Fireplace Mantel Makeover
This post contains affiliate links, please read our disclosures. Photography provided by Caitlyn Motycka Photography.
As part of our home renovation journey, the fireplace mantel became a focal point for a much-needed makeover. We wanted to create a classic, timeless look without the hefty price tag of a fully custom fireplace!
Our Timeless Cast Stone Fireplace
For our Charleston home, we wanted to transform the space to include timeless design. Sharing how we accomplished this with a fireplace mantel makeover, and how we designed and installed this cast stone mantel to achieve a timeless look!
A Journey to a Classic, Timeless Fireplace
In the world of interior design, trends come and go, but some elements manage to carve out a special place for themselves. Shiplap is one of those! Popularized by the rustic charm of farmhouse aesthetics, shiplap has been a great choice for many homeowners seeking to add a touch of texture and character to their spaces.
While shiplap has its undeniable appeal, my personal style has recently been gravitating towards a more classic and timeless look. This shift in preference became particularly evident during our recent home renovation projects. And yes, we still used shiplap in our renovation, just in a different way!
We still appreciate the beauty and warmth that shiplap brings, which is why we retained shiplap-tongue and groove on the ceiling and vertical shiplap in the laundry room. Using a semi-gloss finish in the paint color “white dove” for extra shine gave the shiplap such a beautiful look. These areas offer just the right amount of texture and interest without overwhelming the space!
Replacing the Built-in Shelving
Our most significant change was in the living room, where we decided to remove the built-in units around the fireplace. Over time, these built-ins had begun to sag and needed a very nice paint re-fresh! Rather than simply replacing them, we saw this as an opportunity to rethink the entire fireplace design!
The original design featured a wood beam that added a farmhouse or rustic vibe to the room. While charming, it didn’t align with the classic and timeless aesthetic we envisioned. Therefore, we opted to forgo the wood beam in favor of a cleaner, more elegant look. This allowed us to create a focal point that feels both sophisticated and enduring.
Firebox & Hearth Challenge
First, a quick note on the firebox. In a fireplace, the firebox is the chamber where the fire burns. It’s an essential component of the fireplace structure, and its position and ventilation are critical for safe and efficient operation. Our fireplace uses natural gas, and lifting the firebox would have significantly increased the project cost. Our firebox vents at the bottom, making it tricky to install a hearth without obstructing the vents. The things you learn during renovations… am I right?
The hearth, the floor of the fireplace that extends into the room, posed quite the challenge for us. Finding a hearth that wouldn’t cover the bottom vent was difficult. We decided to cut out a section of the wood floor and remove the existing slate. This allowed us to position the hearth beneath the vent, ensuring proper ventilation and safety.
Unfortunately, this process wasn’t without its hiccups. We ruined one piece of the hearth during the installation, which meant ordering more material. This setback was both time-consuming and costly, but it was a necessary step!
Choosing the Hearth Shape and Material
The shape and material of the hearth were crucial in achieving the classic, timeless look I envisioned. I opted for a clean, rectangular hearth with a smooth texture that complements the overall aesthetic of our home! The material I chose is on-trend but not overly trendy, ensuring it remains stylish for years to come.
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Cost Considerations
Is a stone fireplace expensive? The answer is yes. However, opting for a DIY approach and making thoughtful design choices can help manage costs. While a fully custom fireplace would have been significantly more expensive, our project still required a considerable investment. The key was to prioritize elements that provided the most visual and functional impact without breaking the bank!
Mantel Installation
We hired a handyman to help with the cutting using a tile saw, which made the process much smoother. Despite some initial nervousness, the installation turned out to be fairly simple.
One of the best things about this cast stone mantel is its lightweight nature, making preparation and installation much easier and less costly than traditional solid stone mantels. We didn’t need any special wall or floor reinforcement, which saved us both time and money.
The whole experience was surprisingly straightforward, and the end result is so beautiful!!
A Touch of White Dove
As part of our home makeover, we wanted our new stone mantel to blend seamlessly with our refreshed interior. Choosing the perfect color was crucial, and we used my favorite white paint color, White Dove by Benjamin Moore, a lovely shade that matches the new color scheme of our home! We opted for a satin finish, which adds just the right amount of sheen without being too glossy!
Bookshelf Decor
We loved the living room built-ins so much that we added them to the office as well. When styling the bookshelves in the living room, I opted for a neutral and vintage approach, that some call controversial. I thrifted many books and flipped them around to create texture for the bookshelves, then added in accents of gold and green.
In the office, I moved some of my favorite decor items and styled them as well. You’ll find most of the decor located here, with inspiration for recreating this look at home.
We found a balance between the coziness of shiplap and the refined elegance of classic design. Our home now reflects a timeless beauty that feels both inviting and enduring, proving that sometimes, a shift in style can breathe new life into a space. This renovation has completely transformed the living room focal point and ties everything together. I am so pleased with how everything turned out!!
