An Apartment’s Unusable Fireplace Got the Cutest Chalkboard Makeover

Fireplaces are often the heart of the living room (or bedroom or dining room, if you’re really lucky). And it’s a real bummer if the one in your home isn’t functional. Instead of staring longingly at the missed chance of cozy nights by the fireplace, follow Josh Hull and Amanda Heald’s lead and make it at least cute to look at. 

The couple moved into an industrial, two-bedroom loft apartment in Kansas City, Missouri, and agreed to rent it sight-unseen. While they appreciated the vintage, charming features, they wanted to make the space feel warmer; adding a chalkboard fireplace focal point definitely achieves that.

The apartment is situated in a 19th-century warehouse building and still retains some of its original features — exposed wood beams, brick walls, and concrete flooring. The wood in the space has a warm tone already and Amanda added more warmth in the home with yellow paint on the walls and green on the trim (a custom mix of Valspar’s “Candied Lime” and Benjamin Moore’s “Greenbrier Beige”).

When it came to decorating the fireplace, a delightful drawing of a roaring fire tucked inside the real fireplace mantel’s opening became the centerpiece of the living area. Hand-drawn ornate columns on either side of the fake flames complete the illusion, giving the faux fireplace a built-in feel. Besides adding whimsy to the living room, the artful faux fireplace also protects their young child from the real thing.

If drawing isn’t your specialty, you don’t have to go the chalkboard route. You could consider hanging a skirt, creating a diorama of a sentimental moment, or simply putting another piece of furniture in front of it. There are several ways to dress up an unused fireplace.

The chalkboard fireplace in Amanda and Josh’s home is a reminder that empty spots don’t have to be lifeless; they can be reimagined and actually fun. It’s also an encouragement to think outside the box rather than stacking a few candles in the unused space — be creative! To see more of this wonderful home, visit the full House Tour.