Well done, Kelly!!!

I think the results are drab. Sorry. Neatly done but carrying none of the beauty that is still there.

It looks great. I wouldn't have thought about using a material like this around a fireplace. I would think that the heat might damage it.

"I would think that the heat might damage it."

Doesn't appear to be a wood-burning fireplace - Those are ceramic logs and there's a gas burner below...

I'm with bb99. I think it clashes with the wood a bit. A darker tone would have contrasted better, but overall very nice execution on the project.

bepsf,

So....gas burners don't get hot?

@modernguy--

It's far easier to turn the gas down to moderate the heat on a gas burner than a burning log.

Meh, I think those tiles were pretty awesome. Too bad some were gone, and I know it would be very hard to find replacements, but I think in this case, it would have been the nicest option.

Leather covers on a fireplace just seem odd to me...

I wish they could have kept more of the arts and crafts feel.

Rather than hiding the pretty but damaged tilework with that oddly colored pleather, why not put in a few quirky tiles that coordinate with the others? You can't match them exactly, I'm sure, but put in some that area a suitable color but perhaps have neat designs that stand out a bit.

I agree with those who said that the color of the leather fights with the wood. Also, I would have liked the nailhead trim to have gone around the fireplace opening as well at the perimeter - it seems off-balance to me as is. I hate to criticize as I'm sure it was a lot of work, but I'm just not crazy about the result.

I suspect this is a big time fire code violation, even if it IS a gas log. Aound here in NH, you have to have a fire-proof surround for a certain number of inches around the facade of the firebox, and I think it's at least ten inches, maybe 12. Non-combustible. If you use a solution like this, I would never ever light the fire! (I find it kind of bland, but not terrible, apart from the safety issue.)

My two cents on the fire safety comments:

Of the many Chicago apartments I've seen with similar fireplaces, only one had a still-functioning fireplace. It also happened to be in a building that had undergone very thorough renovation.

I suspect that such old fireplaces are not up to current fire code standards and that the simplest option is for landlords to disconnect them.

Copper sheeting or vintage metal ceiling tiles might also be options.

I initially thought it was cardboard.

Kudos for not damaging the original work. Others might not have been as sensitive.

@dww_mpls: I've been wanting to try copper sheeting to cover the awful cheap brick facade. I've no idea how to begin. Any suggestions, anyone?

Dislike, It is totally out of sync with the arts an crafts style of the preexisting fireplace. not to mention a total disregard for functionality, and as noted, the color is way off.

Might not be the best solution ever if you have other options, but for a renter who can only do very temporary fixes, it's a great idea!

And yes, chances are as a rental place the gas fireplace is disconnected and purely ornamental.

Sad. I think the before was better.

It's sort of like she botoxed it. Smooth and perfect, but all of the character, age, and "story" of the original tile-work is eradicated.

the tiles appear to be Pewabic from Detroit Yes they can be matched anything can be done if one wants to pay....

I have mixed feelings on this one...

I liked the old tiles myself, but I can understand why they wouldn't be for everyone.

The coverup idea is great, but that color does not go well in the space and it looks a bit cheap. A darker color would look much better.

Agree with bb99.