Overview
This Chicago-area home featured a typical drywall-framed fireplace with dark brown paint and minimal visual interest. It failed to serve as the focal point that the homeowners wanted. The clients approached HX Home Solutions seeking to transform this underwhelming feature into a multi-functional centerpiece that would incorporate their television while adding natural texture and warmth to their living space.
The Challenge
The existing dark brown drywall surround created a narrow, outdated appearance disconnected from the room's overall design. The small black mantel shelf and basic painted brick hearth showed visible wear and lacked cohesion with the wall treatment. The result was a fireplace that detracted from rather than enhanced the room's aesthetic appeal.
The Process
Our stone specialists transformed this basic drywall fireplace into a stunning entertainment centerpiece:
- Stone Wall Creation: Installed North Star dry-stack ledgestone veneer from floor to ceiling, eliminating the dated drywall for a textured, natural focal wall with soft taupes, creams, and browns.
- Entertainment Integration: We mounted the television directly above the fireplace instead of installing a traditional mantel to create a dual-purpose entertainment and design centerpiece.
- Cohesive Base Design: Rebuilt the worn hearth with matching stone veneer and a seamless stone slab surface.
The Outcome
This transformation successfully converted a forgettable painted fireplace into a stunning architectural feature serving aesthetic and functional purposes. The floor-to-ceiling natural stone creates a textural backdrop for the television while establishing a warm, organic focal point that elevates the room's character and creates conversation-worthy visual interest.
