“I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it, and so, go out themselves to warm and cheer.”
-George Matthew Adams
It might seem like a strange time to begin a fireplace facelift (Hello! It’s 90 degrees outside!), BUT, we’re going to be working on this thing in stages over the next 6 months, so I’m actually thinking it’ll be finished right at the perfect time: Christmastime! 😀
Here’s the inspiration photo we’ll be using as a guide:
Here’s what I love about it:
a) It sticks off the wall behind it more than a few inches.
Right now, our fireplace is wood and tile, stuck to the drywall behind it. Same as it was the day we moved in 2.5 years ago:
(October 2012)
I’ve always felt like there was so much room to play with depth and dimension there! A fireplace that stretches from the floor to the ceiling, and sticks out at least as far as the hearth. Why not, right? One that says, “I am focal point. Hear me roar!“. 😀
I also love a fireplace that sits out further than whatever is on each side of it. Whether it be bookcases, or cabinets, or window seats, I seem to be most drawn to that kind of set-up. Here’s a photo of a front porch that’s doing the same kind of thing:
(Tumblr)
See how the door area juts out, making it a focal point- which, in turn, makes the areas on each sides more interesting too? I love that!
There are no right or wrongs with this stuff though…just sharing my personal preferences while I’m in dream mode. 😉
b) The white mantel on top of the darker gray paint.
Our paint won’t be quite as dark as the paint in the inspiration photo (I’m going to color match it to match our salvaged planks), but I still think it’ll look nice and crisp. I’d love to find an old mantel to use…maybe something like this, painted white:
It might be kind of hard to find one that the exact right measurements, but I’m all about the thrill of the hunt, and if it needs to be cut down a little, that’s okay too. I’d replace the shelf on top with a mantel beam made out of the reclaimed heart pine we brought home the other day.
c) That recessed area above the mantel would be a great spot to use the reclaimed wood Kevin got me for my birthday.
My (tongue-and-groove) planks need a good cleaning, but man are they really going to bring in a lot of history! Garlan (from Southern Accents) told me they came off the walls of an Indiana farmhouse that was built in the 1880s. I’m excited they’ll get to live on here at our house now!
So, with that said, here are a few Photoshop mock-ups of what I have in mind. They include my (dream) choices as far as the area around the firebox and surface of the hearth goes, too:
1. Reclaimed Brick
There’s a great reclaimed brick shop right up the road, and I’m thinking we might be able to just use slices (not entire bricks) to clad that area. I left a message for someone who works there…I’ll let you know what I find out.
2. Neutral Reclaimed Brick
I’m curious to see if they carry a more muted brick color. Or maybe I could whitewash it? I’ll keep you posted on that as well.
3. Handpainted Tile
This one is probably waaaay too expensive, but I love it, so I wanted to include it.
Here’s a (rough) idea of what that would look like on the inspiration fireplace:
Not a great representation, but you get the jist.
4. Marble mosaic
I love the combo of this 1×2 marble tile, with a solid piece of marble on the hearth:
(Design: Caitlin Creer; Photo: Meikel Reece)
No idea how much a solid piece of marble costs, (I’m guessing a lot) but I guess it wouldn’t have to be a solid piece. It could just be more mosaic. Here’s a rough idea of how it would look on the inspiration fireplace:
Again, it’s a little hard to tell exactly what it would look like- but you get the idea.
5. River Rock
I’ve always loved the look and feel of a river rock fireplace. This one by the folks at Muskoka Living is so scrumptious:
So. Can you see the trend? I want to use a material, shape and/or pattern that feels natural and/or historic. Something that leans traditional, cottage and/or farmhouse. I’d be pleased as punch with any of them, but I think that neutral brick is the one that makes my heart sing the loudest. 🙂
Do you have a favorite out of these five?
Sharon Herbitter
I’m surprised at myself because this isn’t usually how I go, but I really like the marble. (There aren’t any I don’t like, although the darker (reclaimed) brick is my least favorite.)
Laura
I LOVE the tile and the neutral brick. Now I want to redo my fireplace! 🙂
Rayia
I agree. The neutral brick! 🙂
Jennifer C.
I do like the brick but when I saw the tile…LOVE!
DLG in Mich
Normally I’m a huge fan of river rock, but I actually like the reclaimed brick and the marble tiles best. I love your style and wish you could do some design consulting for me some day when you’re in Michigan!
[email protected]
So many great ideas, Layla! Your fireplace facelift will be such a fun project! I would choose river rock (if I had a fireplace in my cozy, little bungalow). Can’t wait to follow your progress! ♡
Sheila
I love the marble mixed with the boards and leave them the original color! Adds a bit
of European flair which goes with farmhouse beautifully
Rose L.
I love the river rock one!!!
Narelle
Would love any of those options but the Painted tile is my favourite.
sandi
LOVE the hand painted tiles, it just draws you right in to the whole room and wall. It wouldn’t be that expensive since you would need so few and look at how long you would enjoy them.
Harmony
How fun! I like the marble mosaic (choice #4) for this room because it will also blend/tie in with your kitchen. I think it would be really pleasing to the eye as a transition from kitchen to living room. Can’t wait to see the finished reveal. 🙂
Betsy
Layla maybe you could go to a ceramic paint studio and paint a similar pattern on some ceramic tile yourself ? I wonder if you could stencil it on the tile ?
Lauri Mcintosh
River Rock, for sure. They’re all beautiful, but that one ‘looks’ like you. Can’t wait to see the finished project.
Kim
My vote is for Option #1, reclaimed brick! I love the texture and warmth it brings. It’s so cozy!
Bobbi Palmer
They all look nice, but when I got to the river rock I actually “oooo’d”, it looks so warm.
Peg
I think with the style of your beautiful home, the hand painted tile would work best. It’s absolutely beauty-full! With such a small area to tile, I think it would be fun to splurge, don’t you? I know I will love whatever you choose because I love your style and I love your blog! : )
karen
Im loving the concept cant wait for it to begin actually have you checked out thrifty decor chick she did a similar fireplace make over using a darker color looks great.
Melanie
Layla, the neutral brick is speaking to me the most, too!! 🙂
Heidi Ferguson
Definitely Reclaimed brick -number (1) Love the darker (but not dark) brick (2) the darker color brick seems to harmonize better with the mantle than the lighter brick. The lighter brick just seems to come out of no where and just seems out of place. I’m a brick fan, so that’s my opinion. You always make stuff look amazing so I’m sure you will go with the right choice whatever it may be!!! Can’t wait to see the finished product. Somehow, I think you will finish before 6 months!
Diana
I like number one the best because the reclaimed brick goes with the wood mantle; they’re both warm. The hand-painted tile is nice, too. I feel like the lighter brick is too light and the marble too elegant. And I’m just not crazy about the river rock as a small edging inside the fireplace surround.
Jennifer
I went with Arkansas feild stone not stacked but laid flat….its a really nice look and I always get tons of complements on it. Above the mantle we did beadboard painted trim color…wish I could send you a pic…the brick also looks beautiful. Good Luck!
Ria
Personally I love the river rock. It sings to me! I am a nature girl. It softens the look, too. Too many straight lines makes the brain start to tire. The roundness just takes that away slightly and makes a person feel relaxed. Just like nature intended!
sara sun
Gotta say I love the river rock most and then the muted brick. River rock is so cottage. I LOVE it.
Susan Lindeman
My favorite is the River Rock!!
Kathy
I love the painted tile! My second choice, which also looks fantastic, is the river rock.
Kay
Fun post! I like your attention to detail — it’s always very inspirational!
Marie P.
My favorite is the river rock! It’s stunning and softens all the “corners” as someone else noted. I love the colors, and the texture and depth it adds makes you want to touch it! But, those Walker Zanger tiles are amazing, too! The color and pattern they add are interesting and energetic! Good luck deciding, you have some wonderful ideas and choices.
Sylva
I like the bricks- the lighter ones best, but I like them both. My least favorite is the hand painted tile. No idea why. River rock is okay but a little too cabin for me. Which ever option you choose, it will be awesome.
Trudi
The brick slices are my favorite. River rock and marble a tie for second (although they both give a completely different vib from one another). The tile was pretty, but my least favorite. Curious to see what you choose. I love how you put a room together!
Kristen
River rock! The blues and greys play so well with the color of the planks.
Julia
I like the reclaimed brick slices and the mosaic tile best, but you have such an eye for things that make your hearts sing, I know your choice will be gorgeous. We have a fireplace with wood planking and wood shelves on both sides, it goes all the way to the ceiling (very rustic) and I can’t convince my husband to paint it. We do want to find a reclaimed wood beam mantel.
Dawn
Layla,
I love the river rock look. It looks so nice to me. Good luck with your decision. I can’t wait to see what you do.
Holly
My favorite is the river rock. Second is the darker brick. They are both the most natural to me. I love how you decorate….in stages. That’s how I do it too. Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you decide.
Sandy
I love the river rock! Like what others said above it really softens all the horizontal lines and has the cottage look you are going for. The marble is my second choice.
Ter'e Crow Lindsay
I love No. 3 with that gorgeous expensive tile. There is a quiet beauty about it. How much tile would it take anyhow???? It’s subtle enough to catch your eye and make you want to linger.
Little note: my Grandson works for a fellow, in KC, and they carefully take old homes and old barns down. I cannot wait to get up there – to be able to shop for old wood. My heart sings!!!!
We have been fortunate enough to buy two pieces of furniture that have been constructed using reclaimed wood. I positively love the look and feel of it. I LUV your planks!!!!!
Melissa
You know Layla, your hand painted tile might not be as far out of reach price wise as you think. You can purchase ceramic bisque tile and glaze fairly cheaply and make your own (I know you’re creative enough, and you know that would add extra special character to your home!) Now, as for having them fired I am sure you could reach out and make a local potter friend (it’s always good to have one on hand anyhow ?). I wish we lived closer, I’d totally be that friend for you!
Joyce Cussimanio
I am alone on this one it seems, but I like the marble mosaic, even though it doesn’t say “hear me roar.” It is very attractive and the sheer size of the fireplace and surround will cause it to be a focal point. At the same time, it won’t compete with other decorative elements or accessories that you might want to feature on that wall. I’d like to think of it as a deep, comforting purr! You will do something great. You always do!
Brooke
I like the reclaimed reddish brick or river rock! They seem to have more contrast. I love them all though! I got an old mantle in AL at an antique shop and painted it white but just nailed it to the wall. Id love to make it into a full fireplace! My mantle was $40!!!
Cindy Barganier
Oh my gosh… that Walker Zanger!!!!!
Holly
Lordy, that Muskoka Living one rocks! No pun! I spend hours in that store. It’s a feast for the eyes.
Brittney Bernfeld
I found your blog while looking for fireplace inspiration on Pinterest. I think your ideas are absolutely beautiful. I look forward to seeing where you end up with the project. Thanks for posting. – Brittney Bernfeld
Michelle
Really like the painted tiles – (had this in one of our homes, and it was the focal point. However, we now have river rock, and it warms up the room – either would look wonderful. Good luck with your decision!