wood stoves-ideas for surround

we have a small wood stove,placed into exisiting fireplace.thats ok but the surround is a big wood,and metal monstrosity.what have other stove owners done?
if we remove it i think it will look to bare,need ideas and if possible pics thks

I've seen old cast iron surrounds (without the inset) used and it looks great, with inside blocks painted black or tiled with black slate