If you guys have been following our farmhouse makeover here on the blog or on social media, you may have seen that I recently dissected our fireplace in the front living room [here]. I found original-ish [I say this because the home was built in the 1840’s & I don’t know when the brick was put in] brick hidden behind a mental & some marble. The marble & the mantel were great, but it wasn’t really our style & I would love to have the original material show. Mr. LMB & I spent some time this weekend daydreaming about what we were going to do with this fireplace/built-in area & we came up with some plans. Some may be more “temporary” until we decide to knock down some walls, but others are more permanent…
Our fireplace area before….
& currently after ripping the mantel off & some painting…
Ok, so first things first. If we can save the brick under the marble [it’s not looking good] we will whitewash the brick & not cover it with the tile of our choice like these shown above from The Tile Shop [here], [here], & [here]. We want to add shiplap or beadboard all the way up around the fireplace area to the ceiling & add a rustic barn beam as a mantel. For the built-ins, we have some more options like adding more to the ceiling, knocking out the two panels & putting windows in, or leaving them as is. Of course some of those options might have to wait for budget & all of that fun stuff, but no doubt we will make it look good in the mean time no worries! Here is a little inspiration board to show you what direction we are going in…
Here is a little mood board I put together during our conversation about our fireplace makeover. I took inspiration from The Lettered Cottage [here] & Other lovely fireplaces like this one [here]. After making this I am so excited to get started on this project. We have never really had a fireplace before so I’m excited that this house of ours has two fireplaces. & that means two fireplace makeovers, but the other one will have to wait for another day. I’m not sure when we will be starting this makeover, but you know I will keep you posted. I guess the first thing we have to do is see if this brick is salvageable. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, it seriously makes my day when you guys check in to see what we are up to here on the farm. Thank you! Be sure to follow me on Facebook & Instagram for behind the scenes & to chat. xx
Check our dining room progress out [here]
Oh, Liz I LOVE your inspo board! The direction you are going is perfect! Not too modern; not trying to do an authentic restoration; great balance of new with old/vintage looking.
Looking forward to seeing the progress and details as you go!
I love your inspo board! I have an entire wall of fireplace mantel and love decorating it! I white washed the brick and it turned out great! I am sure yours will look amazing, whatever you decide.
I might be wrong, but I think if you used an electric fireplace, it would look much more beautiful than this. Isn’t it Marie?