Fireplace Facelift Help Needed – Love the Stone, Not the Black Granite

last year

Hello! We’re in the midst of a full home remodel and need to make a quick decision on updating this fireplace. We love the existing stone surround and plan to keep it, but the black granite apron (hearth) needs to go—it just doesn’t work with the look we’re going for.

We’re replacing the carpet with natural white oak flooring (no stain), so we want something that complements that warm, clean look. We are also flattening the wall above the mantle. We are open to ideas—should we extend the wood flooring across the hearth? Use a different stone or tile? We're aiming for something timeless, clean, and cohesive with the rest of the remodel. We'd also love your thoughts on the mantle.

Would love to hear your ideas or see photos if you’ve done something similar! Thank you in advance!

Featured Answer

PRO

BeverlyFLADeziner

last year

last modified: last year

I would simply simplify the fireplace. See examples below.

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Comments (12)

palimpsest
last year
Honestly I think I would do the opposite. This looks like are really nice Nero Marquina or Portoro which is one of the most expensive marbles. I love the piece on the hearth but the shape of the band of marble on the top makes it a bit top heavy. I wonder if that can be removed. That area would look better I think the color of the rest of the mantle. (?)
hrhunt18
Original Author
last year
@palimpsest Thank you for your thoughts here! We can remove the marble on top. Can you elaborate a bit more on your thoughts about the top, please? Thx!
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PRO
lisedv
last year
I would remove all of the top section.
C Stone
last year
I like it how it is- I love that marble
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
last year
Replacing the black will look great! It will give it a clean and fresh feeling.
hrhunt18
Original Author
last year
These are wonderful and helpful photos, suggestions! Thank you all so much! We will remove the top completely.
hrhunt18
Original Author
last year

This is where we are with the fireplace now. The demo went quickly! They tried to save the very top piece in case we needed it, but it broke. The fabricator may be able to "save" it if we need it for the top. There's an opening where the top is now. Apparently, they set the stone this way to give the impression it was a solid piece. So, I'd love ideas on how to move forward with what we have now, especially if we cannot use that stone to fabricate a shelf to close up that gap. Thank you again for any ideas/suggestions you have.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
We posted images for FP examples. Nothing more to do than close up the top.
Moore4
last year
That top piece might still look off. It has curved edges, while the surround is very geometric with crisp lines. What are you going to do for flooring? That might help to define the appropriate top for the surround.
PRO
lisedv
last year
If you can get a piece in the same stone to close the top it would be perfect.

If not, what is your plan for decor in the room? what flooring will you have?
hrhunt18
Original Author
last year
We will have natural white oak flooring. We lean toward the look of Studio McGee and Stoffer Homes look. Thank you in advance!!