Well, it won't have exactly the same look unless you're willing to put millwork above the mantle and on the hearth as they did. I think you'll feel much better about it once the mantle goes in. Looks like it's actually coming along nicely!

Think so? Thank-you! My other idea/question is should I use a dark grey stained wood for the hearth instead of tile?

I wouldn't. Always best to have something non-flammable in front of the fireplace. The surround and mantle can be wood, but the hearth shouldn't be.

So tile it is - thank-you! What are your thoughts on the colour and sconces?

I think it will work just fine, maybe scale the wreath size to your mantle. I love the sconces. What will you do with the windows?

trim and blinds - aren't the scones gorgeous! I love them! Thanks for the input!

Have your architect make you a water jet cut, mild steel surround

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f1/ef/0d/f1ef0dfa59796eb6490eb838c7fcc361.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/09/44/42/094442daaf113982232b6256751d019d.jpg

Pick a somewhat conservative pattern. Hang it standing off the wall 1/4". Tie in your tiles somewhere. Clean with leaf blower.

Hmmm, interesting idea! Thanks!

It's a little outside, but I can draft something up for you to have made and installed locally if you want to send along measurements. It's a pretty straightforward process

Would you be covering the whole thing? Is it expensive?

Make sure you have that light tile around the fire place, as that is what also makes it. If you use something dark, then it won't look like the picture at all. Just follow the inspiration picture and it will look lovely.

Here's a progress shot - not loving the mantle :(

I'm wondering if I should leave it? Paint it all white?

Awesome, thank-you for the visual! I really appreciate it :D

The reason you're not loving it is that the proportions are off. The mantel cuts the fireplace in half with the ends out so far.

I suppose this is an annoying question but I'll ask it anyway. Since you loved the photo so much why didn't you try to copy it to the fullest extent? I suspect this is why you are unhappy with the outcome. Do your utmost to replicate the elements you like the most. Good luck to you, hope it turns out to your satisfaction!

What if paint were this dark bronze -- would it look better with tan hearth -- and with sconces.... ?

Did they use all MDF?

Yes MDF - it was the finisher who did up the mantle

I just asked my contractor to talk to him

Why is the inside also painted dark? In the inspiration, it's light tile. At least paint it light, so you get a better sense of the color.

The cost savings of MDF over finger jointed pine doesn't offset the extra effort required to paint it. But maybe they underbid the project, in which case you might be out ahead.

Looks great!

here's an updated pic :) much better! Can't wait to see it come to life!

Please keep us posted. Very interested and thinking of updating an old fireplace. Thanks for sharing!

It's done and I LOVE it!!

Beautiful!

Very nice!

Can I see outside through the fire??

Love it!!