Update double sided fireplace?

The tile can be covered with new tile or stone. I would cover the existing mantle with wood and do the same to the shelves. The wood can be stained/left natural or painted.

With so many products out there I can relate with your dilemma. My first thought was to paint the surrounding trim and perhaps add press and peel tin tiles in area above the ledge and leave the bottom half as is. Eliminate most of the pictures and replace them with country knick knacks like candles, lanterns , baskets etc. Have fun. Great project.

How about new tile around the firebox. Then panelling up the rest of the way. A reclaimed wood mantel would be modern farmhouse as well.

You could add grapevine and cotton as a swag across the top. Consider painting the grout a dark color as well.

The fireplace should be the focal point of the room. The passage between both rooms looks awkward. I would replace the tiles around the firebox. Cover the tiles above the fireplace with wood and mount the TV above the fireplace. Add a shelf where the TV is now for the photos from the top of the walls. Place some logs in the bottom space below where the TV is now. Some potted plants where the photos are now. Rearrange the furniture to face the TV and fireplace. Furniture does not need to be backed up against walls. Gives a the illusion of an open space. This would create a straight walk into the room. Get a set of fireplace tools and place them on the left side of the fireplace. Without a photo of the rest of the room I don't know if you can do this.

Perhaps this will help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEGKs-Jyff8

Hi! Part of the problem is the position of the chair. I would move it away. All those clean lines are more modern than the style you want. I would remove everything and consider replacing the mantel. See if painting the wood around it, like on the shelves doesn't give you more of the look you want. Personally, I like the simple lines of your current tile. But, a new border of a more traditional tile might appeal to you more. Look on Pinterest for the style you want, to help you narrow down some choices. Good luck!

https://pin.it/S0wKMTS

I'd go lighter if you want farmhouse, here is something I found that would work for general coloring. This shows brick instead of tiles, tho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoA_myqyjDM

Hi Jill, you can clad the existing tile with wood or stone-like tiles and even play around with adding a new rustic wooden mantle. Here are a few gorgeous farmhouse fireplaces to inspire you - https://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse-living-room-with-a-stone-fireplace-ideas-phbr2-bp~t_718~s_2114~a_49-378

Add a mirror to the top and surround with tile. There are some incredible tiles for sale online with patterns and designs like ginko leaves, handpainted and hand made and you would only need enough to go around the edges. I would add wood to the mantle sticking out to give you a much wider mantle to put things on. Update the bottom with cabinet grade plywood (trust me it sounds odd but the woodgrain shows thru so well). stain or cut into strips to look like individual boards and stain. Add two piece of porch column that run up the front from floor to the newly added deeper mantle.

what about peel and stick subway tile over the square tile

If you like that modern farmhouse look google Joanna Gaines fireplaces. Most of what comes up is bright white fireplaces with darker, simple wooden mantles. I would start there and then use paint or stain to get the look you like.

So many great ideas here: Home and Garden DIY Ideas | Hometalk

here is some info

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/fireplace/styles/two-sided-fireplaces/

if you are going for modern i would only use big sheets of tiles like 24 x 48 and keep it without any designs on it .. just accessorize surrounds