Modern Fireplace Makeover

Watch this family take their old fireplace and create a functional focal point in their living room.

BEFORE/ AFTER

9/19/20233 min read

For this fun fireplace makeover, this client was seeking to transform a dull gas fireplace into a stunning focal point in their living room. This project was not just about aesthetics but also about reclaiming the space and adding purpose to it.

Let's dive into the transformation journey step by step!

What we were working with: Imagine a room with a gas fireplace that was just not cutting it in the style department. Take a peek at how it looked before we showed up:

Before

Cords, clutter, and dated tile give us a lot to improve on!

As Marie Kondo says, "I love mess!" We do too, and we couldn't wait to get started finding the perfect solution for this space.

Let the problem-solving begin: Initially, they had a local cabinet shop draw up a solution with a few different cabinet options from typical sizes that they had in stock. Here are a few versions that they came up with, showing different options for the base cabinet height:

As you can see, the initial mock-ups were underwhelming, and this was due to trying to make pre-made cabinets fit into a custom space.

A second try at designing the perfect solution: After seeing the results of this first design attempt, it was time to consider custom-sized cabinets. This would allow the interior designer to prioritize proper aesthetics since she wouldn't be constrained by predetermined cabinet sizes. We could make it look however we wanted, and achieve a true built-in cabinet look!

In the pictures below, you can see our results were much more pleasing to the eye and exactly the style that the homeowners were looking for! They loved the clean and classic white shaker-style cabinets, with matching white bookcases above.

Check out the 2-D and 3-d renderings below:

After

In this 2-D elevation, you can see the basic layout of the built-in base cabinets, bookshelves, and mantle that would surround the existing gas fireplace.

Side view showing the dimensions to ensure proper fit and ordering of correct cabinet sizes.

This is a closeup of the mantel in the design software, which allowed us to get exact measurements to replicate the trim detail accurately on the job site.

Photo realistic 3-D rendering showing the proposed design with natural lighting.

Photo realistic 3-D rendering showing the proposed design recessed lighting added to brighten up the space even more.

Now THAT is the look the homeowners were looking for! Next step: picking out the new tile from the local tile supplier, ordering cabinets, and lining up a time we could sneak in there and get the job done.

Final Result: Finally, it was time for the big reveal. The once-boring gas fireplace was now a beautiful centerpiece of the room. The white shaker-style cabinets not only provided the much-needed storage but also added a touch of elegance:

Conclusion: This project wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about making the room more functional for the family. The end result achieved both, giving the room a purpose it lacked before.

If you think our built-in cabinets can help you achieve the perfect look for your neglected space, click "Contact Us" below to get started.