Rant: PSA to builders, housewives, and general complaint

Fortunately I've never lived in any house or apartment that had a fireplace...save one....and above a FP is the last place I'd want to put one....😣

Having a flat screen over a heat source seems idiotic....not to mention the nearly inevitable soot if you use the FP frequently enough....

As a 'fan-person' of architecture for the bulk of my existence, there's rare examples of current home design and detailing that even begins to give a nod to acoustics.

'Open plan' designs do pose a challenge that, for the most part, engender surrender...😒   The 'best' (🤷‍♂️) I can think of would be an 'alcove' with the 'back wall' non-existent....opening into the open plan general living space....

...that entry/living room/dining/kitchen 'barn'....*L*
Or just giving up....go to a distribution system with drivers every 12', and sensors that 'follow' you around....

The 'immersive option'.... ;) 😏😆

Yes....I'm just kinda kidding....*G*

I've been struggling with the same scenario for years, and have come up with the perfect solution. @larsman is correct - MantelMount is 1/2 the solution. You add a Media Decor https://mediadecor.com/product-category/moving-art-screens/ piece of art to cover your television. When you want to watch TV, the art rolls away, and the MantelMount MM860V2 automatically lowers the TV to the correct height. Our company has been installing this solution for a year and it works great!

And this is exactly why I designed and custom built my current home (at least that's what my wife always says)

My solution to the TV issue involved a free standing fireplace between the dining area and living area.  TV was on the far wall opposite the fireplace.  Large windows on the outer wall.  The room has multiple focal points that don't compete.

@dtximages 

Have you considered the basement for a dedicated listening room.?