A Fireplace and Then Some

Originally we planned on buying brick or tile for the fireplace. But, we didn't want new red brick. Old, vintage brick - yes, but new bold red brick...no. As with most things this past year, we were short on time and money, which made the search for vintage brick unappealing. This lead to grey brick, but it had a very heavy blue hue, so that got nixed. Then we saw a rough stone tile we liked, but when we got up close, it seemed cheap and fragile and the price tag was steep.

After going back and forth like this for a few weeks, Tony decided he wanted to make his own concrete tiles. Full disclosure, Tony always wants to make everything. Which is amazing and always better than anything store bought, but that too takes time, and as I stated before, we weren't swimming in it. We decided to go for it, and just let it take a longer course to completion. Thank goodness we did because I am in love with the outcome. Hope you enjoy too.

P.S. - We are still working on the built-ins on either side of the fireplace. Originally we thought we wanted white standard built-ins and soon realized that really didn't fit us, so we have something more creative planned. Stay tuned. 

I think it's obvious, but we also need to finish the crown, floors, and baseboards. All in good time.

After...

Before...

The journey from beginning to end.

Bare and ready for a makeover.

That bucket is taunting us with its message.

Filling in and attempting to make a more even surface.

Tony built the molds and tinted the concrete.

Freeing them from the mold.

Waiting to get cleaned up.

The hearth goes in!

Hi, pretty lady.

It will look a little something like this.

It's all in!

Now for the mantle. And, hello, cute Tony.

Creating a custom fit notch, so it sits flush on the fireplace.

Captive audience.

Staining said mantle.

Last minute fixes.

Ta-da!

So professional. No gaps. So beautiful. Yes, I am biased.

It now doubles as a stage.