Before and After: A Dreamy Fireplace Just in Time for the Holiday Season

It’s almost December, which means it’s get-comfy-in-front-of-the-fireplace season! And you know we love a good fireplace—they’re welcoming, cozy, and a natural focal point in any gathering space.

April McCook wanted the fireplace in her living room to be extra inviting, but instead, its gray stacked stones mostly just looked dark, drab, and outdated. The fireplace also didn’t have much in the way of height or dimension, which made it hard to maximize those sought-after hygge vibes.

So April and her family did what all project-loving homeowners do: They tore the whole thing out and started from scratch. Her husband and son demo’d the old stone fireplace in a few hours, and then April designed a new one to replace it, with to-the-ceiling woodwork and a more prominent hearth.

The family hired a carpenter to handle both the woodwork and installation. “It took one week to build, and then they came and installed it in about an hour,” says April. “Shocking right?” They also hired painters to spray the new focal point a crisp, inviting white.

The whole process took about two weeks and $1,800, and just that one change in the room made a world of difference for the rest of the space.

“I love that it made the space bigger, more welcoming, and made for a better use of the space as far as seating and decor goes,” says April. “I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

Holiday-ready fireplace? We’d say that’s a yes.

Inspired? Submit your own project here.