OOther than applying a final coat of paint, my fireplace makeover is finished. I’m thrilled—more than thrilled, actually—about how it turned out. I find myself smiling and looking at it several times a day.
Before the update, the fireplace was awkward and distracting. That large, unused opening posed a constant design challenge. I tried leaning shutters and mirrors against it and used other quick fixes, but we needed a more permanent solution to fit our home’s style.
The glossy black tile with gold flecks gave the space a bachelor-pad feel, which clashed with the cozy cottage aesthetic I wanted for the room.
That shiny black surface looked like a dark galaxy in the middle of the fireplace, pulling attention away from the mantel and the rest of the room.
We used an inspiration photo to devise a practical but more permanent fix for the opening. Building a simple wood frame and installing horizontal white planks created an attractive backdrop. Right now the wood is primed; once painted it will be even more refined and cohesive with the room.
The modest molding and trim work in the room reinforce the cozy cottage vibe and help showcase the original mantel, which we kept. I’ll share more of those details in upcoming posts.
We installed a split-face gray and white stacked stone on the fireplace face, and the transformation is dramatic. The new stone adds texture and interest while keeping the overall look light and inviting.
The black-flecked tile and the stained carpet around the hearth were removed as part of the update.
We replaced the old hearth with honed vein-cut limestone tile, which now rests within the frame of our new Mohawk hickory floors. The result is a clean, finished hearth that complements the rest of the room. The kitchen and family room are coming together, and the fireplace has become a true focal point.
Jack already approves—he loves lounging by the fire on his new dog bed.
Below is an updated peek at our mantel!
Sources:
The back of the fireplace is tongue-and-groove beadboard planks installed with the bead turned inward. The stacked split-face stone is DalTile #L757 Arctic Gray 2 x 6″. The limestone hearth is DalTile #L191 Chenille White vein-cut honed. Our indoor/outdoor rug came from Overstock. The wood floors are Mohawk hickory. The large mirror was purchased from Restoration Hardware. The Christmas canvas is by Red Letter Words. The metal buckets on the mantel were sourced from LuxeYard. The basket is from World Market. The pillow on the chair came from Target. The rattan chair is of unknown origin. The topiary was purchased through Holly Mathis Interiors. The dog bed was from Joss & Main. Jack the Goldendoodle came from a farm in Newberg, Oregon.
For more decorating ideas, you can find additional inspiration in the book, The Inspired Room.
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Your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a showplace. Use texture, color, and meaningful pieces to personalize each room. With thoughtful choices, you can create a space that reflects the life and people you love.
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