[cidercat]

We have a 1970's tract home with a brick and stucco hearth/ fireplace. We want to update the look, perhaps cover the stucco section with something smooth, cover or paint the bricks. Does anyone have any suggestions about what you might do with this?

Thanks.

 

[RickMacKay]

We did this for a client a few years ago. This portion of their house was built in the 1930's. They had a traditional wood fireplace with a tiled hearth. Ashes were always on the floor, plus it was drafty. We ditched that, raised the firebox off the floor with cinder block, and added a gas insert. We framed the new firebox with porcelain tile. Above it is a rosewood panel. The entire face sticks out a couple of inches, owing to the original construction which was not cost-effective to remove entirely. The ceiling in that spot is about 10' high, and the ceiling is vaulted, so it does not overpower the space. Maybe this will give you an idea.

 

[RickMacKay]

Here is another update. The original was a wood-burner from the 1980's framed in that synthetic marble we used to do in showers and tubs. We pulled it out, built a "firebox" out of plywood, brought it off the floor, finished the inside with glass tile, and installed an electric log set. The finished product was wrapped with drywall. Can't get more "modern" than this!