The entertainment center will be moved in front of the fireplace, being the only logical place to put a big-screen television.
I completed Phase 1 this morning. I cleaned out the fireplace. I tore the mantle off the wall with a hammer. I repainted the parts of the wall that were partially destroyed in the process. Finally, I closed up the fireplace with a piece of styrofoam and a black display board. I don't want the cat crawling back there and coming out covered in soot.
Satuday, David has volunteered to help me move the entertainment center, which is a big job! Don't worry though, we're professionals.
Progress so far.