As soon as we saw these striking before-and-after photos, we had to share this fantastic fireplace makeover. The transformation is dramatic. Here’s a note from Megan:
I’m a big fan of your website and I live in Richmond — what a great city. I enjoy reading about other people’s DIY projects, so I wanted to share our latest. When we moved into our 1970s transitional home, the floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace dominated the living room. We thought about painting the brick white, but instead decided to take a bolder approach.
We removed the bulky brick hearth and replaced it with tumbled marble tile for a cleaner, more elegant look. Then we extended the fireplace surround upward and finished it so the fireplace reads continuously with the wall. We couldn’t find a prebuilt mantel that matched our dimensions, so we built a custom mantel from multiple molding pieces from Home Depot. We spent an entire weekend cutting miters to make everything fit together precisely, but the effort was worth it.
We encourage others to tackle fireplace renovations — the project rewards patience and attention to detail. It doesn’t have to be expensive and yields significant visual impact. Before you start, check local fire-safety codes: there are specific rules about materials near the firebox and clearance distances. Hope you enjoy the before-and-after pictures! Keep up the great work with the site. — Megan
What a stunning update — the space went from dated to contemporary. Thanks, Megan, for sharing the photos and the detailed account. The project shows how removing an overpowering element and adding thoughtful finishes can completely change a room’s feel. Are you inspired to spend a weekend demoing your hearth and installing new trim? With planning, the right tools, and attention to safety codes, a fireplace refresh can be a highly rewarding DIY weekend project.