It's Been Awhile

I haven't posted a picture of the progress on the fireplace in awhile. Here's how it is looking these days:
For previous photos of the fireplace renovation see here, here and here.

We need to build the mantel (which will be cherry), throw up the rest of the stone and paint the built-ins. Speaking of painting the built-ins... we can't decide what to do! Should we paint them the color of the trim (silky white), the color of the walls (gobi desert), do the sides white and the backs beige? Or something else? Any suggestions, ideas, tips, etc. are welcome!