Next to children's spaces, fireplaces are my favorite thing to do. The technique and materials used to create the specific finish or look a client is going for is a challenge, and one I've always enjoyed. From the first time a friend asked, "Could you faux my boring white fireplace?" to the last stroke of grout on my tile work, my fireplaces have been enlivening living rooms for well over a decade now.
Acrylic & Oil Glazes Over Painted Wood
This was the project that began my fireplace makeovers. A friend asked, "Do you think you can...?" I, of course, said, "YES!"
Cast Concrete
Here is what a wood grain project looks like in progress. The surface is cleaned and primed, and then I begin "creating wood" with artist acrylics.
Once the graining is complete, the surface is sealed, left to cure for a day or two, then the stain is created from artists' oils.
Stucco
In order to create a more substantial mantle, I built this client one. Covering brick like this usually takes three layers of mud before all of the mortar joints are filled.
Tile Make-Overs
This project started with a tired, old, red brick surround, but then we tore out the old brass & glass doors, the disproportionate mantle, wrapped it all in cement board & went to town with travertine and glass. Gorgeous!
Hearth is finished, time to move upward.
The new mantle was stained then mounted.
Another tired floor tile fireplace banished to the dust bin. A slate mosaic with glass inlay makes a much larger impact.