Just a little update on our fireplace tiling. The tiling is complete and Ryan finished trimming it out, too. I think I’m in love.
A few of you had questions about the fireplace last time. I’m not planning to paint it. It’s just too permanent and I think it may look silly with the black insert. Plus, I don’t mind the brick at all. I do need to clean it really well, but that will happen eventually. (Has anyone cleaned brick? Can I just use soap and water?)
The tiling really makes the living room feel more complete.
And since the living room is where Ryan, the pugs and I spend the majority of our waking hours at home, it’s nice that it feels a little closer to “finished.”
Do you like the update?





Gosh, I love those tiles!! They really help frame the fireplace area! Ryan did a beautiful job!
I like how close to the ground they are and the sloped border that you guys put around them. When Stephen was building the fireplace, I asked him not to include a protruding step because I felt it would be a major tripping hazard for kidlings. I think the tile surround might be a much better option!
Look great! Another job well done Ryan. Not that I’d except anything else. We painted the brink fireplace in our living room, bu it was far less brick than ours- just one brick width all around. But there is lot more in our basement, we are still split (as in I want to, he doesn’t) as if to paint it.
Your living room looks like you guys have been there years! So warm and cozy and inviting…and I love the orig fireplace, it adds character. I’d like to come back now that it’s all decorated and stay awhile.
Hi Kim,
Yes you can just clean it with soap and water. I did a How To here: http://www.decoradventures.com/2011/04/how-to-wash-old-brick-office-update.html
The room is looking very nice!
To clean dirty brick, you’ll need:
Hydrochloric acid, a stiff brush, rubber gloves, safety glasses, a tarp, fresh air! etc.
Pay attention to spatter and rinse it very well after. Keep the room ventilated for a long time after you’re done. Your room looks very nice, inviting and comfortable.
Mel
Looks great! I have to admit that I thought of you the other day when I went into my best friend’s parents’ bathroom and saw that they have hexagonal tiles. 🙂
i love it!! its such a pretty accent!
This looks awesome! I love the living room. It’s so cute!
Wow it looks so much better. Nice work.
My rental properties in Portland have brick fireplace surrounds. I clean them with TSP and a stiff brush. Works wonders getting all the soot and grime off!
It looks great! A very inviting room!!
I do believe this is the FIRST time that I’ve ever seen the living room without you, Ryan and/or my grand-pugs on the couch. It’s absolutely picture perfect. Great job Mr. W! Love it!
that looks absolutely awesome!!! LOVE the finished product… and totally wish it was in my home! 😉
It looks great! I like that you decided not to paint it. Painted brink doesn’t look terrible, but in a lot of cases it looks better natural.
Very nice! I love it and the furniture looks really great with everything all put together.
Your tiles look lovely! Good job! It all looks so cozy!
LOVE IT!!!! It looks so good and your house is just so pretty, I love the way you decorate!
It looks gorgeous!!
Love it! I’m glad you aren’t painting the brick – sometimes things should stay as they are 🙂
i have two fireplace surrounds that need retiled. do you and ryan want to come and redo them for me? haha.
Looks great kim!
What a great place to spend the afternoon reading or taking a nap!
Great job Ryan!
The trim does add the perfect finishing touch. You all did a great job! Such a cozy room. 🙂
I’m on love too! Beautiful!