I stumbled into the retro tile obsession quite by accident. While renovating my 1960s ranch house two years ago, I discovered original aqua and gold tiles hidden behind decades of paint on our fireplace surround. The moment I carefully scraped away that last layer of beige paint and saw those …
When I inherited my grandmother’s cottage five years ago, the fireplace was the first thing that captured my attention. The surround was dated and tired, with yellowed tile and dark wood trim that made the entire room feel cramped and gloomy. I knew I wanted to honor the cottage’s character …
My obsession with French fireplace screens began during a trip to Provence, where I stayed in a 200-year-old farmhouse with the most exquisite wrought iron screen I’d ever seen. The delicate scrollwork, aged patina, and effortless elegance transformed the entire room, making me realize how much my basic black mesh …
I’ll never forget the first time I stepped into an old farmhouse with a genuine country fireplace mantel. There was something magical about the weathered wood, the simple lines, and the way it anchored the entire room. That moment sparked my obsession with country mantels, and over the years, I’ve …
When my husband and I bought our 1920s farmhouse three years ago, the first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful but drafty original fireplace in the living room. It had charm for days, but it was basically a hole that sucked warm air out of our house faster …
I’ll never forget the moment I first laid eyes on a genuine Victorian cast-iron fireplace door at an estate sale. Something about its ornate scrollwork and weathered patina spoke to me in a way that modern, mass-produced alternatives never could. That discovery sparked what became a years-long passion for collecting, …
I never imagined an electric fireplace could capture the ambiance of a real wood-burning hearth until I installed my rustic stone electric fireplace last winter. My living room felt cold and uninviting despite comfortable furniture and thoughtful decor. The blank wall opposite my sofa seemed to beg for a focal …
When I designed my cabin addition four years ago, I faced a layout challenge that seemed limiting at first but became an opportunity for creative problem-solving. The only logical spot for a fireplace was a corner where two exterior walls met, a location many designers avoid but that I transformed …
When I bought my 1960s ranch house three years ago, the massive brick fireplace dominated the living room, but not in a good way. Decades of smoke staining, misguided paint jobs, and neglect had turned what should have been a stunning focal point into an eyesore that real estate agents …
Five years ago, after a life-changing trip through Provence, I returned home obsessed with recreating the romantic charm of French country living. The centerpiece of my vision was a stone fireplace that captured the essence of those centuries-old farmhouses I’d admired in rural France. What began as a Pinterest-inspired dream …
When my family and I moved to our property in the mountains three years ago, we inherited a sprawling backyard with stunning views but absolutely no usable outdoor living space. The yard was just grass and trees, beautiful to look at but not particularly inviting for the outdoor gatherings and …
When I first considered adding an outdoor gas fireplace to my backyard, I envisioned creating a cozy gathering spot that would extend our living season. The installation process required careful planning, from choosing the right location to ensuring proper gas line access. I opted for a natural gas model connected …
Three years ago, I stood in my living room staring at a dated brick fireplace that had been painted over multiple times, each layer attempting to modernize what was fundamentally tired and uninspiring. I knew I wanted something rustic that would complement my home’s farmhouse aesthetic, but I wasn’t sure …
I’ll never forget staring at the bland, builder-grade fireplace in my living room two years ago, knowing it had potential but completely lacking character. The plain white trim and basic tile just didn’t match the cozy cabin aesthetic I’d been working toward throughout my home. After months of scrolling through …
I stumbled upon my first retro fireplace screen at an estate sale four years ago, tucked behind boxes in a dusty garage. The brass finish had tarnished, but the distinctive sunburst design immediately caught my eye. Something about those geometric patterns and the mid-century modern aesthetic spoke to me. After …
The first time I laid eyes on our old house, it wasn’t the creaky floors or the original windows that sold me; it was the fireplace. More specifically, it was the massive, ornately carved oak mantel surrounding it. It had been painted over a dozen times, but I could see …
Last winter, watching my heating bills climb while my traditional masonry fireplace consumed log after log with minimal heat output, I finally admitted that something needed to change. My beautiful 1970s stone fireplace was essentially an expensive decoration that sent most of its heat straight up the chimney while cold …
When I inherited my grandmother’s 1920s bungalow five years ago, the living room’s brick fireplace was both a blessing and a headache. The open firebox looked beautiful but created drafts that made winter evenings uncomfortable, and I constantly worried about sparks escaping onto the hardwood floors. After researching options, I …
When I first started shopping for a fireplace, I never imagined I’d fall in love with an electric model. Like many people, I had preconceived notions about electric fireplaces being cheap imitations of the real thing. But after installing my vintage-style electric fireplace three years ago, I can honestly say …
When I inherited my grandmother’s 1940s Tudor-style home, the living room felt awkwardly arranged despite its generous size and beautiful hardwood floors. The furniture seemed to float aimlessly in the space, lacking any natural focal point or sense of purpose. That’s when I discovered the remnants of what had once …