I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the living room fireplace remodel is DONE! This has been a fun & challenging one.
Timeline:
- November 20, 2023: Demo began
- December 1, 2023: New fireplace framing went up
- December 4, 2023: Brick & shiplap was installed
- January 8, 2024: The mantle was installed
- February 9, 2024: Floating shelves were installed
I learned a lot during this process (like how to use a table saw & how to make pocket holes) and I am so proud of everything I accomplished – even if it did take longer than I thought it would. This transformation was SO. WORTH. IT. And honestly, 2.5 months for an involved (first time) project like this isn’t that bad if you ask me!
When we first walked into this house, I knew the living room could be amazing. I had always pictured an electric fireplace here. Removing the extraaaa deep original gas fireplace from the 90’s allowed us to regain about 20″ of living area in this room, which is huge for us! The furniture layout in this room had been a puzzle for me since it’s a pretty shallow space, and that extra almost 2′ really makes a difference. Especially with kids lol.
If you want to watch all the progress, be sure to watch how it all unfolded in this story highlight!
DIYs in this space:
Cost Breakdown:
- Faux Brick Panels: $100
- Drywall: $45
- 1/2″ Sande Plywood: (for mantel, shelves, and counters): $150
- Base cabinets: $325
- Shiplap: $315
- Pre-stain wood conditioner: $20
- Provincial stain & Antique White stain: $20
- Polyurethane (matte finish): $25
- Paint (Cracked Pepper in matte for fireplace, Chantilly Lace in eggshell for shiplap & walls): $50
- Electric Fireplace: $450
- Knobs: Free (left over from our kitchen Reno)
Total cost: $1500 (not including caulk, wood filler, tools, or screws)
Not too damn bad for a complete DIY living room upgrade!!
