Fireplace Makeover: Before and After

We were excited to share this striking fireplace transformation after seeing the before-and-after photos. The change is dramatic and inspiring. Below is a letter from Megan describing the project and the steps they took to update a dominant 1970s brick fireplace into a modern focal point.

Hello — I’m a big fan of your site and I live in Richmond as well. This city is great, and I enjoy reading about other people’s DIY projects, so I wanted to share our recent renovation. When we moved into our 1970s transitional home, the living room was dominated by a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace. At first we thought about painting it white, but we decided to take a more ambitious route.

We removed the old brick hearth and replaced it with tumbled marble tile, which immediately changed the look and feel of the space. To create a cleaner, more integrated appearance, we finished the upper portion of the fireplace so it flowed seamlessly into the surrounding wall. Finding a prefabricated mantel that fit our exact dimensions proved impossible, so we built a custom mantel using a variety of molding profiles from Home Depot.

Constructing the mantel took patience and a weekend of careful mitre cuts to ensure all the trim pieces fit together well, but the effort was worth it. The project wasn’t overly expensive compared to the impact it made on the room. We strongly encourage others to consider renovating their fireplaces—this kind of update delivers a lot of style for a reasonable investment.

One practical note: check local fire safety codes before you begin. There are specific guidelines about what materials are allowed near the fireplace and how close trim and other materials can be to the firebox. We made sure to follow the relevant specifications so the finished fireplace is both beautiful and safe. Enjoy the photos of our process — thanks for letting us share! — Megan

The results speak for themselves. What began as a heavy, dated brick feature now reads as a fresh, contemporary centerpiece that complements the entire living room. The tumbled marble hearth adds texture and elegance, while the custom mantel provides a tailored finish that factory mantels couldn’t achieve for this space.

This project is a good example of how thoughtful materials and careful craftsmanship can transform a room. By replacing just the hearth and building a custom mantel, the homeowners shifted the room’s style from country-traditional to modern transitional. It’s a relatively compact renovation with a big visual payoff and a renewed sense of balance in the living area.

If you’re thinking about tackling a similar fireplace makeover, here are a few practical tips based on this project:

• Plan your measurements carefully before buying trim or a mantel—prefab options often don’t match nonstandard dimensions.
• Consider durable, heat-resistant materials like natural stone or tile for the hearth to combine beauty with safety.
• Take time with mitre cuts and fitting trim pieces; precise joinery makes a huge difference in the finished look.
• Research local building and fire codes to ensure any new materials and clearances meet safety requirements.

Thanks to Megan and her partner for sharing their photos and process. Their work is a great reminder that with some planning and effort, a fireplace can be renovated to dramatically update a living room’s style without a wholesale remodel. Are you inspired to pick up a sledgehammer and start a weekend project of your own?