When I inherited my grandmother’s cottage five years ago, the fireplace was the first thing that captured my attention. The surround was dated and tired, with yellowed tile and dark wood trim that made the entire room feel cramped and gloomy. I knew I wanted to honor the cottage’s character …
I’ll never forget staring at the bland, builder-grade fireplace in my living room two years ago, knowing it had potential but completely lacking character. The plain white trim and basic tile just didn’t match the cozy cabin aesthetic I’d been working toward throughout my home. After months of scrolling through …
When I first spotted the Victorian cast iron fireplace surround at an architectural salvage yard, it looked like something the previous owner had tried to forget. Layers of white paint obscured intricate floral details, rust stains bled through the finish in several spots, and one of the decorative tiles had …
I discovered my passion for Delft tile quite by accident during a visit to Amsterdam, where I wandered into a small ceramic shop tucked between centuries-old buildings. The proprietor showed me hand-painted tiles featuring windmills, tulips, and pastoral scenes that seemed to capture the very essence of Dutch heritage. Each …
My fireplace renovation journey began with a hideous brick surround from the 1970s that dominated my living room like an eyesore. The orange-tinted bricks clashed with every decorating attempt I made over three years. After countless Pinterest searches and magazine inspiration, I decided to tackle this project myself rather than …
A gas fireplace surround serves as both a functional and decorative element, framing your fireplace while enhancing the room’s aesthetic. Unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, gas models offer more flexibility in surround design since they don’t require extensive heat shielding. Popular materials include stone, tile, wood, and metal, each offering distinct …
A grey tile fireplace surround offers a sophisticated and adaptable focal point for any living space. The neutral tone of grey provides a perfect balance between warmth and contemporary coolness, complementing various design styles from modern to traditional. Grey tiles come in multiple shades, ranging from light silver to deep …
My foray into modern fireplace surround design began when I inherited my grandmother’s 1960s ranch house, which featured an outmoded brick fireplace that dominated the living room. The hefty red brickwork and heavy oak mantel felt oppressive and archaic, in stark contrast to my modern furniture and minimalist design. I …
I’ve always believed that an electric fireplace without a proper surround feels incomplete, like wearing a beautiful dress without accessories. When I first installed my electric fireplace insert, the bare opening looked so stark against my living room wall. That’s when I discovered the magic of creating custom surrounds that …
I had been considering redoing my fireplace surround for several years. The original surround appeared out of date and did not complement the rest of my home’s design. I wanted something new and more in tune with my unique preferences. I began by examining the existing framework. Was it in …
I never imagined that remodeling my fireplace surround would fundamentally alter the overall vibe of my home, but that is exactly what happened last year when I finally addressed this long-delayed job. For years, the old brick surround and huge mantel annoyed me, creating a visual anchor that felt out …
My living room’s centerpiece, the ancient marble fireplace surround, tells stories without saying anything. Its cool, smooth surface carries the faint markings of time, a tribute to the generations that have gathered around its warmth. For me, it’s more than just a decorative frame; it’s a link to history, a …
The concept of a wooden fireplace surround initially emerged in my head as I looked to add a touch of natural warmth and timeless appeal to my living room. The current brick was frigid and lacked the welcoming feel I had envisioned. Wood, with its natural texture and grain, seemed …
My journey to the core of Craftsman design began with a desire for warmth and character in my living room. To be honest, the previous fireplace felt dull and out of sync with my home’s evolving aesthetic. I appreciated the Craftsman movement’s honest materials, clean lines, and handcrafted embellishments, and …
I first considered a copper fireplace surround when searching for a way to add warmth to my modern living room. The rich, reddish-brown metal promised to develop a beautiful patina over time, changing along with my home’s evolving style. After installation, I was amazed by how the copper’s reflective surface …
A ceramic tile fireplace surround offers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, transforming an ordinary hearth into a stunning focal point. Ceramic tiles come in countless colors, patterns, and textures, allowing homeowners to customize their fireplace to match any decor style—from traditional to contemporary. The tiles are heat-resistant, making them …
A stone fireplace surround creates a stunning focal point that adds warmth and character to any living space. Natural stone offers timeless appeal, with options ranging from rugged fieldstone to sleek marble, each bringing unique texture and color variations. Stone surrounds work with various design styles—rustic, modern, or traditional—making them …
A barnwood fireplace surround brings rustic character and natural warmth to any living space. Reclaimed wood from old barns, fences, or factories offers unique textures and weathering that new lumber can’t replicate. The wood’s natural imperfections—nail holes, saw marks, and mineral stains—tell a story of its past life. Surround designs …
A slate tile fireplace surround creates a striking focal point with its natural texture and rich color variations. This metamorphic rock offers durability and heat resistance, making it ideal for fireplace applications. Slate’s layered composition provides a unique surface that ranges from smooth to slightly textured, depending on the finish. …
A DIY fireplace surround can dramatically update your living space without requiring professional skills or expensive materials. Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace or a modern electric unit, creating a custom surround adds character and value to your home. Many projects use readily available materials like wood, tile, or …