Fireplace: Outsized to Outstanding!

The front facade was clearly in need of cosmetic improvement (see Before photo below) and this entire fireplace needed repurposing. Client desired something different that would be a focal point in the living room, with a strong teal influence. The wood stove insert was no longer in use, and the towering structure (99″ tall!) dominated and darkened the room. See the massive redo process, below!
New ultra-strong framing of the upper brick, plus wiring, cables and spotless drywall; new lighting overhead flanks the fireplace, aimed at beautiful teak cabinets; German Schmear with grout over all; new interior box of quality plywood, primed for metallic tile; new leaf-inspired tile on fireplace skirt; new custom mantel using wood salvaged from cabinets and wine rack (perfect for wine country here in Paso Robles!); and some repurposed decor!
What was once an eyesore with no purpose in life (home has new mini-splits, so the old Buck Stove was sold and rehomed in a great cabin -Thank you, Yoloxochitl!) is now eye candy, perfect for the homeowner who enjoys unwinding in the evenings with a good glass of local wine and some dramedy! Not to mention, a mantel fit for stockings and precious decor!
Behind the Design

My Process
It all starts with measurements. But not just the measurements, it is (IMO) more helpful to “see” what the new configuration will look like when completed. And yes, there will be edits along the way (See Small House Dream Kitchen for notes!). A 3D Space Plan is an available service – PS: I have 20 years of 3D technology design experience.
Client Wish List
Client considered white paint for the brick, we upgraded that to a real German Schmear process. The goal was to repurposes some furniture parts to create a mantel that could host Christmas Stockings. A rich blue-green was settled upon, based on Vision Board options. See the steps below!
The Process

Heavy-Duty Framing

Drywalled, Cabled...

New Interior Plywood

Hours of German Schmear

Repurposed Wood, Primed

Special Paint Treatment
More Fireplace Inspiration!

Tradition with a Twist

Modern Nature

Transitional Compositional
