I’ve been looking for ways to update our sad, tired fireplace surround, and it’s difficult because there are SO many great options out there. Some are quick updates, some are complete overhauls. I knew when I started looking that I want something classic that won’t need an update in ten years, so I narrowed it down to stone, cast stone, brick, with some raw wood finishes. Keep in mind, we’ll be tackling this ourselves (DIY rocks) so I need to make sure that I’m not getting us in over our heads. Now I need to narrow down the options and find the perfect design.
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This is our current fireplace. So, why the redesign? Well, I hate it. I hate the TV above it with the cords showing (this was designed for the big tube TVs so there’s a ton of wasted space in the back). I hate that the gas insert is totally inefficient (there’s no fan, and everything on the mantel has to be moved so it doesn’t get fried if you ever want to actually turn the fireplace on). Most annoyingly, the mantel can’t really get decorated the way I want because the stupid TV is sitting there staring me in the face.
This was designed to be the living room, which obviously did not work for us. We made the tiny dining room an office, the music room our living room, and the living room (that looks into the kitchen), the dining room/keeping room. Now that we are officially finished with the living room, I feel comfortable starting the re-design on the dining room, that will inevitably creep into the beginning of a kitchen reno (I’m sure Rainman won’t realize what I’m doing until it’s too late).
Anyway, here are some of the ideas I came up with for inspiration:
The Stone Wall:
I love stone and this is a great, clean look. However, I definitely have to have a mantel and a way to conceal a TV, even if it isn’t visible all the time.
This is a stunning look, and believe it or not, in a new build. They nailed the Pennsylvania Dutch, antique Americana look in the awesomeness of new construction. Bravo. It does not, however, solve my problem with a visible television.
There are so many outstanding elements in this, particularly the varied stone sizes. It’s breathtaking. The beams may be a bit too rustic for our place, however.
Stone and Poured Stone Forms:
I had to include this because it is just SO cool. I researched what this company does and they pour forms to your exact fireplace dimensions. It’s still real stone, but is lighter and you can DIY in a snap. VERY cool. We won’t use this particular design but we may end up using one of their other, more classic, designs.
This is awesome because it combines several different finishes. The brick INSIDE and on the hearth is perfect, crowned with cast stone. The scale is fantastic. I think I could easily incorporate a hidden TV above because of the depth.
Another similar cast stone mantel surround topped with a rustic, wood slab. I love it, but it’s still slightly too raw for what we’re going for.
This is awesome. Super awesome. I adore it paired with the travertine. Simply elegant.
I LOVE the scale of this. If I could transport a replica of this directly to my house I would definitely do it. I just need a hearth to cover the wood. Sigh.
A mix of shiny marble, a classic stone surround, and a resident florist? Yes please.
This is obviously a little too formal for what we’re doing, but the look was too good not to share. I’d like to sign up for bath time, please.
Painted Brick Updates:
So, obviously, I’m not starting with an eighties brick fireplace. But, it would be SO much easier if I was. Because this look is trendy and CLASSIC, a rare find. Check out this inspiration on how to update a brick fireplace surround with paint.
This one they weren’t messing around. They went ALL the way white. It’s very pretty.
This guy is a little more “Joanna Gaines” chippy white, with a heavily applied German Shmear technique. It’s really nicely done.
For a more modern take on the painted fireplace brick, this is a sweet alternative and would work with a number of different design styles.
Aaaaand straight to farmhouse. Light German Shmear, shiplap backed builtins, and a rustic mantel. Very NOW.
The FAUX Fireplace:
So, here’s another thought on design inspiration. How about a FIRELESS fireplace? Or a focal point without functionality? I love the idea of constructing something without having to do demo first (and keep in mind any of these could easily add an electric fireplace kit if you really want the additional ambiance).
This one was done in multiple stages and is very effective in warming and styling what was previously a drab, stark, and boring room.
The lady behind the design is creative and ingenious at finding inexpensive ways to make her design spaces come to life. Antique mantels are relatively easy to find at salvage shops and this is a great idea of how to use them (I like that it’s a clever disguise for the air intake, too).
Deconstruct and Go:
For those of you lucky enough to live in older homes with character, sometimes just doing a little deconstruction and cleaning goes a long way.
This is stunning.
This is a little cleaner, but still looks original. I love it.
This is daring and rustic, and may exist in its natural form somewhere in a cabin in the woods. Possibly Narnia or the Shire.
With a simple slate hearth update, this is recreated into something gorgeous and functional. Love.
Thanks for hanging with us today and check out some of our other design inspiration and DIY projects on our blog. Cheers!
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