Our floorplan calls for a see-through fireplace. The builder suggested cultured stone, floor to ceiling for this. I like the look of the old world cast stone fireplaces. Does anyone think I could get this look - floor to ceiling on both sides, somehow? I am not opposed to using something like travertine tiles that look like the cast stone... However, we have to stay in the budget - which I believe is $6000 or so for everything! Is this possible? Also, if anyone has photos of ANY fireplaces, I'd love to see, maybe something with catch my eye! Thanks :)

I have opposite problem/question. My house came with fireplace that has 8" tall hearth with slab on top which seems to be sandstone, and which now has a hole in it the size of a few quarters. I never liked the color anyway, and I would like to have granite instead. It seems the easiest least expensive make-over would be to just put a slab of granite on top of the sandstone (with mortar in between). Is this feasible, or is the sandstone too weak to support the granite?

Because the fireplace ends at a narrow wall, it would be awkward to put a face stone or brick on the front. You might consider just a smooth plaster finish with a new mantle mounted higher on the wall. You can paint the entire wall and even around the corner in an accent color. I don't have any photos that match your situation, but I have posted a few to at least give you inspiration.

I need help picking out right color and stone/tile for 2 fireplace areas and one front step. All had ugly Spanish tile from the 70’s ( gold/avocado green colo) The House is a mid-century modernish style. More transitional- lots of linear lines. i want neutral. Have a few ideas but would love advice from experts . pics are: small fireplace, front step, large fireplace room and pic of exterior of home with view of front step