So, the fireplace continues to be top of mind! It is really the main focal point of our living room and the first thing you see when you walk in the door, so it matters.
Last we “talked,” I was debating the surround – planking and stone and brick. I had so many great ideas and insights and I appreciate all the comments.
And now, I think we’ve finally agreed on a combination that works for our home and feels pretty classic.
First up – what it looks like right now. As in, I just took this picture of the room under construction.
And here’s my Frankenstein-ed design of the fireplace. (See the inspiration elements below in their non-doctored entirety.)
Stone:
This desert quartz wall tile from Lowe’s the perfect scale and the colors are a lovely mix of warm and cool. I originally spotted the stone on Jenna Sue Design.
Planked top:
I didn’t really want to use stone to the ceiling. Both because stone is more expensive and also “heavier” visually. I wanted to brighten it up a bit. So it’s the perfect spot for some white woodwork. This planked fireplace from The Lettered Cottage is the inspiration.
Barnwood mantel:
Instead of a traditional mantel, we are going with a barn wood beam upcycled from our barn. It will give some nice contrast and pull in some wood tones.
Concrete bench:
The raised hearth will be finished with concrete. It’s durable, neutral and safe around the fireplace. We plan to seal it to make it easier to clean.
Storage below:
Below the seat is open storage – perfect for wood storage in the middle and baskets on the side (which will be great for hiding kindling and matches).
What do you think of my (horribly Frankensteined) version of the fireplace? I think it’s going to look wonderful in the space! And I think it will be a lovely first impression!
What a joke! That’s nowhere near the fireplace in the castle of Frankenstein monster…hehehe….Larry
It’s going to look really good!! Can’t wait for it to get pulled together and for all the decorated mantel pics to flood my IG feed! 😉
I think we *really* should have been FaceTiming throughout our entire home building processes because this so very close to what we did for our fireplace (stone bottom, barn beam mantel, planked upper) and I LOVE it. It’s going to look fantastic, Kim!
Wine and FaceTime. That would have helped the stress of building!
Have you shared a photo of your fireplace? I want to see it!
It’s going to be fabulous. I can’t wait to see the finished space. I’ve always admired your taste, I’m living vicariously through you.
its going to be fantastic and love the idea of have a concrete bench!!
LOL to Frankenstein-ed design. I love the look
It’s not my style, but I really like it. I didn’t think it was too busy. I think having a mixture of materials adds to its appeal as a focal point. I have one question. I noticed an outlet above the mantle. Are you planning to hang a television up there? I think either a TV or a large piece of art that ties into the colors of the stone would break up the expanse of white up there, and perhaps tie everything together enough that it won’t feel as busy to others. Just my two cents…
nice! I can’t wait to see it in real life! Wait–not in real life, but in a real….photograph of real life. You know.
It will be fabulous. This is totally what I wanted you to end up doing. Because what I wanted really matters, clearly 🙂
I love planking, but i worry this trend will be tiresome in a few years. Did you consider different white molding instead? I love stonework all the way up, but I am biased 🙂
I do wish we would have added cubbies like you have planned. You can use cute baskets or crates for other things in there too!
I think it looks beautiful!
This post came at the perfect time for me! We’re trying to figure out as many details as we can before breaking ground in March. One of them being the fireplace. I like what you’ve done, but have two questions:
1. Is the stone you’re using heat resistant? Or will that be an issue?
2. Are you worried about little fingers getting into the wood and match storage?
I would like to use a stone like you have and we have an awesome mantel piece: A redwood plank that was the base for cattle scales at the old railroad near where we’re building. I also like the idea of the planking to add a different texture to the room.
The stone is safe for around the hearth – it’s not flammable.
I am not super worried about the wood/match storage at this point, but I can always use this space for some other storage if I need to change it up.
Love it 🙂 also think that a mantle from your barnwood is a really nice touch.
As an architect I have to be honest. That seems like one too many elements. I would try to simplify in any way possible. Especially with the two wall treatments and the mantel. Possibly carry things through more? In the end I think it will be way way way too busy.
Hm, I’ll take this into consideration. I think I’ll be happy with it and have inspiration images where there are various elements. But I do appreciate your thoughts!
I’m in the “that’s really very busy” camp too. Maybe it’s the concrete that puts it over the top? Maybe use one of the elements from the wall on the bench? Or carry the concrete up? It’s just so many super trendy elements. I think it will end up tired instead of classic looking after a few years.
oh i love this look!!! it’s going to be awesome! i love those cubbies.