Our Fireplace Renovation

My main goals for the fireplace makeover:

• Build out an overmantel, to make it look like a “real” fireplace
• Minimize the bump out to maximize square footage
• Incorporate traditional moulding with contemporary tile for a new look!

Step-By-Step

1. Demo

2. Framing the overmantel

As you can see from the before photos, there was no overmantel. This draws attention to the fact that it’s not a “real” fireplace. Sure, you won’t find a wood burning fireplace in a newer build home and no one would expect it. However, something still looks “off” to the eye when one sees a fireplace that stops halfway up the wall. It’s just wrong!

You can see in the photo that we kept the frame for the overmantel pretty simple. We cut the top and bottom framing at a 45-degree angle. Then we secured it to the wall studs and ceiling, as well as screwing into the pre-existing framing for the fireplace box. It may not look like it, but it’s very strong and secure and holds up the TV just fine.

3. Re-drywall 

Half-inch regular sheetrock is fine. You’ll only need cement backer board if you’re installing natural stone or large format tile, or if you need it to be waterproof, which is unlikely for an indoor fireplace.

4. Finishes

If you really wanted to, you could just paint the drywall and call it a day. Just tell people you’re going for the minimalist style *wink*. But if not, here’s where the details for the fireplace surround come in.  You could go floor to ceiling if you opted for the fireplace to be flush. We chose the overmantel to be recessed in relation to the rest of the fireplace.

Surround and Inner Surround

I opted for a fairly traditional painted white moulding style. I was going for a craftsman look, but had to keep it slim. Here are some close-ups of the trim:

Then I found some beautiful marble picket tile for the inner surround. The marble pattern is timeless, while the picket shape of the tile brings in a touch of modern.

Overmantel Finish

There are infinite possibilities for fireplace finishes – all wood, all tile, faux brick, real brick or stone, concrete – the list goes on! I actually started off with a faux-concrete overmantel (see photo), which was so much fun to apply and really looked like concrete!

But after a few days of staring at it, I decided it just didn’t look right to me. I ended up covering all my hard work with white vertical shiplap. I painted the shiplap in Sherwin Williams White Flour, the same as the lower trim surround.

If you know me, you know I love vertical shiplap (nickelgap panelling, etc) because it’s an easy way to incorporate texture, draw the eye, and I believe it’s timeless. See my post about why vertical shiplap is amazing here. Anyway, as soon as I installed it, I knew it was the perfect addition!

5. Installing a Mantel

If you have a modern interior style, then might scratch the mantel altogether. I always install a mantel, even its just a few inches deep – just enough to display som picture frames and seasonal decor. I went with a simple, thin, alder wood mantel to bring in some natural elements, which we built from scratch. If you don’t want to DIY that, there are many floating mantels you can buy online at affordable prices.

Shop affordable choices for mantels here: