DIY Fireplace Installation

Our fireplace was looking pretty 1970's, so we decided to take some steps to bring it into this millennium. In addition to modernizing the room's paint color and painting the fireplace insert, we decided we wanted to do a statement installation above the fireplace. Instead of tiling or building a whole new surround (my husband wanted to keep the original brick as it was), we crafted a removable installation piece that makes a bold statement, but isn't permanent in the event that we ever want to change it out. We simply used some plywood and some Inhabit Wall Tiles to bring a whole new look to the room. Check out my blog for details on how you can do it too!
Here is the fireplace installation all complete (and somewhat accessorized)!
The is the (terrible) before picture before we started any work on this room or the fireplace. Can you tell there is only 1 window???
Here is the fireplace after we got some paint on the walls and the insert. This is where we began work on the installation.
First we measure the opening above the fireplace and cut the plywood to size (including notches for the beams).
We then took the plywood into the fireplace room to make sure if fit.
Then I glued down my wall tiles to the plywood.
After the glue was dry, we cut matching notches into the wall tiles so the piece would fit around the beams.
We then used paintable caulk to fill the seams between the tiles.
For ease, and to avoid globs, I used white spray primer and paint to whiten up the installation.
We then screwed the installation to the wall, and this was our finished product!
Kirstin @ Things Made New
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • LyonStill LyonStill on Apr 02, 2016
    I'm not a fan of it either but I think being nasty in the comments isn't productive. I too find the two styles disjointed and I must say that anything with animal heads is a huge turn off for me. I also agree with Susan Rawlings; whitewashing the brick may unify the look you are seeking.
  • Jill B Jill B on Apr 03, 2016
    I am married to a hunter, my son hunts as do my grandsons. I don't! With so many hunters in my family needless to say we have mounts on our living room walls. It's not what I would choose if it were just me but I love the men in my life and they put up with my decorating style in the rest of the house so this is what I do for them. If you look at castles, homes of the most wealthy families such as the Vanderbilt's, the Fords, and many others you will see animal mounts on their walls of their beautiful homes....... it is accepted. If it's not your style don't do it but please don't criticize others for how they decorate. I agree with you LyonStill......no need in being ugly.
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