Antiques show their age and history, blemishes and all. That kind of imperfection is a lovely thing to live with because it’s so forgiving.
You should be able to “read” a great house just like a biography. The sides of the hearth enables you to store CDs, which could trace back past memories.
The hearth of the room also adds warmth to the living room, creating a comfortable space for one to rest and enjoy.