Define an inner rectangle which makes the whole harmonious
Define main rectangle of outside of the fireplace under the shelf
Get the height of mantel shelf
Add the periphery—chimney, wings, chimney breast, hearth, to make it complete in three dimensions.
We now began a series of experiments, to see what the three dimensional character of the area in front of the fire should be.
Benches don't help—lets try something else
Try vertical projecting volumes, rather than benches…
Those volumes don't help—try something simpler, not projecting so much
Try widening the mantel, and making two side volumes slightly forward to support it
This is better—simpler, more comfortable to sit near—lets go with this
Get color and material of main body of the fireplace
Get color and material of main body of the fireplace
Add finishing touches of ornament, to give a fine-grained level of scale