Brick Fireplace Makeover Before And After
Last Updated on December 6, 2024
Last weekend I posted the 80s brick fireplace makeover before and after on social media, and I realized I never properly shared the process on the blog. Shame on me. There was no DIYing for this renovation. We needed professional help with the installation. My neighbor who builds homes shared the name of a mantel company with me — Material Bespoke Stone and Tile, and they conveniently had a showroom located in Chicago near The Mart. What seemed like an overwhelming project turned out to be smooth sailing. Here’s a looksy at the living room brick fireplace makeover before and after.
Table of Contents
80s Brick Fireplace Before
When we first looked at this house, the built-ins immediately caught my eye, but the 80s brick fireplace itself with a random piece of wood as the mantel was dated. I stared at this wall for years, contemplating ways to update the fireplace and built-ins.
Thankfully for me, the brick was brown, unlike the red brick fireplace my parents had in their home (and yes, they also had wood paneling.) My mom painted her fireplace in a cream color to match the white walls, and 20-plus years later, the paint still looks great.
So why not paint the brick since I liked my mom’s? It’s definitely the cheapest way to give it a fresh look. Even though I loved the built-ins, the shelves felt off. The wood planks were thin, bowing, and not very deep. Meanwhile, the wood mantel was cheap plywood painted white. There was nothing horribly wrong, but I wasn’t quite right. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Rather than slowly fix the design, I just wanted to press the restart button…a whole new look!
RELATED: Get more details on the custom fireplace design and how we chose the stone.
Working With Material Bespoke Stone + Tile For The Fireplace Makeover
Initially, I thought about lowering the firebox to give more height above the mantel — that is until I found out that it would require bringing in a structural engineer. There was mention of support beams and dollar signs. Hold up. You know what this is…that serious. It is not that serious. I’m not going to alter the house’s integrity. The old brick fireplace surround will remain untouched. Let’s just wrap it in a stone facade.
Material Bespoke Stone came over to check out the situation and brought their CAD designer, who took exact measurements of the existing brick fireplace, hearth, and mantel. Meanwhile, I pursued their surround and mantel designs in their library, along with stone samples. I immediately gravitated towards Riviera Beige Limestone, one of their most popular stones, because of its versatility. It was also, surprisingly, one of the most cost-effective stones. I say surprisingly because normally I pick the most expensive option.
CAD Drawing Of New Modern Fireplace
A week later, I received a CAD markup of the proposed new limestone custom fireplace design in my inbox. After a few minor tweaks, the design was sent to their fabricator, and I was told the finished stone pieces would be trucked to my home for delivery.
There’s one thing you should know if you choose to go this route, Material Bespoke Stone + Tile does not provide trade workers for the installation. You must find masons yourself. This was not a surprise, though, because it was similar to the countertop install in the kitchen makeover. Thankfully they had a few suggestions that were reasonable and available to work.
The stone arrived on time, and the masons unpacked the box within a week after its delivery. A couple of pieces arrived broken, and that can happen. The stone traveled from Texas to Illinois on a semi and went through different climate changes along the journey. I let my contact at Material Bespoke Stone know, and she had replacement pieces ordered and on the way.
Each piece is labeled with a number corresponding to a map of the fireplace. You’re basically putting together a heavy jigsaw puzzle. The masons laid the stone on blankets and foam and placed them in order of assembly. Can you see why we did not DIY this?
Demolition Day And The New Stone Installation
The plastic sheeting went up, and demolition began. The built-ins were ripped out first, along with the existing mantel. In total, it took about 10 minutes. Cement board was attached with mortar to the brick wall above the mantel.
Two masons carried each block of stone, piece by piece, into the house, methodically applied mortar, stacked a block, and ensured it was level. In the video below, notice their diligence and craftsmanship. It took two days for the masons to get to this place. Now we had to wait until the replacement stone arrived.
As far as architectural features go, this finished fireplace would be the showpiece in this living space. I couldn’t wait for the new mantel to be installed.
During that time, I began to look at paint colors. Feeling bold, I painted the walls Farrow & Ball De Nimes a cool, highly saturated blue-gray. This was my design mistake. In photos and online, this paint looks incredible. In real life, paired with limestone blocks, it felt like prison walls. OMG, I suddenly hated my new fireplace and wanted the dated brick back. The Boy voiced his opinion, but instead of agreeing, I told him it was great! I love it! It’s fabulous. Ya, I was in deep denial.
The masons returned to install the final stone pieces, but this awful prison paint ruined my beautiful focal point. It threw me into a deep depression. Finally, I couldn’t handle it anymore. We had to repaint. I went through swatch after swatch to find just the right neutral paint and finally landed on Sherwin Williams Natural Linen. Like the limestone, it has a warm undertone and would make the room feel cozy and not like a boys’ locker room.
The fresh new look gave me a whole new perspective on the room. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do! The whole living room felt like a breath of fresh air, and the old fireplace brick was no longer missed. The design lesson to be learned here: be cautious with real stone and gray paint.
80s Brick Fireplace Makeover After
Are you ready for the after?!?!?! I’ve made you wait long enough…here it is!
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Check it out; even Comet fainted in its full beauty! I found those cabinets on Facebook Marketplace for $200. I’ll write more on that later.
What a difference paint can make! Sherwin Williams Natural Linen for the win! It subdues the monumental feel of the stone and helps it not overpower the living room…don’t you think?
One last time…do I miss the old brick fireplace? Nope, not one bit! What do you think? Do you love it as much as I do?
More Affordable DIY Brick Fireplace Makeovers
So this renovation was a bit pricy, so what happens when you want to DIY the brick on your fireplace? Proceed with caution when giving your fireplace a makeover. You’re dealing with combustibles, so be sure to keep fire safety top of mind. Simply drywalling over the surround is not the way to do this. You’ll want to use cement board that is fire rated. Also, be sure to follow mantel codes for height and materials. Our old mantel was not to code and could have easily started on fire because it was wood. Yikes! Thankfully that is fixed.
Now that I covered liabilities, here are a few ways to update your stone fireplace on a budget.
- Paint it the brick — I would make sure you use a high heat paint, especially if it is wood burning.
- Limewash or whitewash it to keep a subtle brick look.
- German shmear the brick. Stucco is also an option.
- Roman Clay for a modern plaster look.
- Tile the surround.
- Replace only the mantel.
RELATED: Layout options to arrange your living room furniture with a fireplace and TV.
Examples Of Modernized Brick Fireplace Makeovers
How To Paint Brick The Right Way
My friend Ashley painted brick on her interior sunroom, which made a huge difference! She used a paint sprayer since white paint would finish the entire room. I know this isn’t a painted brick fireplace, but she shares awesome tips on painting brick.
Lime Wash Brick Fireplace
My friend Anne Sage limewashed the brick fireplace in her new home using Portola Paint. She started with a more watered-down solution and worked up to this. You can see more photos of her beautiful living room in her Designing An Awkward Space blog post (she has some lever tips).
German Smear Technique On Brick Fireplace
This technique has more of a modern farmhouse meets country meets industrial decor look. You can still detect the brick, but a layer of mortar has been dragged across the surface. A&X Masonry has some great tips and tricks on the German Schmear technique here.
DIY Roman Clay Fireplace Makeover
My friend Bre had a black glossy tile on her fireplace but wanted an earthy, organic plaster look. Seriously, this fireplace makeover is a stunner! Get her DIY Roman Clay fireplace tutorial here.
RELATED: Check out these gorgeous mantel decor ideas.
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F. Bennett
What’s with the brick hate going on in design today? Is it a sin to enjoy brick in it’s rough natural state? If you look back at so many of great MCM houses with their beautiful use of the natural brick you can find so many examples of brick bringing a warm beauty your home. The blue-gray was to cold but the white you replaced it with is worse. If you went with a color of unbleached linen, a creamy tan it would be better imho.
Kyla Herbes
F. BennettMy home isn’t an MCM home — it was built in the late 80s and the brick weighed down this tiny room. It was made even clunkier with the built-ins, even after editing and editing some more. During the home inspection, the previous owner who built the house said, “I hope you do something with that fireplace. It never did look right.” He as right. Something that I could never put my finger on was off.
As far a choosing a paint, it’s funny you say “unbleached linen” because the color is called Natural Linen. I looked at swatch after swatch, but you need to understand the limestone has a yellowish orange undertone. If I were to choose a cooler (lighter) color as I’m assuming you are suggesting, it would have the same harsh effect as the blue.
Heidi Buchholtz
The first (before photo) 80’s fireplace would have looked great with a new mantel without destroying it all! Removing the “bowing” shelved built ins and finishing their space into the final look with the 2 standing pieces of furniture would have been more dramatic (maintaining the grand brick wall area) than your bland resulting small fireplace.
Change for the sake of change is not always better! The classic brick (which was a distinctive brown) integrity should have been maintained: ecologically and esthetically.
– An appreciated of natural materials (abhorring waste…”reduce-reuse-recycle” could have been applied)
I guess I can not appreciate the artistry of featuring a framed white cami on a wire hanger over the artisans brickwork….
Kyla Herbes
Heidi BuchholtzWow, tell me how you really feel, LOL. My decor may not be for everyone, but it’s my home. The brick is still there behind the facade. It’s not destroyed.”Reduce-reuse-recycle — the only waste was the wood mantel, wood bowed shelving, and a small chunk of drywall. We had a nice campfire in the backyard with the wood and made s’mores. The cami is actually an incredible piece of art. It is an original pencil drawing that looks so realistic.
Lynn
I think it looks gorgeous!!! The paint is perfect!!! My house was built in 1977 and had a red brick hearth with a Jotul wood stove (which heats our whole house). We white washed it 15 years ago and still love how much light it brings into the living room, Your choice of color is serene.
Kyla Herbes
LynnThanks Lynn, I agree with you. The brick can be beautiful but it can also weigh own the room.
Kathleen
I like the first better for the height. The limestone is a bit sterile for me. But to each their own choice.
Brian
You absolutely ruined that fireplace and mantel. Instead of updating it. you should have cleaned it and corrected the imperfections. it’s that paint even fire code compliant?
You took a well made fireplace and made it look like a cheap prefab from an early 2000s track home. if it were any more generic it would have the target store label on it.
Wendy
Wow!! All that work and expense to get a cold clunky look and when you could have just limewashed the original brick, and added a rugged substantial antique beam mantel for a warmer cozy organic look. Wow wow wow….
Lori
It turned out absolutely beautiful ! The cabinets (great find!) are perfect too.
It’s jarring to some people when original materials are modified or removed, This project is a definite upgrade and, as you said, it’s your house to live in and enjoy.
I recently lime washed the fireplace in my 80s house and it makes me smile when I come into the room. The room is so much lighter and interesting now.
Chris
I’m loving this. Not a brick hater at all, but in my case my living room, like yours, has a brick fireplace that’s just not working. I’m not going to dynamite it out, just looking at a makeover.
I’m seriously into following your lead, do you have a contact at Material?
Thanks for all the tips! If mine hadn’t been ‘adjusted’ already, I would try the smear technique!
Shangie
When your picture of the original fireplace and the way you furnished and styled the room popped up my immediate thought was “Wow, I want to see more!” I loved that room but I get it if you didn’t because we’ve all been there. Sometimes remodeling becomes an endless obsession consuming every waking thought, leaving us unable to be in connection with others or ever feel satisfied to just enjoy the bounty that is home. Your new look is far too traditional for my style but I appreciate what you liked about it and am sorry you have been made to defend yourself because of all the scolding. Each person doing the scolding has been where you where at with it, primarily dissatisfied and wanting something new. The difference is they are pretending they don’t go there. The internet has teased our creative processes and checking out all the marvelous opportunity if we just……can be dangerous to our mental health. The wealthy change design and decor like clothing and have others do the work, including most of the figuring out. The rest have to hash it out and use the internet for inspiration. I hope you are enjoying your new look and it satisfies you for many years. My goal with every space is that is is satisfying for at least 10 years and I use neutrals to do that so I can easily rotate just a few items throughout the home if I get bored. I also buy absolutely no box store (HG, WF, etc. knick knacks) Better to have any of those decor items be intentional and reflect the inhabitants hobbies, interest, etc. for an eclectic, cozy feel that reflects all the humans in the space, children included. If your children cannot be at home, then who ever will be? Also, we went to purely satisfying us and no part of our home is Pinterest worthy but it is oh so cozy, oh so us and oh so child friendly and everyone who comes in tells us “I love your home”. When I ask why they tell me it is interesting and cozy. I like that because we are interesting and cozy people and not people who want to impress others at the expense of living easily within our space. You do you and am glad you are happy with the outcome for that space. It looks nice.
Marjorie
Just joined & enjoy all the information & design advise. I not sure that you give suggestions but if you do ,I have one question.Im moving to a new house in Florida & must use my brown sectional. I want to keep everything coastal looking.what would u suggest & can you send photos ? Hope to hear back if possible.
Mandy Davis
Wow, what a stunning transformation! Your brick fireplace makeover is nothing short of amazing. The way you’ve modernized the space while still maintaining its warmth and charm is truly impressive. I love how you’ve blended a contemporary design with the classic texture of brick—it gives the room a fresh, updated feel without losing the cozy, inviting atmosphere that a fireplace brings. The decision to paint the brick really lightened up the entire area, making the space feel so much more open and airy.
I also appreciate how you detailed the step-by-step process, from the materials used to the challenges you faced along the way. It’s clear that a lot of thought and care went into this project, and it turned out beautifully. Our clients often find that a fireplace update is the key to transforming a room, especially when moving into a new home that needs some personalization, and your makeover is such an inspiring example of how to do it right! One of our clients recently did a similar project and, like you, found that painting the brick was a game-changer—it brightened the room and made it feel brand new. Your post gives such great advice and inspiration for anyone looking to tackle their own fireplace update. Kudos to you for sharing this fantastic makeover and for inspiring so many people to take on their own home improvement projects!
Stone Art By Skl
Looks Awesome! Great transformation overall
Custom Homeware
Wow, your fireplace makeover turned out absolutely gorgeous! The change from the old 80s brick to the modern stone look truly transformed the entire space. That Riviera Beige Limestone you chose couldn’t be more perfect – it adds so much warmth and elegance. I really appreciate how you walked through every step, from the CAD drawings to the installation – it’s incredibly helpful for anyone thinking about a similar project. This post is packed with inspiration and handy tips, especially for those of us dreaming of a fresh, updated look for our own spaces. It is a Fantastic job and reminds me of when i changed ours!