By keeping the gas insert and tile face around the existing fireplace but updating the mantel with a chunky marble surround, a budget friendly solution was offered. Adding shiplap paneling along the back wall for subtle interest and coastal detailing and painting the paneling and existing ceiling beams the lightest of blue grays, now we have a true point of interest.

I adored our original midcentury stone fireplace and would never dream of refacing it. BUT I was feeling inspired by old world overgrouted stonework found in sun drenched locales along the Mediterranean like Spain, the South of France, and Greece. I started thinking there was way to lighten it up, soften it, and bring in a new texture into the house. BEFORE: Its great. Its funky. Its cool. But can we contemporize it ever so slightly? Yes we can. INSPO: Desire to Inspire / Es