I don't think it works. The original fireplace was dated but the updated one is a mishmash of materials. Looks like you are going in 4 different directions, none of which with together.

Some of my inspirations

Hi! :) Maybe a bit more detail to your mantel shelf? And definitely some art above... good idea. Good luck! :)

Another inspiration photo

I can totally see your vision here on this fireplace! With décor it will really bring this piece altogether and people will see it too! Here are some suggestions I have attached! If the fireplace works totally go for a cool contemporary

screen something have gets your eye. Your kind of blinds in. If you don't want a new one try painting the one you have gold or a color that pops. If doesn't work get cool candle set up on the inside! You need a big picture for mantel I'd get something with a red tone to bring in your redish tone stone. candle stick on mantel go big, they will loom good, you have a big space!! Wicker basket with throws. Have fun with it!! Your in the right direction :)

I agree that it looks rather hodgepodge right now but I think you can tie it all together with a little bit of help. First you have too many color things going on. The grey hearth does not work well with your wall paint. The red brick really goes with nothing.
Would you consider painting or whitewashing the brick? Just viewed a before and after fireplace on here where she painted the bricks a light grey then sponged on 2 or 3 different greys to random bricks and it looked fabulous. She even explained the process.
Another option is to paint the white boards to match the grey hearth.
That will accentuate the the wrongness of the wall color though.
Regardless you need a very large piece of art on those boards. Maybe you can find one with grey,brick red, and beige to tie it altogether. Good luck.







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Sometimes it's best just to chalk it up as a (well-intentioned) loss and start over. I can't even tell you how many freshly-baked cakes I've dumped in the garbage disposal or the hundreds of yards of stitches I've ripped out of my sewing because they just didn't turn out right. But I wouldn't have had it any other way because that's how you learn!!

Was scrolling again and found the post that I mentioned earlier. My Fireplace Project by Christine b. It's in the before and after like yours. If you care to look it up notice the comments.

Sponge bottom stone to match red brick that will help it come together. Then get large art piece.

I think if you unified the the whole piece with one color it would make a huge difference. It would require painting the brick though.

You nailed it Mark!

everyones taste can be different from someone else. clearly the home owner likes there project and is pleased with the result enough to post it on houzz. as a pro or diy'er your object is to give advice on how they could improve. everyone on here is to give advice on how to improve or help the person make decisions. so instead of land blasting or just to rip it down. tell her your input on how to fix it. I would be totally discouraged if I were her, to try something new and get bashed for it. I do like the idea of all on color leaving the Grey or red one or the other.

Well, which is which ? sorry to say, no improvement...

Mark's picture shows that you have almost nailed it. It will look great if you paint the brick. I think a softer white would also look good. It's much better than the before.

I so agree with C C design. I posted for the first time a few months ago on dilemma and if I would have had these rude comments I would have been devastated. I was proud of my efforts to make our family room comfortable for my family but needed opinions about a carpet. I knew there were other problems with the room but thought I was stuck with them. I was gently prodded to try different arrangements and shown renderings that might work. I used their ideas and some of my own and am so happy with it. When I posted the results one advisor said that she actually jumped up and clapped her hands!
I wish that every OP could have such a positive experience. That being said I think that all posters should be open to constructive criticism. It's really sad that some advisors don't realize that the way to achieve that is with constructive advice!

I agree with Mark, Unless you love red. You could do mine above. It's your place. I like what Mark posted.

I greatly appreciate the comments that contain constructive advice however, I will never post any project on Houzz again.
I love my transformed fireplace and thought I would share it so others could browse through photos, as I do, to get real life ideas. I realize that I 'put myself out there' by asking 'what do you think' when I posted the photos but some of the comments are cruel, discouraging and devastating. I didn't expect everyone to fall in love with my fireplace like I have, and I expected and welcomed comments, but I am saddened at some
of the responses for myself and for others who might enjoy sharing their projects. Is this what Houzz is all about?

No, it can be warm hearted helpful people. There can be a few bad bunches. Some people just like it plain & simple. Some barely put up art or pics. You just got someone either had a bad day or it didn't suit their taste. I hope you explore Houzz. I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I hope you enjoy your fp! Sometimes people joke around, they all have different ideas here.

Our places are learning places. Good luck.

dont be discouraged :) I love seeing people's real life projects!! it's disappointing for all these horrible people on here but when u get that kind of post just be like screw those people. you are out there actually doing it and improving and creating and designing. putting what uve seen on houzz and learned from looking at photos into real life and that's what this is all about!! not those "pros" or snobs that just sit posting pictures to there idea books and judging people. I think it looks great and you keep creating and doing what you love!!! :))

You need a thick skin to post on the Internet. On Houzz, the trick is to try not to take it personally, and look purely at the design.

I really do think your work was a vast improvement and I really like it. I wanted to message you directly yesterday, but didn't know how. I truly thought to myself at the time, I will never post a real picture of my efforts after reading a few of the more blunt the responses yesterday, While we should not take things personally, adults should know how to give helpful, constructive criticism and how not to be rude.

90degreesok, . Don't be discouraged. I, myself opened up on Houzz with a picture of my living room with advice on paint color quite some time ago. Take it all in stride..at first I was very upset as some told me what I thought was horrible things about the room I loved. Sit back,and think about it, as did I. It then opened up a whole new world for me and I learned a lot and saw things in a different light. There are good people here on Houzz who won't CRITICIZE you, but rather will,help you.

90degreesok -- There are many things in my home that make me happy, but might make some Houzzers stagger back in horror. Hmm ... who cares about them? I mean, really?

90degreesok, Hi...first off, I apologize. I do think you did a nice job. :) As I was reading through the comments, I saw you ask what could improve it. That's the only reason that I suggested more detail to the mantel shelf and some art above.... to me, that would bring you very close to your inspiration pictures. :) I would not have given any advice if you had not posted the question. Trust me, I have a dilemma and it's fairly long running... so, I know that some can be extremely rude. I hope you didn't take my comment that way...I would feel horrible if I offended you in any way at all. I know how much work you put into your project and I commend you for a job well done. Please don't feel bad.... :) Enjoy that fireplace and have an awesome day! :)

I apologize if my post was considered rude. That was not my intention. I have posted photos of my living room and someone commented that my artwork should be taken down. I did the artwork myself. I just laughed and shrugged it off. I figured if she had issue with that piece my whole house would be seem very distasteful to her as most of it is DIY heaven. Not everyone is going to have the same taste. I love a slightly cluttered look. Most minimalist would argue that Im a hoarder and might even ask that I clean the clutter before posting. I do think that the internet requires a very thick skin. I do apologize if my post was distasteful.

90degreesok Like zazfuzzroc I saw a comment from you that asked how you could improve it and that's why I did the rendering for you. Please know that we are not all rude on here. There is honesty and then there is just plain rudeness and I think some people should read their comments and how they may sound before posting them.

Houzz is a great site, with lots of very kind and helpful people on here. Don't let this experience discourage you from posting or enjoying the many great things that Houzz has to offer. SIncerely Mark

I think it takes a lot of guts to post a dilemma on Houzz; kinda of like baring a bit of your soul! My hat goes off to all that do , and while most are truly trying to help it may be to easy to forget there is a real person behind the words. Kindness usually works better than harsh reality but when you post on the internet I suppose you should be prepared to duck. I applaud your effort and hope you can keep an open mind; Marc's rendering is quite tasteful. Best of luck

I think you need to expand the mantle by adding more white wood around the bricks and adding some decorative molding. I would also white wash the bricks. The color of your red bricks is too harsh, but add a little grey or white and it will look great.

Are you painting walls and/ carpet new?

Much better! I agree with painting the brick & even though I'm not big on mirrors what if you put a long mirror with a carved frame on each side to balance it out? Really like your fire screen.

Hey there--I'm a fellow owner of a 70's ranch and had to take out my fireplace fake lava rock. I'm sure someone out there w/ high design style would hate what I did and personally I don't care. To understand the depths it takes to take down that rock---it was literally the hardest DIY I have ever done! And I have done them all. The demo (I did at my house) was disgusting, grueling and many a time I dodged falling rocks. It was horrible, but in the end I loved it. I considered doing what you did but couldn't because the lava rock went over door trim. I love what you did--I think it's a clean update. You can always fancy it up a bit with some art/room decor. But seriously--I think it looks great, but I am just a simple home owner.

I liked the original and like what you did also. However, I really like the one that Mark posted with the fireplace all one color.

It's pretty bad. It's too heavy looking on top. The screen is too frilly. The wood should be used to frame the stone opening of the firebox like the photos sent as examples and the hearth should match the upper portion in color and material. I hate when I step back and realize I changed something but did not improve it. You can fix this with a bit more woodworking. Hang in there

if you want to get a reaction on Houzz, post a photo of a fireplace or ungrouted tile. Opinions vary all over. I personally hate fake electric space heater in the middle of a bookcase without even a hint of masonry. Others seem to think that is what a fireplace should look like and it looks modern. I challenge anyone who doesn't like what you have done to post a photo of what they have in their home.

Please talk to us again.:( Their tame now.

I think it would be interesting to follow some of the people who post mean spirited comments and see if they ever say anything positive.

Digital pictures are not always true to the color of reality. You took on a huge project and kudos to you for your efforts. Tearing out and redoing a fireplace is a huge challenge! I've been looking at mine for 4 years and still haven't mustered up the energy to tackle it! I would suggest a nice piece of art to balance out the planking above the mantle and a touch of gold/brass for the screen or dark rustic brown/black to go with your furnishings.

What were you thinking? That's a mess.

Did you read through all the posts Rebecca? I'm hoping that you didn't and hoping that you do.

Yes,Boomers775, I did read them. I have a 37 years as an interior designer. This is an educated and experienced opinion. It is bad.

I think it lacks cohesiveness. Study some pics and see if you can find something on here you really like and try to work with it. Trust me, I've done lots of things over and changed my mind; it's really okay to do that if you don't mind the learning process.

Rebecca, if you have 37 years experience then you should be able to give some excellent suggestions don't you think?

I think painting it like Mark suggests is the simplest way to go. Are you keeping the same wall paint? Very brave job for a diy :) Good luck.

http://www.beneathmyheart.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/fireplace-after-0072.jpg

The link above reminded me of your fireplace. The website has step by step instructions on how the look was achieved. Btw I like your red more than the black in the link. Only you can see it in your room and how it works with the rest of your accessories & house. I'd like to see some pics with your mantle accessories & art or mirror etc.

I like it:)

Also, rude PROs, what are you trying to accomplish? Rude posters (trolls) are nothing new and it's true that one needs a thick skin when asking for advice on the internet. But if you're a "PRO", we hope for better. After all, there's that little box next to your name that suggests you know what you're doing - you're professional with regard to knowledge and in demeanor. Since offering advice isn't compulsory, it's fair to say that those who do offer their expertise in forums like this to educate, inspire, share talent, and generate business. If you're someone whose only offerings slash away at those of us who post here, may I suggest you do a little soul searching? Why bother if you are unwilling or unable to offer constructive advice with tact?

Nice work.

Stay encouraged ! You guys have so much inspirational power. You can be kind as you pay forward suggestions and information. Kudos to those who tried to do so and even apologized. The power to encourage and guide people to inspirational and serene homes and surroundings equates to a healthy and beautiful quality of life. Please be kind and keep paying it forward guys! I am very inspired and motivated by the network.