Friday, April 10, 2009

My $82 Fireplace Makeover

What do you do with an outdated-looking fireplace, that’s proportions are all wrong, for around eighty bucks?



LR_before



First, you bulk up the mantle by attaching wider wood to it:



OldMantleView



MantleView



All it takes is a 1”x8” piece of lumber, that’s distressed and stained the color of your choice:



mantelwood



Then, you remove the cast iron firebox:



Removing the Firebox




Next, you paint the brick around the opening, and the cracked concrete hearth, black:



Black Paint


Then, you add strips of wood & luan plywood to the facade to create dimension, using Liquid Nails:



First Pieces of Moulding


Next, attach various 1x4’s, as well as 1/4”x4”s to the luan plywood using wood glue or Liquid Nails:



Fireplace Trim Moulding



Don’t ask me what that weird pinkish spot on the back wall of the fireplace is. I have no idea. All I know is that everytime I looked at it, I saw Wilson, from “Cast Away”:



http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/01/21/science/castaway533.jpg



Next, tape off the brick, so that you can caulk the seams and paint all the wood:


Caulked and Taped


Last step, paint the inside of the fireplace with black heat-resistant paint.


Here’s how it looks today, after implementing all of the simple and inexpensive steps listed above:



FP 2



Here is a close up of the newly added wood:



FP Close



And a view of the side of it:



Metal Shell Tiles



As a temporary and inexpensive solution, I accessorized the mantle mostly with things I already had around the house. I used my Twinkle, Twinkle Quotebox, a $4.00 flea market frame, a bunch of seashells and rocks, four mercury glass candle stands, a rusty-lidded old jar filled with teeny-tiny white rocks and a small potted fern:



Be Mine



Shell



I did buy two of these wooden candleholders today at Target, for $2.50 each. They’re right by the front door, in case you’re interested in picking some up.



Target Candleholder



I also bought all six candles today.



Accessories



Inside the fireplace, I used my barnwood trough, my “Gator Farms” bucket, and a Boston fern I bought today, at Home Depot, for $11.97. I love the way it simulates fire, with its green, flame-shaped leaves:




Fern



My favorite colors are blue and green. I plan to use lots of Green, and both Navy and Porcelain Blue throughout the entire house:



Pillow



We’re really enjoying the way the fireplace looks now. It really added a lot of cottage charm to our home.



FP_NEW



Eventually, I will take down the Twinkle Quotebox and flea market frame, and put together a very wide mirror, out of beveled mirror tiles, to hang on the wall above the mantle. I’ll also install two wall sconces on either side of the mirror.



On the hearth, we want to lay some kind of natural, sandy-colored tile. Think: A wooden boat (the fireplace surround) washed ashore (the tile) and covered in seashells and seaweed (the ferns). The reflective elements (the mercury glass and future mirror) will represent the sea.



I found this sandy tile in Montgomery, for $3.99 a square foot:



Tile Choice


I’d love to get the above tile in the 1”x1'” size, and if I remember correctly, I think they carried those as well. (The ones in the photo above are 2”x2” tiles)


I found these 1” ones on the internet, and their high contrast pattern is a little out of my comfort zone, but I’m also drawn to them because of that for some reason:



xl_Mix_1X1_Tumbled___Pic_1


If they were a little more de-saturated in color, they’d be perfect.


Another option I’d like to investigate is using a Pebble Tile, like these:



image



Speaking of the sea, we’re heading to the Gulf Coast tomorrow. We’ll comb the beach for shells, visit the Copper Possum (in Milton, FL)...



Photo: Bob Gibbs


...and celebrate this little ones 3rd Birthday:



Maddox Blog



His name is Maddox, and he is our nephew. I can’t wait to hear his giggle. There’s nothing like the sound of it.



Hope everyone has a great weekend! I’ll leave you with this beautiful quote I pulled from my Quote Jar this morning:





“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try” – unknown



Don’t be afraid to try to revitalize those old, outdated fireplaces! You CAN make major cosmetic changes to them , in cost-effective ways, in as little as one weekends time.

89 comments:

christy said...

What a great transformation! It looks amazing! I like the decor as is, but can see your vision too. I don't think you could make a wrong move when it comes to decor.

Jen Bowles said...

Great project!! Love the transformation and such great pictures of it all! I just linked to your project on my (Makes Me) Happy Friday post on my blog. Hope that's ok : ) Thanks for the inspiration!

Sara F. said...

You are my decorating hero! ;-)

Coty said...

SERIOUSLY a FANTASTIC transformation!
I love love love it!!!

You've got my wheels a turnin' ...what to do with my outdated fireplace?...oh the possibilities, Layla!

Cheryl said...

I love how you have renovated your cottage. This fireplace transformation is phenomenal for $82! You did a fantastic job!
Enjoy your trip and visiting with family.

BRIDGET said...

Wow. Your fireplace makeover is absolutely fantastic! I've been really dismayed by the recent demise of so many wonderful shelter magazines but I think I've found a richer community in the "real homes" home blogs I've found and yours is at the top of the heap. You've reinspired a long time home designaholic. Thank you!!

Anonymous said...

Breathtaking beyond belief. You amaze me time and time again! What a great post to start my weekend and to get my decorating juices flowing. :)

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Loved taking the journey with you on the makeover in this post. Absolutely incredibly transformation. Saw those wooden candleholders at Target this morning...maybe I need to go back!

oxox
Jennifer

Rachael Black said...

I would never have thought to do that to the fireplace. You are teaching me to think 'repurposefully'!! Thank you for that!

Anna O'Reilly said...

Wow! You've made an amazing fireplace! You've really given me a lot of inspiration for my own home and fireplace.

Have fun at the beach, I was just in Destin last Sunday!

Anna

Jenn said...

STUNNING. I can't believe that's the same fireplace. You never cease to amaze me with your awesome ideas!!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic, your blog is my favorite. Not only do you have great design taste but your ability to do what you do with minimal expense is unmatched. You really need to get a television show. Also, I loved the painting canvas drapes idea a few post back. Thanks for sharing.

Kara Paslay said...

This is my favorite thing I have seen of your blog so far! It looks so great! The transformation coupled with the cost of the project makes this incredible!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Layla! What a lovely, lovely design. You're so talented at capturing your vision with a beautiful design, and Kevin's a pro at bringing that design to life with power tools! Thanks for sharing!

The Flynns said...

Seriously.... this transformation is nuts!! In our first house we always hated the fireplace/mantle.. if only I had you around back then to show me how to fix it up! Awesome work once again!

Robyn said...

absolutely AMAZING!!!! I LOVE IT!

Anonymous said...

Awesome!! Hope y'all have a blessed weekend~

Anonymous said...

Love it!! That's amazing- Girl you have talent my goodness- That like night & day- fireplace looks sooo nice-Have a lovely weekend!

~ Kelly Ann~
www.KellyAnnStudio.com

Katie said...

beautiful! great work! have a good easter weekend!

The Pampered World said...

I'am in awe! I don't know how you do it, but whatever your doing, keep on doing it! :-)

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful transformation and for less than $100! I like how you tied in your colour choices to sand, sea, boat decking etc. I have been thinking in a similar manner lately and have been much happier with my decor choices. No wonder your home style flows so nicely from room to room. Great job!

Chris said...

You have GOT to be kidding me. I've gotta tell ya, Layla, I think this is your most genius project yet (and I'm sure I've said this before). Amazing! Okay..now onto the question. How did you do all the miter cuts? Do you have a miter saw? I'm intimidated by miters. Any advice? Beautiful!!!! Have a fun time with Maddox!

diana said...

every time I visit you... I find another wonderful surprise awaiting me. I LOVE THIS.
You make us feel like we can do it to. You are just a gem!

mamawalker said...

seriously!!! you are amazing.i love how you just go for it. and i agree with christy. i don't think you could make a wrong decor move either. rock on!!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

Looks fantastic! Molding can transform a space for SO little!!

Rachel H said...

Beautiful makeover!! So great... I love that you did it on the cheap!! Really fantaastic..makes me want to find a fireplace mantle to re-do now-haha!

Carla said...

I L.O.V.E. your idea for the fireplace!!! I feel like we live in the same house..I have the paneled living and dining room, and the same beachy, cottage feeling house....I am going to redo my kitchen soon, and you have given me so many good ideas!!

kirwin said...

Once again, you have truly OUTDONE YOURSELVES. I want to be your friend in real life. I want to come to your cottage and just lick it with my eyes. I'm sorry, is that weird? I've just never come across someone whose style resonates with me so much.

Paula Barin said...

Amazing!! Fantastic idea for the fireplace. I love the way you accessorized the fireplace as well.
Well done!

Denise said...

Can't believe how far you stretch a dollar and make the end result look like a million bucks!!! Would love to see an after pic of the entire room with the fireplace transformation.

100 Thoughts of Love said...

truly awesome!

Barbara said...

Wow, I am amazed at this makeover! Perfect cottage style. Love it. Thanks for the inspiration!

Courtney Baker said...

Wow, this is amazing. I love everything. And you reminded me how badly I need to decorate my mantel.

Blue Muse said...

This is ingenious, and it came out beautifully. I am so impressed! Great job.

xo Isa

CarolAnne - camdesign said...

Wonderful post, thank you for breaking it down, step by step, makes it easy to understand...
So many of my clients have fireplaces that need a redo, I will send them to your blog...
Before you put any money into a mirror for over the fireplace try one that you have first, the only thing a mirror reflects over a fireplace is the ceiling and the recessed light fixture, I always say no to my clients who want to do this...colorful art is always the way to go...I hope you don't mind me mentioning it...it would have bothered me if I had not.
Regards and Happy Designing
CAM

Amelia said...

Your fireplace is beautiful; what a fantastic transformation!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

You are an unbelievably clever girl! Everything you touch turns to gold! Or ... black, white and blue! I like your sense of humour also! (ie Wilson).

Thanks for all the inspiration. I haven't bought my own home (yet!..late starter) but seeing what consistently pleases me with your style helps to develop one's own.

Funky Junk Interiors said...

That's it. I'm gonna get out there in dating land and find me a Kevin2! I so need someone to help me output what's inside my head!

K, I'm not really gonna do that. I was hit on this past weekend and LEFT the establishment. Guess for the timebeing, I'll continue to repurpose what's already built. Sigh...

FABULOUS makeover Layla! Do you have plans to make it a working fireplace again in the future?

Donna @
Funky Junk Interiors

Live In Full Color said...

That is incredible! What a transformation....I love your creative can-do, budget-friendly sensibility- you speak to my thrifty heart! Can't wait to read more.

Nikki said...

I love the pebble tile. I saw an entire fireplace covered in it on a beach house tour in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Daly Essentials said...

I'm stunned! What an amazing transformation. It looks like it would cost hundreds!!!

Michelle said...

Thank you so much for taking step-by-step pictures and giving such detailed instructions.

We have a brick fireplace already painted over, but I've really wanted to paint a black border around hte opening and then add wood to the rest...I just didn't know how.

Thanks so much! I love your blog.

Anonymous said...

Love your blog! I really like the blue pillow by the fireplace. Did you make it or purchase it? I love the fabric! Thank you for so many practical, fun decorating tips.

Hayley said...

Love the fireplace. Such a tricky place to re-vamp! PS, Costco.com has a bunch of pebble-style tile if you're interested in going with that look :)

Bonita said...

Wow! What a change! It looks spectacular!

tina said...

Oh My Gosh!! You are a genius!!

I need to do this to my fireplace!!

tina

Erin Southwell said...

Your fireplace looks amazing!!!!!! Once again, completely awed by your talent. SO SO SO beautiful!

Erin Southwell said...

P.S. Did you distress the wood you used for the mantel?

Lynette said...

One of the best makeovers I have ever seen. Absolutely fantastic. You are an inspiration great ideas even better budget can't wait to see more.
Lynette :)
from Tasmania, Australia

The Tall Skinny House said...

The fireplace looks absolutely fabulous! And on a very reasonable budget!! Thanks for sharing!

Milk & Cookie Party said...

I was just amazed at the outcome and amazed at what you spent- or how little you spent. Made Husband come read this post. You have the most amazing taste and vision for this stuff. I can tell you what I like after I see it, but I can't create something incredible from something uh... not so amazing. You have a real gift for this stuff. Love your blog!

Denise said...

Would love to see a "before" & "after" picture of your living room showcasing the the fireplace makeover.
It looks gorgeous.

Unknown said...

You, Layla are a genius with just $82! I can't believe the transformation. Every time I read your posts, I want to make a change in my home...inspiring! BTW...your 'Wilson' comment cracked me up!

Lauren said...

It looks beautiful!!! Love to see before & afters!!

Jill said...

I am so incredibly impressed by the fireplace re-do. WOW! You have a great talent.

Heather said...

The fireplace is beautiful, I'm so impressed! (Just came across your blog via Sarah's Fab Day!). I really love the Twinkle Twinkle print above the fireplace!

My GREEN Life and Real Estate said...

Brilliantly done! The fireplace looks fabulous. You are an inspiration.

Missy Langley said...

Thanks for the tip on the Target candleholders. Ran out and picked up a couple today. What a steal!!!

Brittany said...

Wow, this looks so good! Thanks for the play by play. I love all your ideas!

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

Love your fireplace and your blog! Found it via the Washington Post!

CandiShack said...

This is incredible! I love it!

Decor To Adore said...

This is the BEST makeover I have seen in a long, long time! Brilliant!

Carrie said...

What a transformation! I am hooked and wishing you would come over to my house and help it. It needs lots of love and creativity, which I am running short on these days with a new baby. Thanks for inspiring me to try a little harder!!!!

Alison said...

Amazing! I have to look at doing the plant in the fire--I have a sooty black hearth that looks cool, but is just a little too tempting for my toddler to play in.

Love your creativity!

Anonymous said...

That is truly a gorgeous transformation! I think if you never got around to doing the tile and whatnot, it would be A-OK in my book because this update looks like it cost a lot $$$ and no body has anything like it.

Job well done ;o)

Unknown said...

Liquid Nails...I just had to ask my handyman, aka hubby about that one. As always he explained to me what they are.
You did a fantastic job.
I'm so truly amazed by your talents and vision.
If we ever settle down I'll have to have you do a virtual room makeover.

Rachel said...

That's an amazing transformation!

Southern Fried Gal said...

Hello! Stopping over from A Soft Place to Land. Three words - FAB U LOUS!!! We are painting 1985 wood trim and built-ins white this weekend. I'm hoping that will be enough to not have to deal with the brick fp for now but we will see. DH asked me about it today - I think he sees the writing on the wall or the paint on the brick or whatever - hee hee. Can't wait to stop back by and see what you are up to!

Shelbie said...

Thank you for posting each step of your project! k question. the virtical boards that you put over the brick fireplace before you put the mdf over it, did you screw them to the brick at all?? or just the liquid nails? i want to do something like this over my parents fireplace but we didn't have the equipment to drill into their stone.
let me know! thanks, love your blog!!

Anonymous said...

Layla (that's my daughter's name too but spelled Leila) :)

I might be total knuckle head for asking this but can you actually burn wood in your fire place still?

cupcakes for breakfast said...

What a beautiful job you did!!! I love reading your blog :) Your pictures and the work you do is just stunning. Thanks for the inspiration Aja

Melissa said...

Ahhh! I just found your blog today and I'm in love with it! I had pretty much given up the search for what I can do to give our fireplace a much needed makeover besides painting it and this is PERFECT! I can't wait till hubby gets home so I can show him this! Thanks!!!

Danielle Forte said...

YOUR BLOG AND HOUSE ROCKS MY WORLD!! I LOVE YOUR STYLE AND CHARM. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE SHELL PRINTS THAT YOU HAVE BESIDE YOUR FIREPLACE. WHERE ARE THEY FROM AND HOW LONG AGO DID YOU GET THEM. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LOOKING ALL OVER FOR SHELL PRINTS W/BLACK BACKGROUNDS. THANK YOU, DANIELLE

Ihttp://fortefamiglia.blogspot.com/

Ashley said...

Dang that looks good! Make me want an ugly fireplace just so I can do that!

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

That is a great transformation Layla! I love it!!

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Ahhhh it's wonderful! I am using your mantel decor as an inspiration for mine. I was blocked for an idea. Thanks! :)

Kasey said...

Your fireplace looks gorgeous now! It looks like a million bucks, not $82. : )

Karen said...

you are a damn genius girl! Sorry I have been gone a while - hubby had ACL reconstruction surgery and I am trying to keep up with school - catching up on your posts! beautiful! xxox Karen

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

Girl- YOU ROCKED THE FIREPLACE! Good job, I was anxious to see what in the world you were going to pull out of your hat of tricks.

~Misti

Jeannette said...

I can't tell you how nervous those wooden candlestick holders make me...wood under candles was very camp a number of years back, they are often available in Impoprt Shops...It is so easy to forget and let a candle burn down...no one ever means for it to happen. If they don't at least have metal cups to hold the candles...how about a designer tip to flash the candle bottom with heavy tinfoil at the very least.

Emily@remodelingthislife said...

Amazing transformation!!! Love it!

CJ'SMOMMY*KIMBERLY said...

WOW! I love your style!

Johnna Lister Pierre-Antoine said...

What an AWESOME makeover and great inspiration!!!!!!!! My 9 year old says YOU ROCK!

Anonymous said...

i really love your blog! and that post was really impressive. great job and thanks for sharing!!! Dd

denise @ little ant design said...

I just found your blog and have spent most of my morning enjoying your creativity (perhaps I should stop reading and get my kids breakfast)

This fireplace update is amazing - I appreciate you sharing the simple ideas that you used so others can make the same transformation in their own home.

I recently moved to a new home in April that has lots of work needing to be done to make it feel like it belongs to our family so I will be back often to check out your ideas

House of Smiths said...

woah... im totally impressed. Nice work!
Shelley

Angela said...

Breathtaking! I'm so impressed, I'm adding your blog to my favorites.

Imprez25 said...

This is exactly what I have been looking for. I had an idea of how to to it in my head, but this shows exactly what I wanted to do to our fireplace surround.
Great job!

Lindsay said...

Did you rip out the carpeting? Was there hardwood underneath it already? I am wondering what you did to the beige floor that was underneath the fireplace. It looks stunning.