraid of the white, slipcovers that are made well will last a long time, and can be washed even bleached. I have had mine for probably 9 years now. Love that you can wash them. I would skirt the bottom of the slipcovers. I think it would really transform them. You could bring in some blue accents with pillows, etc. Some pictures on your wall with some ocean blues would look nice with some rustic touches like antlers, shells etc.

Hi there nicndrew -- wondering if you ever solved your venting issues if you went ahead and put your range into the fireplace. We have a similar issue - 140 year old victorian and the only realistic plan we can come up with for a new kitchen design is to put our range into an existing fireplace. Our floorplan is constrained by a stairwell as well as a couple of weight bearing walls so we need to work with what we have...I am hoping we can vent up and out the side of the house -- four flues in this chimney but the kitchen flue is closest to the exterior wall. The contractor is coming to take a look on Saturday but would love to gather some suggestions before then.

Wow! What an incredible view you have! I think you first need to frame it out. I would suggest changing out the carpet with hardwood floors with a worn or weathered look. Definitely get rid of the plastic and replace with white base moulding. Next I would paint the walls a color in the pale grey or grey/blue family. Next, I would suggest some crisp white sheers to frame each window. In the pictures, it looks like the Windows on the right are two windows wide. If so, I would also place panels in the middle of those 2 windows to continue framing the view. These are for decorative purposes only and not intended to distract from the view. It looks like there is a big space between two of the windows. I would locate a large architectural piece to place on that wall to add some interest. Remove all the small items from the window ledges. Finally, I would love a round table in that space. Good luck with your reno!