Transforming Our Kitchen Fireplace: A DIY Marble Subway Tile Makeover

The recent refresh of our kitchen walls with fresh paint has done more than just lighten the room; it has allowed us to view the space with entirely “fresh eyes.” This newfound perspective immediately drew our attention to the fireplace, a central feature that, while functional, was clearly ready for its “next level” transformation. We’ve often hinted at our ambitions to build out a more substantial mantel and replace the previously painted-over tile hearth, as mentioned here and in other planning posts.

Our fireplace has certainly undergone a journey since we first moved in. Its initial transformation included removing the old stove (and successfully rehoming it via Craigslist!) and giving the entire structure a much-needed coat of paint. These initial steps were significant, but as other areas of our kitchen have received more substantial upgrades – for instance, the shimmering penny tile that extends all the way to the ceiling on the opposing wall – the fireplace now feels a bit understated. This growing disparity has fueled our desire to significantly “amp up” this side of the kitchen, ensuring every element contributes to a cohesive and stylish aesthetic.

Igniting Inspiration: Fueling Our Fireplace Design Dreams

When embarking on a project of this scale, inspiration is key, and we’ve been gathering a wealth of ideas lately. For years, Sherry and I have mentally bookmarked this incredible fireplace makeover by Layla and Kevin. Their innovative approach to transforming a dated fireplace into a stunning focal point has always resonated with us. More recently, they shared another inspiring project, showcased below, which provided even more concrete ideas for fireplace refacing. This concept involves building out architecturally interesting elements over the existing structure, such as a more substantive mantel and thoughtfully framed side columns, adding depth and character to the entire assembly.

Beyond blog inspiration, Sherry has found herself repeatedly drawn to a page torn from Canadian House & Home this month. The images within have sparked a strong interest in incorporating tile into our fireplace design. This idea holds particular appeal because the other side of our kitchen features extensive tiling, and bringing a similar element to the fireplace could create a harmonious balance and seamlessly tie the entire room together, enhancing the overall flow and aesthetic continuity.

The Blueprint for Beauty: Meticulous Planning and Design

Armed with a clear vision and a collection of inspiring images, Sherry and I set out to plan the specifics. We grabbed the tape measure and began mapping out the dimensions and potential modifications. My particular fondness for graph paper proved exceptionally useful here, especially since I was struggling to accurately visualize the scale and proportions of our ambitious design. We ended up sketching a detailed, to-scale drawing of our desired fireplace makeover. While the sketch might seem complex at first glance, the core idea is simple: the majority of the new structure will be crafted from wood, but the subtly shaded inner frame will feature a sleek tile surround for the firebox. We promise that as we bring this vision to life and share progress photos, the entire process will become much clearer and more exciting!

Selecting the Perfect Palette: Discovering Inexpensive Marble Subway Tile

The tile selection process involved careful consideration. We debated several options, from extending the existing penny tile to something more luminescent, perhaps a sea-glass-inspired mosaic. However, as fate would have it, the stars truly aligned when Sherry stumbled upon this insightful post on Bryn Alexandra’s blog. It highlighted the availability of inexpensive marble subway tiles at Home Depot, an absolute game-changer for our budget and design aspirations.

This discovery was perfect for several reasons. Firstly, the price point was fantastic, making luxurious marble accessible. Secondly, marble subway tile is an inherently timeless choice. We had concerns that a bold color, like a vibrant green, might eventually look dated or too specific to a fleeting trend. Choosing classic white marble ensures longevity and enduring elegance. We believe it will serve as a beautiful complement to the gray penny tile on the other side of the kitchen, creating a sophisticated contrast without attempting an exact, potentially monotonous, match. The natural veining of the marble will add subtle texture and character, enhancing the overall upscale feel of the space.

It’s truly difficult to go wrong with marble subway tile, isn’t it? Its classic appeal and versatility make it a perennial favorite in home design, much like a timeless piece of art. While we experimented with dark brown marble in our first house’s bathroom, we’ve actually never had the pleasure of working with the more traditional, pristine white variety. It feels like the perfect moment to change that! We find immense satisfaction in using classic materials in innovative ways, which is why we’ve decided to lay our marble subway tile in a chic herringbone pattern. This arrangement promises to elevate the design significantly, adding a dynamic visual texture that is both sophisticated and contemporary. Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen, prepare for some serious “fancypants” detailing!

To further prove the celestial alignment of our project, we were fortunate to have some Christmas gift cards for Home Depot, generously provided by a few thoughtful relatives, practically burning a hole in our pockets. With the marble tile priced at just over $5 per square foot, we were absolutely sold. After applying our gift cards, our total out-of-pocket expense for the tile came to a remarkably low figure – around $30! This made the decision even sweeter and affirmed our belief in smart budgeting for high-impact home improvements.

Gathering Our Tools and Treasures: The Comprehensive Materials List

While the tile is undoubtedly a significant aesthetic component, it barely scratches the surface of our complete materials list for this ambitious project. As my (admittedly incredibly accurate and remarkably discernible) sketch illustrates, the tile represents only a small portion of the overall new look. The majority of the materials we need will consist of various types of wood and trim, forming the structural and decorative elements of the fireplace surround.

The good news is that we now have everything gathered and safely home. Our haul includes the beautiful marble subway tile, various boards to build out the base and the new mantel structure, 1×2-inch pine pieces for intricate decorative details and trim work, miscellaneous larger trim pieces to frame out the fireplace, durable backer board to create a stable and water-resistant surface for the tile, and essential masonry screws for secure attachment. An added bonus is that we still have all our leftover tiling supplies – trowels, grout sponges, spacers, and all the “yada yada” – from previous projects, meaning we don’t have to repurchase these items. Huzzah! This not only saves us money but also streamlines the preparation process. Of course, we are committed to sharing every single step of this building process as it unfolds, providing detailed insights and photos along the way. So, what I’m essentially trying to convey is this: sorry, old brick fireplace, your days are officially numbered, and a stunning transformation awaits!

The Hearth’s Last Stand: Preparing for the Tile Transformation

One of the most satisfying parts of this makeover will be addressing the fireplace hearth. It’s currently adorned with a rather whimsical, smashed-tile-mosaic-looking texture that we previously just painted over. While the white paint certainly brightened it up, that peculiar, broken-tile texture is still very much present beneath the surface, a constant reminder of its dated origins. But not for looooong! The upcoming tile installation will completely cover and transform this area, giving it a clean, sophisticated finish that perfectly complements the new marble surround. This final element will truly tie the entire fireplace redesign together, making it a seamless and stylish addition to our kitchen.

What’s Next? Anticipating the Grand Reveal!

If all goes according to plan and our tiling skills are as sharp as we hope, we anticipate being back here on Wednesday with a significant update – ideally, a finished tile installation! In fact, as you read this, we’re already hard at work, making progress and bringing our vision to life. The excitement is palpable as we watch the pieces come together, transforming this once-overlooked corner into a true kitchen masterpiece.

Join the Conversation: Share Your DIY Adventures!

What exciting projects were you sketching or planning this past weekend? Is anyone else embarking on a tile project, or finally getting around to spending a long-held Christmas gift card on a passion project? We’d love to hear about your home improvement adventures and design dilemmas in the comments below! Stay tuned for the next phase of our kitchen fireplace transformation – we can’t wait to share the final results!

Psst- There was a little Clara celebration at school, so here’s how that went down (don’t look now, but Sherry’s hair is down).