Ever-Changing Fireplace

*This post has been edited to include an update*

 I just didn't want to write another post about the FP...

no more than you want to read another one.   

What's more difficult...


1)  Making a decorating mistake and talking about it on my blog OR 
2)  Telling Hubby


Well, the hard part is over with, so let me tell you all about it. 

You remember the fireplace? 
Of course you do, I've only shown it a dozen times. 

the BEFORE

the AFTER 

Now THE AFTER is the problem.  Paired with the mantle, the new tile looked TOO traditional for my taste.  I didn't like it.  I tried to live with it but I couldn't. 

The solution; remove the tiles before the mastic completely dried.     

I used a putty knife to remove the tiles and mastic. 

Here's the AFTER {after the after}

The wall tiles had been up a few days longer than the floor tiles. 
Therefore the mastic was more difficult to remove. 

Because it will be covered up,

 I didn't worry about restoring the surface to it's original finish.     

And there it is...the {sad} current state of my fireplace.


My design goal was to modernize the look of this fireplace.  {I failed to achieve the goal on my first attempt}

I want a fireplace surround that contrasts the lacquered and traditional feel of the wooden mantel.  We love the natural beauty of this mantel and how it matches the rest of the trim in the room, so we don't want to paint it.        

Here are some options I'm considering. 


Cast iron...

Victorian Fireplaces

Metal look tile...

Isabella and Max Rooms

Concrete...

Concrete Network

Ancient Art Concrete

True Form Concrete

I'm honesty leaning toward the concrete.  I like the neutral gray color and the seamless look.    

But like a home decor frugalista, I'm wondering if I could re-create the look of concrete for less.    


Let's say I did a smooth stucco finish over the bricks and then painted it with a faux concrete finish.  

*UPDATE*

We experimented by painting the bricks {flat black}.  Although I don't like it...I'm one step closer to finding a solution.  Here's what I learned:

I like the dark color {not black, but maybe gray}

I don't like the grout lines.  I would definately prefer a seamless look OR as minimal breaks as possible. 

So what do you think?  Any fireplace makeovers out there?  I'm open to constructive feedback and suggestions. 

Oh yes!  The good news...we bought a sofa for our living room.  I'll have show and tell later this week. 


Have a great week! 


Sincerely, Lisa 

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