Fireplace surround--what material should I use?

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I'm down to the last decision in our build--the fireplace surround. For whatever reason, I keep second guessing what I want. Will you help me choose?

My gut tells me white mini glass subway tile with a gray grout. I'm concerned that's too much white, considering a majority of this 18' wall is SW Pure White. While I'd love a pop of color, I don't want to be sucked into a color scheme any more than I already have. Hello, blue island! (SW Gale Force)

I'm going for (what I consider) a bright, clean, transitional cottage/farmhouse. You may think otherwise ;) Regardless, my top choices for a surround:

1. White mini subway http://www.wayfair.com/Martini-Mosaic-Essen-11.75-x-11.75-Tile-in-Crystal-Ice-MBW1-MRMS1093.html

2. Brickweb in Rushmore http://www.lowes.com/pd_176659-12445-BW-37003CS___?productId=3736471&pl=1&Ntt=brickweb

3. Grey mini subway https://www.subwaytileoutlet.com/products/Ocean-Mini-Glass-Subway-Tile.html#.Vp6Vq_krKUk

4. Carrera Venato 2" marble hex http://www.thebuilderdepot.com/venatohexhon2.html

Pictures to get the feel of the space (more https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/5acresaddition/). Open floor plan--fireplace on same wall as kitchen shelves. Tongue and groove above the fireplace (which will be covered by a tv) and on kitchen wall.

Will have quartersawn oak top on island with white Silestone perimeter counter tops.

2 sided dining nook--you can see the missing corner in the other pic of kitchen

Many thanks!

Featured Answer

Errant_gw

10 years ago

I'd also go with some sort of stone. I'm not a fan of fireplaces that look like someone's kitchen backsplash or bathroom floor.

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Comments (12)

Annie Deighnaugh
10 years ago
It's such a pretty focal point for the room, I'd go with a natural stone surround...or look at one of the porcelain sheets that look just like stone...some of them are pretty amazing. I think a natural stone would look great with the oak flooring too.
ascorsonelli thanked Annie Deighnaugh
ascorsonelli
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Annie! I don't *mind* stone, but I also don't love it. Feels over-done in my neck of the woods. You're not the first to suggest it, so maybe I should get off my "be different" high horse and at the very least, consider it.....

And that flooring---it's porcelain tile ;)
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My3dogs ME zone 5A
10 years ago
Check out the 'After' in this blog post I put up earlier, from a woman in Canada who transformed her fireplace. The 'after' is similar to your 2" marble hex, and may help you visualize it.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3625429/inspiring-diy-fireplace-re-do?n=2
ascorsonelli thanked My3dogs ME zone 5A
nosoccermom
10 years ago
I'd go with a light brick or maybe even black stone. Glass seems to me too modern for farmhouse.

cottage and vine inspiration pictures
ascorsonelli thanked nosoccermom
Peppapoodle
10 years ago
I was thinking soapstone would be beautiful!
Peppapoodle
10 years ago
Bunny
10 years ago
I love the black in the above photo. I agree that I wouldn't want my fireplace surround to look like a backsplash or bathroom.
ascorsonelli thanked Bunny
ascorsonelli
Original Author
10 years ago
@my3dogs, I adore the hex. Considering people use it as flooring, I would think it wears well. Do you think it's a smart choice for a wood burning fp? Soot to consider...

@nosoccermom, I'm drawn to the brick more than the dark stone. But I did see a beautiful piece of soapstone at the tile store. @peppapoodle, that picture certainly helps visualize what it would look like!
ascorsonelli
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I came across this stacked limestone on andreaplease.blogspot.com. Sh references the Silver Mini Stack (which looks more silver and less beige in the fireplace pic) https://www.arizonatile.com/en/products/mosaics/natural-stone-mosaics/hampton
My3dogs ME zone 5A
10 years ago
I think it looked beautiful in her re-do, and not at all bathroom-y. I have a gas FP, but I would think if the fireplace is constructed correctly, the draw would pull the smoke up the chimney and not stain the surround. I have to say that the first pic above posted my nosoccermom makes my heart beat faster! Just gorgeous in that setting.

And peppapoodle's light soapstone is also beautiful.
Susan Rawlings
10 years ago
I think the soapstone would work great.