The fireplace makes an amazing transformation with the addition of the mantle and hearth.   The mantle is composed of several miter cut pieces of molding that trim the fireplace nicely.  The hearth in our home is a solid piece of slate, with matching slate inset between the mantle and the fireplace itself.   The unit is a ventilated gas log system from Heatilator, with a convenient wall switch next to the fireplace for easy on-off access.