“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)Â 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?
Ugh, I love them all! That tile is gorgeous, but if I HAD to choose a favorite, I’d go brick or river rock.
I’m think I’m feeling a tie between the neutral brick and the river rock. I just can’t decide so I’m glad it’s you and not me that has to. 🙂 jonni
1 then 3 & 4.
My vote would be for the reclaimed brick. It’s going to be so pretty!
A difficult choice because they are all stunning. I’m probably leaning towards the river rock but in reality I like them all.
I like the brick options. Classic. Beautiful ideas. Looking forward to your updates.
For me, the river rock… For you, the neutral brick! ~Kim
Layla, When I did my fireplace makeover (here are the pics… http://beckwithstreasures.com/journal/2015/4/15/the-den-makeover-reveal ) I also wanted a “solid” hearth. But I found that a solid piece of travertine (or any material) was SUPER pricey. I ended up using 18 x 18 travertine tiles and just put a VERY small grout line…maybe 1/16 of an inch. It really gave it the look and the feel of a solid piece at a fraction of the cost. Looking back, I could have probably faux painted the existing solid marble…but I like the travertine and I like the “solid” look! BTW, my vote is the darker brick. I love the lighter travertine on mine because I love the darker wall…it’s all about “balance.”
My favorite is the darker reclaimed brick. I love the marble also, but I think the brick gives a better contrast and just looks awesome. Good luck. What a fun project!
Layla – I believe the best choice is whatever makes your heart sing! I love your ideas for this makeover. My fav is probably the brick, maybe the lighter one. I’m usually adamantly a fan of marble but don’t love it with the darker wood mantle. The brick seems more rustic. I do know it will be lovely no matter what you choose, because you have exquisite taste. Have fun with this!
I’d go with neutral brick or river rock! I love the texture both of those add. Whatever you choose will be beautiful, though! Looking forward to seeing the transformation!
I too love the neutral brick the most. Runner up would be the river rock. Can’t wait to see as it progresses – I know it will be beautiful!! 🙂
Hand painted tile for the win!!
I LOVE the river rock look. We wanted a very similar look at our beach cottage. We had the idea that we wanted the firebox surround and the hearth to look like the beach…so we began the hunt for the “tile” sheet of pebbles and planned to use a tan “sand” colored grout. After buying many, many sheets of pebbles, we realized that the sheets were too perfect. All the pebbles were color matched, and looked like somebody’s beach, but not ours. My dad (bless him) suggested that we go to the beach, collect pebbles and make our own surround, so that is just what we did. It was really a fun and easy project. We were able to play around with the layout of the pebbles and adhere each one just where we wanted it. We found a heart shaped pebble that we included, as well as a laser etched one that said “laugh”. We did the hearth out of large travertine tiles that looked like waves on the sand. The cottage was a total gut, and is now almost finished. The thing we get the most comments about is that fireplace surround, and it has a really special meaning for our family. Just a thought. So if you have a favorite beach somewhere…. =)
Neutral brick would be my winner, as well. River rock takes second place, though!
big fan of the reclaimed brick. swoon!
although that neutral brick is lovely as well.
regardless, i am excited to see what you finally end up with!
In LOVE with that Muskoka Living rock fireplace….wowzers! I might be a little biased though as that company is right here in my neck of the woods Ontario, Canada! 😉 I vote for the neutral reclaimed brick…think it would fit your space the best. Can I ask what the dimensions of your living room are? Would love to do the same layout as yours in my house, not sure if the room is quite big enough though :-/
I love the Marble Mosaic myself. Love the look and the colors. Second favorite is the reclaimed brick.
If you choose the carrara marble route, you should easily be able find a salvage piece of for the hearth for a good price at the slab showrooms. Good luck with your project – it will look fantastic whatever you choose!
I love the river rock, but they all look great!
Ooh! I love it all! 🙂 My favorites are the marble and the river rock. I just watched an episode of something on HGTV (maybe House Hunters Renovation?) where they went to the beach and picked up rocks to use on their shower floor. Not sure if there are many rounded rocks on the beaches closest to you, but that might be a fun memory-making hunt! 🙂
I am so glad I’m not alone in thinking about my fireplace as summer begins! I have been thinking of adding pebble tile around our surround. These options you’ve shared have me even more inspired. I’m sure it will be beautiful!
I pick the hand painted tile It has the most impact.
Neutral Reclaimed Brick!!!! Stunning…
I love the neutral brick and river rock. We just used river rock on our walk-in shower floor and it’s so pretty.
I like the patterned tile and river rock. The brick looks too… commonplace? in my opinion. I can’t wait to see the transformation!
I vote for the neutral brick, but I have one more idea to add to the mix.
How would a piece of blue stone, in a light blue/grey color, look? It has a country feel without being too busy. It is less formal than marble and less busy than rock or tile. It wouldn’t compete with your re-cycled boards, and would have enough weight to keep the fireplace as a focal point without competing with whatever you put on the shelves.
It gives a New England Coastal feeling. I’m thinking about using it on my fire place. Maybe you could try it out first? *nudge, nudge, wink*
What ever you pick will be fabu as always. Looking forward to the finished design!
ohhhhhh! I love these choices . . . but my faves are 1) the bricks and 2) the river rocks
but whatever you choose I know it will be gorgeous! thanks for taking me along on this journey . . .so fun! xoxo
Any one of those choices will look amazing! You can’t go wrong. The reclaimed brick feels the most Southern to me and I like the texture. I can’t wait to watch the transformation, it is going to look great.
I love the river rock on the fireplace the best. With the brick in your first picture being a close second.
I agree neutral brick..
I’m always so inspired by your creativity and aesthetic! i love everything you’ve done to your house! my favorites are definitely the brick options! they seem to fit the aesthetic of your house the best i think and really pop with the white mantle and gray boards above. i love the blue tiles as well. the stones are pretty but give off more of a lodge-y feel and while I’m a sucker for marble i don’t think it really pops off a white mantle; it kinda just blends and doesn’t give the wow factor you seem to be after. But that’s just my opinion and I’m not nearly as creative as you! i know whatever you do will be absolutely beautiful!
Rock for sure, natural, rustic, farm style. You never posted an update on your added wall. Are you going to?
When I have one, yes! 😀
I LOVE the painted tile! That would be my choice…
Love the river rock!
L~ Well, I like all of them. But, the traditionalist side of me loves the reclaimed brick. LOVE it. And, if you are going to USE the fireplace, the reclaimed brink will show less soot and staining from it.
Definitely love the reclaimed brick! The blue tile is very cool but you might get tired of it someday. The marble is timeless, as well. But it seems like the brick fits your home best.
These are hard choices and your choice will be a good one, but I personally like Option #1 first and then #5. However, my absolute favorite will be the one with Sweet P’s Christmas stocking hanging on it! 😉
The neutral brick option looks almost identical to the fireplace we just redid. We used travertine stone but I think it looks very close to yours! Here’s a link to the picture in case you want to see it: http://www.salvagedspaces.com/2014/10/before-and-after-fireplace-diy.html
I have to say the reclaimed brick really catches my eye! It brings in just a little more warmth, which after all is what fireplaces are all about right?
River Rock!!! Definitely!!! That was by far my favourite and I think it adds a little more character and fits in a bit better than the brink (reclaimed or neutral).
Oh please tell me your expanding your windows. The inspiration photo is beautiful.
No, Crystal- our neighbors house is right on the other side of those windows, so they’ll stay put. 🙂
Reclaimed Brick!!!! Gorgeous farmhouse style!
I am SO exicted to see this come together, great inspiration and it fits the style of your place perfectly. It will definitely create a focal point and even brighten up and make the space feel taller! My favourites are #2 & #3, I love that patterned tile it looks fantastic!
Lauren Baxter | LB Designs
xx
Thank you, Lauren! Your comments always bring a smile to my face! 😀
I love the reclaimed brick! It’s so classic and warm! And if you’re still playing with bringing in more reds, it gives you another pop of reddish tones, depending on what brick you choose. Our fireplace needs a facelift too. Currently it’s very builder basic…i.e.: blaaaahhhh. Can’t wait to see what you pick!
P.S. – my BlogThreads tee arrived the other day – LOVE IT! 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad to hear you love your t-shirt, Leigh! Thank you for ordering one! XO
Haha, I’m surprised at my choice here….as I’m not generally a rock fan at all, however the examples you show here the rock is the prettiest…adds texture and additional dimension.
I love the river rock; it looks so farmhousey and natural
Layla…Did you see HGTV’s Brother vs Brother last week? They did old boards around the fireplace….GORGEOUS. Jonathon used some kind of a brush to clean them before installing them
I like the first reclaimed brick the best. Especially if you didn’t do a lot of ‘clean up’ of the cream/white mortar. I love the messy mortar look causing the brick to look really old and more ‘historical’ Not sure there was a lot of neutral colored brick way back in the day. Everything single thing else is pure perfection! Can’t wait to see what you come up with, I know it will be gorgeous.
I actually like several of your examples but I think the thing that is throwing me off is in all of your examples you have a large white mantel area above the opening, looks like two boards. In the inspiration photo it felt balanced because it’s capped with the white molding. In your home it looks like you want to use that reclaimed natural wood and it doesn’t seem to work. The balance is off. The sides and the surround are all the same with, then the top is double in size. Why don’t you try making an example where you change it to just one white board above, then cap with your natural wood and see what it looks like? I tried it (but couldn’t post a photo) and I think it works better.
Oh, don’t mind that width. That’s just the inspiration pic mantel you’re seeing, Pamela. We’re going to use something salvaged, so it won’t look anything like that and I won’t know exactly what it’ll look like til we find it. 😀