Our current project has been the fireplace. (And by our, I mean Ryan’s.) After adding the wood-burning insert, we were getting lots of use from the fireplace. It really pumps out lots of heat and helps our energy bills. Now, he’s been working on tiling the area around the fireplace. It would have probably been better to tile before adding the wood-burning insert, but that would have been too easy.
I think it’s because Ryan really hates to lay hexagon tile and was putting it off. I mean, HE HATES IT. He says it shaves years off his life and he refuses to ever lay it again. I think he’s being overdramatic. (And if you know me, you know that me calling Ryan melodramatic is hilarious.) And I’m planning to have hexagon tile in every home I ever live in. So…
The tile was leftover from our bathroom remodel, but of course we were a few square feet short. Because of the holidays, we couldn’t get it from our local tile guy right away. But, all’s well that ends well. Ryan also added more flowers and a black hexagon trim, which I love.
These pictures were taken before all the grout was wiped off. With the unglazed tiles, it’s a pretty tedious process to remove all the grout residue. But, I think it’s worth it. The tile really brightens up the fireplace area with the dark brick and black insert. And the pattern ties in really well to the entry way with original hex tile.
Next up, sealing (me). Then, Ryan will add wood trim around the tile and get a piece of metal cut to surround the insert.
What do you think?
It looks great! We have very similar fireplaces. Ours has a cast iron parlor stove (part of the reason we bought the house) but still has the old maroon hearth tiles. I’ve been trying to think of how to swap them out but stay within the “age” of the house. I really like the look of yours, but I’m with Ryan – I’m not sure I have the patience for that tile. Hah!
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Looking good! That will look fantastic when it’s finished!! I like the low tile surround. I asked Stephen to not put in a brick step in front of our fireplace because I felt it would just be a tripping hazard for kidlings. This looks like a much better option!
Looks awesome! I love the vintage look.
I’m speechless. This is so amazingly beautiful. Cheers to you both (Kim, you get credit for coming up with the idea).
Your mantle is beautiful… especially your “Woodward” frame.
How beautiful!
Looks great Kim… I mean Ryan 😉
Do you plan on leaving the brick it’s natural color, or are you on Team Paint It White?
LB
I love the look. Are you planning to paint the brick? I know you like to paint everything, but just thought I’d ask! ha
You can’t go wrong with hexagon tile, ever. Looks great!
What do I think? I think I have a list of tiling projects I’d like Ryan to come do for me. Tell him none are hexagon! You should take a babymoon to DC. He and John can tile…you and I can sew. What more can you ask for? Pugs welcome!
i love it! the tiles are beautiful!
That’s gorgeous tile work! Great job!
I think it looks great!!
Gorgeous!
My husband and I have started looking into wood burning inserts and I was curious what brand you went with? Thanks!
It turned out AWESOME…….love it! Great job, Mr. Woodward!
It looks beautiful, well worth the effort Ryan!
It looks so cute! Ryan’s efforts were well worth it 🙂
I love it! It looks gorgeous and so historic. Way to go, Ryan! The torture is worth it. 🙂
Wow, I love it! Definitely adds some class to the fireplace. We keep talking about getting an insert but the price tag scares me. I’m glad you’re getting so much use out of yours!
I love the tile! It is so classic and perfect for your house. Excellent choice, Miss Kim! Enjoy that sealing – blah.
I love the hexagon tile! It looks so good!
Fancy. Ryan…I mean the two of you…do good work!!
I love the hex tile and the vintage pattern you used. Great job!
Looks great I love that pattern.
Cute. Great job.
Ooooh, love love the end result, but poor Ryan! What are your plans for the brick on the fireplace surround??
Quick question that I probably just missed… but what’s the significance of the “bmvm” of your cute wood blocks?
I like it! He is really good with the tile, even if he hates doing it. He’s got a gift! And laughing over the melodramatic bit…that’s me to a “T” 🙂
Looks great! What a fresh look!
I loathe hexagon tile! We have it in our master shower and it is the most tedious thing to keep clean!
Never again!!! (At least not in a bathroom.)
that is BEAUTIFUL!!! I, too, love hexagon tile. I can see how it’d be a pain to instal, so my pity goes to Ryan, but maybe just give him extra kisses. 😉