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The before and after you didn’t know you needed! 🤍
Our living room fireplace was pretty, but it was flat. We had a classic cast stone surround sitting on a plain white chimney wall that ran all the way up to our vaulted ceiling. It was clean and simple, but with those big wood beams overhead, the fireplace wall felt like it was missing something.
So we took it floor to ceiling with natural stone. We kept the original surround and wrapped the entire chimney in a soft white rubble stone, and it completely changed the feel of the room. It’s warm, textured and timeless, and it finally feels like the focal point it was always meant to be.
Watch Our Stone Fireplace Makeover
Fireplace Before and After
Same surround, same TV, same mantel styling, and a completely different room. The stone adds so much depth, and it ties right into the warm wood beams and built-ins on either side.
The Stone: Blanco Rubble from AAA Natural Stone
We went with Blanco Rubble from AAA Natural Stone and finished it with a white-on-white sanded grout to keep everything soft, cohesive and timeless. I love how the natural variation in the stone adds depth and texture while still keeping the overall palette light and neutral.
Materials like this are what make a space feel warm, layered and collected. The subtle tones in the stone, paired with a grout that matches, let the texture stand out without feeling busy, which was exactly the look we were going for.
How the Stone Went Up
If you watch the video closely, you can see a little of the process. Cement backer board went up on the chimney wall first, then our installer set the stones one at a time, using small spacers to keep the joints consistent before the grout went in. The original cast stone surround stayed put, and the stone wraps right around it.
Natural stone is heavy, so this is a job for an experienced mason or stone installer. They’ll know how to prep the wall and attach everything properly for your home.
Tips for Choosing Stone for Your Fireplace
- Look at samples in your own light. White stone can read warm, cool or creamy depending on the room. Hold a few pieces up to the wall in the morning and at night before you decide.
- Match the grout to the stone. A white-on-white grout keeps the look soft and seamless. A contrasting grout will make every joint stand out.
- Choose a shape that fits your style. A rubble stone with mixed sizes feels organic and relaxed, while a more uniform cut stone feels more formal.
- Keep what already works. We kept our cast stone surround, which saved money and gave the finished fireplace a nice layered look.
- Plan the TV before the stone goes up. Figure out your TV mount and wiring ahead of time so everything is hidden behind the stone.
Shop Our Living Room
Everything you see around the fireplace is linked below and on my LTK. Some pieces sell out, so check back if something is gone!
Living Room Furniture
The cream and gray sofas, boucle chairs and a solid wood coffee table keep the room soft and neutral so the stone can be the star.
Woven Leather Stool
Wayfair
Woven leather on a black iron frame. Pretty, practical extra seating.
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Lighting
A cone shade floor lamp and a terracotta table lamp add the warm glow in the evenings.
Art and The Frame TV
The Frame TV displays art when it’s off, so the TV blends into the stone instead of being a big black rectangle. The landscape prints on the shelves are from our own shop, Collection Prints.
Samsung The Frame TV
Amazon
It displays art when it's off, so the TV blends right into the stone.
Shop on LTK
Flourishing Field V
Collection Prints
Moody, painterly landscape art from our own shop, Collection Prints.
Shop on LTK
Impressionist Landscape
Collection Prints
A painterly landscape print from our shop, Collection Prints.
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Trees in Charcoal Framed Art
Walmart
A soft charcoal landscape in a long frame. Such a good Walmart find!
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Rugs, Floors and Window Treatments
Layered rugs, wide plank floors and simple pinch pleat drapes keep everything warm and grounded.
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Throw Pillows
A mix of block print, check and stripe in warm neutrals. Pattern without the busy.
Textured Throw Pillow Covers, 4 Pack
Amazon
A mix of block print, check and stripe in warm neutrals. Four covers for one easy price!
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Block Print Floral Pillow Cover
Amazon
A soft block print that adds pattern without feeling busy.
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Buffalo Check Lumbar Pillow Covers
Amazon
Linen check lumbars in warm brown. So cozy for fall and winter.
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Shelf Styling and Decor
Earthy pottery, a few faux stems and a log basket by the hearth. These are the little details that make the room feel collected.
Large Weathered Terracotta Vase
Pottery Barn
A weathered white finish with so much texture.
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Kobo Rattan Log Basket
Amazon
The perfect spot for firewood or extra blankets next to the fireplace.
Shop on LTK
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I still can’t believe this is the same room. If you’ve been on the fence about adding stone to your fireplace, this is your sign! Save this post for your own makeover, and follow along on my LTK for more home projects and cozy living room finds.
xo, Katie
