Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Fireplace Makeover With Details and Before and After Pictures

Do you have a fireplace that is an outdated eyesore?  Here is how we updated ours without removing a single brick.
Before
 Before (realtor pic from our initial house walk through)

This project is a good alternative for those of you that desire to give your outdated fireplace a new look without all the mess that tearing it down brick by brick would create. My husband and I had never done a project like this before and neither one of us had any carpentry experience so if we were able to do it anyone can!

This post by The Lettered Cottage started the ideas swirling in my head. I drew some pictures and haphazardly :o) covered part of the fireplace with white cardboard so that my husband could kinda see what I wanted it to look like.


We ended up using..
about 10 furring strips
6' of Crown molding
6' of 3"x1" mdf
5' of 1"x 4" wood
liquid nails
6 concrete anchors
two 4' x 8' x 1/4 inch plywood luan (luan wood is a mid grade mahogany plywood)
lots of caulk
a bit of wood filler
a jig saw
a few carpenter clamps
primer
paint
and a drill
We began by attaching the furring strips to the brick facade with liquid nails (the painters tape was used to secure them to the brick while the adhesive dried)
Hubby also drilled two concrete anchors (pictured below) into the first and last of the furring strips for extra support.

While the adhesive dried hubby used the jigsaw to cut the 1/4 inch plywood luan facade that would be nailed onto the furring strips.
The facade he cut out was carefully nailed directly onto the furring strips.
The original fireplace mantle was made out of three sizes of pink brick that were stacked up on top of each other.  It was a pretty horrible sight...  

Creating a mantle without chiseling off the protruding brick shelf took lots of effort and I am very proud of hubby for doing such an amazing job. He started by attaching a 1"x 4" piece of wood to the bottom layer of mantel shelf bricks with two concrete anchors. He then attached a piece of crown molding to the second layer of  mantle shelf  bricks.  Lastly he attached a 3"x11" piece of mdf to the crown molding to cover the top layer of mantle shelf bricks.  The mantle that hubby ended up creating is very beautiful and was so inexpensive to make. Bingo! 
Hubby cut leftover pieces of wood into wedge shapes and used them to secure the crown molding to the mantel shelf brick. Hopefully the pictures below will help you better understand how it was all accomplished.:)





After the mantle was done we attached furring strips to the top half of the fireplace brick just like we had done to the bottom half. We cut the 1/4" inch wood luan and nailed it onto the furring strips.


 I then used wood filler on all the nail holes and caulking on all the edges.  I coated everything (except the inside of the firebox!) with Olympic's zero voc primer which provided fabulous coverage. I painted the area around the fireplace box with Olympics Flat latex Zero Voc paint in Black Magic and the rest of the fireplace in Cloud White (flat latex) a Benjamin Moore color. 
Before (on the day we moved in)

After

The inside of the firebox will be painted with black, heat resistant paint sometime before winter arrives :). You can find two more of our makeovers here and here. Please feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section and I will do my best to answer them.



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110 comments:

Stacy said...

Absolutely stunning! Kudos to Jedrix! You two make a great team. ;o) One of the most amazing fireplace transformations I 've seen out there in blog world (and, believe me, I've seen many!) What I love most about this room is the way you've combined traditional, cottage, and modern style in a way that flows and works together seamlessly. Even the fireplace has a touch of modern with it's straight lines and smooth surface, but it's softened by the traditional mantel. Great work guys! Love you both and miss you all so much.

Indiri Wood said...

Quite a stunning transformation. The whole room is beautiful.

Remodelaholic said...

Absolutely beautiful! I would love to have you come do a special guest post on this at Remodelaholic if you are interested. Let me know, I will send you the details! Thanks
Cassity

Unknown said...

When you first shared pictures of your mantel makeover some time ago, I was blown away and kind of intimidated at the same time. Just looking at the after picture made me think that project would be way too difficult for me to ever think of attempting something like that. You did a great job of breaking it down into simple, easy to understand steps and you gave an ordinary diy-attempter (I know that's not a word :) girl like me hope that I could actually do something like this one day.
I am truly amazed by this project you and your hubby did. Way to go guys! Keep the before & after and how-to posts coming. :)

Alberta said...

OUTSTANDING! Been wanting to do something with our fireplace...this may be the inspiration I needed to commit to! Thanks for ths wonderful photo tutorials! Wishing you much enjoyment!

Andrea said...

This is awesome! We have a brick fireplace that we're going to redo in a similar way. I've been thinking about it but haven't drown anything up so it's really good to see how someone else has done it! Thanks so much for sharing! =D

-Andrea
bluelacehouse.blogspot.com

marae said...

Simply amazing job..!! I saw the LC's fireplace makeover yesterday and it is so inspiring. I love your simplicity, this might work better for our own brick fireplace in a smaller room than the LC. I need multiple fireplaces to try all these great ideas. BTW I also love your bookcase on the right of the room, just beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful makeover. The fact that you and hubby did it yourself must be so satisfying. That's how I always feel. Thanks so much for sharing this DIY project!!

At The Picket Fence said...

OH MY GOODNESS! This is absolutely incredible...gorgeous! You guys should be so proud of yourselves and truly the entire room and decor are just stunning. Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Inspiration Friday this week!
Vanessa

Ava said...

What a fabulous job you have done. This looks gorgeous xx Ava from Australia ( You have a new follower )

A Sense of Design said...

Love this makeover!!! I will have to try it myself...can I borrow your husband!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Wow ~ what a fantastic makeover! Your fireplace looks gorgeous! Thanks for the tutorial and for sharing this at FNF :)

The Charm of Home said...

That is Amazing! I kept going to the before and after pics. I think you did an incredible job at that! Your new fireplace and room makeover is gorgeous! Thanks for linking it up at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Wow, it sure looks like he has carpentry skills. That looks fantastic. Would love for you to join my weekly party sometime. It is on Wednesdays, but goes up on Tuesday evening.

Anonymous said...

Following you from the Terrific Thursday Blog Hop. I'd love it if you'd follow back!

~Nikki
http://www.funkyfreshmama.com

Maria said...

So beautiful! Looks like out of a magazine!

Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE said...

I love what you did... thank you for visiting my link party. Love having you there!

The mum of all trades said...

That was worth all the hard work. It totally changes the whole room, so elegant and calming. I could chill there!

driftwoodesign said...

That's beautiful!
Kristy @ 4 the love of WOOD

the cape on the corner said...

it's gorgeous, but so is your whole living room and your professional looking photos. yowza!

Pamma said...

An absolutely beautiful transformation. Just lovely.
~Pam
pamspaintparlor.typepad.com

Anonymous said...

Y'all did a fantastic job on this! It looks really beautiful.

O.C. said...

Wow, this is amazing. Really nice work.

House Envy said...

Simply beautiful.

Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE said...

I am back to let you know that I am featuring your amazing room tomorrow at my blog.
Thank you so much for sharing it at my party.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Fantastic transformation! I always love this type of project for brick fireplaces. Great job!

Visiting from WUW! : )

Jena @ Involving Color and Home said...

Your fireplace looks amazing! We have a similar brick fireplace that I would love to makeover, and this is such a great tutorial. I was looking at your home tour and I would love to add a couple of your room images to the inspiration galleries on my site and include you in a feature post. What are the paint colors in your dining room and playroom? Let me know if you're interested!

Unknown said...

LOVE IT! Did you make those wreaths in the windows?!

Kati @ Housewife_Swagger said...

wow! That is a great remodel!!!! Truly beautiful!!!

Desiree said...

Wow, so beautiful!! You did an excellent job. Looks like it's from a magazine!

Alison Agnew said...

simply gorgeous...saw you featured at the 'fence' and had to come say hello...nice to 'meet' a fellow home school mum.

blessings,

alison
stuff and nonsense

Jana said...

Your fireplace redo is amazing. Great job and i love how you've furnished the room too.
xo Jana

Cheryl said...

WOW, you guys rock! that fireplace transformation is fabulous. Your hubby was very clever with the mantle.
The after results are just beautiful!

SHERRY HART said...

Hellooooo....so pretty! Love the lamp on the books...clever! The photo is quite beautiful also!

Emily @ Finding My Aloha said...

I am so impressed! Actually floored might be a better description. This transformation is stunning! You did an amazing job. The whole room looks like it could have been torn out of a glossy. The style of your room exactly defines my style! I would feel so at home in that room. Great job and enjoy your beautiful new space!

Unknown said...

Both your new fireplace surround and your decor is lovely! Easily looks like a magazine shot.

gertie @ The Old Block House said...

Wonderful job! A job that would scare the heck out of me and you've done it so well.

Now following. Please drop by for a visit at www.theoldblockhouse.blogspot.com

gertie

Betsy said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Oh my! I am SO INSPIRED!!!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!!!

Shelley said...

What a beautiful job! Love not only the fireplace but the rest of the room as well.

Debbiedoos said...

That is simply UNBELIEVABLE! I have to book mark this for my Mom, as she is not happy with her brick fireplace at all. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party. Have fun. Please link back to me as well.

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Boy, that looked like a lot of work, but well worth it. Absolutely stunning! Changes the whole room. I love it.

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

Great job! It looks so much better!

I'm visiting from Debbie's party and am looking forward to following you.

Have a Great 4th!
Pam

Karen said...

That is an amazing redo. It looks amazing and your room is stunning! Great job all around. I'm visiting from the newbie party and am a new follower.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

The makeover is stunning. I love it. You did such a fabulous job and it now looks so classic. I am a new follower. Hugs, Marty

Sue said...

Wow.....what a good job! It is so different from the before. I love it! I'm a new follower.

Stacey said...

Excellent job - what a great room! I featured you today - grab a featured button if you like!
Stacey of Embracing Change
p.s. - I am also a new follower!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

The makeover is amazing! Your fireplace is now a beautiful focal point.

Dee

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Amazing! that looks like a ton of work! But, if you really want something it is so worth it! Visiting from Debbie Doos, I'm your newest follower!

Carol

Crystal @ Ordinary Days said...

Wow!! That is absolutely stunning!! You all did an amazing job. Love it! :)

Samantha from Colonial Curve Cottage said...

That looks really great! Excellent job!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

You are a GENIUS! I couldn't believe my eyes! Thanks for showing us the play by play.

I'm your newest follower. Can't wait to see what else you do!

Cindy said...

What a fabulous makeover! You guys deserved to be congratulated for this.
Your living room now looks like something from a magazine, it is so gorgeous.
Hugs, Cindy

Gypsy Heart said...

Stunning transformation! You two did an incredible job on this ~ very professional.

Pat

Tammy said...

WOW! This is beautiful! What a transformation! Thanks for sharing. I wish I had a fireplace:( I am your newest follower. I hope you can visit me sometime soon.

Steph @ Birdhouse said...

Wow, that is an amazing transformation! The entire room is stunning! Fabulous work!

Rachel // Maybe Matilda said...

Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous makeover! You have such a lovely style--the whole room is just beautiful, and I absolutely love the fireplace! Great job!

Bobbi said...

Wow, amazing. Hubbs and I have talked about doing a little fix up on our fireplace, this just might be the inspiration we need...thanks

Maureen said...

Oh my gosh! FABULOUS! I am forwarding this to my hubby so we can do this in our home. I was just talking to him about doing something to re-vamp the fireplace.
AWESOME!
Found you via Finding Fabulous Linky Party :)
http://www.releasemecreate.blogspot.com

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate said...

Wow just wow! I cannot imagine undertaking this kind of a project and it's just stunning! Well done! Thanks so much for linking up to this week's BFF Open House!

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate said...

Just wanted to let you know I featured this as part of my BFF Open House Wrap Up! Feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar if you like!

Katie Olthoff said...

you have the whole "layered neutrals" thing down pat! I LOVE your decorating style! I'm trying to do the same in my living room and dining room! New follower!

Emily Claire said...

What a transformation! White is just so clean and pure - I love it!

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Thank you for linking up to Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop. This is incredible. Definitely worth all the effort. I'm a new follower. By the way, have you posted about the piece your TV sits on? I love it and would like to know where you got it?

Anonymous said...

what an AMAZING transformation. thumbs up to your husband

Amy Gilman and Emily Lee (Sisters of the Wild West) said...

amazing change!! pics look straight out of a magazine. thanks for linking up. we featured you today.

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

I am SO impressed! Your 'new' fireplace is stunning. You and your husband are brilliant!

Gas fires milton keynes said...

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post

Anonymous said...

You have done such a lovely job with your fireplace - it's gorgeous! I've got this linked to my fireplaces project post too today, for inspiration!

Pondside said...

I love this - it is a good idea for our red brick fireplace, which I loathe!

home builders Missouri said...

By looking at these photos, the transformation of your fireplace turned out wonderfully. Adding a white layout for your room definitely suits the place. It is very impressive to do the remodeling project by yourselves.

Lettered Cottage said...

Absolutely AWESOME! (And thanks for the shout out, too!) :-D

Norma Hardie said...

I am so impressed with your fireplace remodel..what a fantastic change. Great job!

Rachelle said...

I am really wanting to know--have you used your fireplace since the remodel? We are in the process of redoing our old brick fireplace and, like you, have sort of framed our existing brick with wood to create a flush surface for the stone veneer. Someone posed the question of whether or not it was a fire hazard to have the wood against the brick... and now it has made me a little nervous. Just wanted to know if you have used your fireplace.

Jessa said...

You're so lucky to have a beautiful mind, not all of us can visualize things the way you do. The before and after images really leaves a great margin to it.

Simon Forever said...

We def plan to update our ugly fireplace following your directions. I do have one question before we begin. The luan frame around the firebox...does the luan stand away from the brick due to the furring strips? What do/did you do about that? I actually can't see any space in your pics but my husband asked:)
Thanks so much for going before!

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Anonymous said...

The fireplace looks AWESOME! About how long did this project take? I would like to do this before my house warming party. Also, how how much did the entire costs? Thanks for sharing your project. Your "hubby" did an awesome job! My name is LaShunda. My email is Mzladybug78@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

A beautiful job and I am considering something similar. Would love to clarify one thing with you- when painting the bricks, did you fill in the mortar with anything before you primed and painted?

Unknown said...

That is awesome! I will have to talk to my Wife about doing something similar. We have our old brick fireplace, here in Fort Worth, Texas. I think that I could make it look really cool though with remodeling it.

BPC said...

How has the white surface over the firebox opening held up in the last 2 years? I would love to do this with our fireplace but the bricks directly over the opening are a bit blackened after 25 years. Will this happen with the painted surface too?

Unknown said...

My siblings and I are helping my parents do an extreme home makeover of their 50's era home. We need to fix up their brick fireplace. What is a great website to consult about current fireplace home remodeling trends?


bryanflake1984| http://www.swbrickandfireplace.com

Anonymous said...

I didn't know that you could update a fireplace seemingly so easily! That looks so great!! I think that I want to get a brick fireplace in our new home! Would you happen to know of someone that could help us near Fort Worth, Texas? http://www.swbrickandfireplace.com

Kyle said...

Great project and looks very professional. You are lucky you have a husband that can do this type of work.

I would suggest that you let your readers know that there are building codes about how far from the firebox the wood or combustible materials can be. Here is a link to a site that can help.

http://www.designthespace.com/building-code-clearance-information-fireplaces-designed-to-burn-wood/

Great work and hope your readers stay save.

Unknown said...

I like the new look of your fireplace! I like how you still kept some bricks in the design. The fireplace goes better with your home. I like how it fits in. http://www.swbrickandfireplace.com

fireplace painting said...

i think you did a great job. looks much better. i also like how you left some bricks in place

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Marble Mantels said...

I liked the new look of your room. Your room looks so beautiful and amazing. Thanks for sharing your room's renovation process. This will give us some idea of renovating or redesigning our room too.

Anonymous said...

Great remodel. The fireplace looks amazing. Just remember to keep flammable objects, to include decor, 3 feet away from the blaze. The books holding up the lamp has me a bit worried. Avoid a home fire with a few readjustments.

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