Minimalistic Fireplace Mistake??
Please help me, I need help deciding on the best materials to use on my open-concept mid-century modern home FIREPLACE with nearby huge multi-colored stained-glass windows.
Here is a picture of my home:
OPTION ONE: I really want a concrete minimalist fireplace but I don't know what kind of concrete to use:
OPTION TWO: So, I was doing to use Ardex Cement Feather Finish to get minimalist design look but I'm growing increasingly scared that it won't last for more than a few years b/c it's not concrete, it's inconsistent in it's texture, and I'm starting to feel like I tile would be safer if I can't get concrete.
OPTION THREE: Picture of the CONCEPT GREY tile that I'm considering using, it comes in 3 sizes, here is a picture in the large format (24x48):
OPTION FOUR: I could also use the CONCEPT GREY colored tile (pictured above) in the 6x36 sizes. If I went the smaller 6x36 size, my fireplaces would look like this:
OPTION FIVE: Lastly, I could use the CONCEPT GREY colored tile in the 12x24 size and my fireplace would look like this.
What is your favorite material for my fireplace? Also, if you know the best material to use to get the minimalist concrete fireplace, please advise. Thanks.
Comments (35)
er612
3 years agoSofia
3 years agoRelated Discussions
PART 2 ...Mistakes, Mistakes, Mistakes.... oh my
Comments (38)Good job on the fireplace it looks GREAT moved down.... and no one but you will ever know it's not perfect. It fits the wall much better. Gorgeous actually. But more important is that it was IMPORTANT enough to both of you to have it lowered. That's all that matters. As far as the granite....Both edges, the one you wanted and the one they're forcing on you, look to me too substantial for the edging you have on the rest of your granite (again it's a personal thing). One suggestion... have you asked them about other edging styles? One that might satisfy you but less chance of breaking the piece if changed? Several people here have talked about detailed granite edges. I had one in my other home and agree it's a pain to keep clean (toothbrushes helped). But you mentioned the reason they don't want to give you the right one is it probably will destroy the piece. And like you said they have no more pieces in stock. If they cut and break it then have to get another piece it could take several weeks (or months) for the piece to be shipped and fitted. And even then it might not exactly match the pieces already installed. Are you willing to wait for that to move into your home? Or is it such a personal thing that it will truly drive you crazy for years to come if you leave it like it is now? If that is the case rather than the granite place just not getting it right then you owe it to yourself to not give in on this one either. Or give up on the $600. While we were building 3 other couples divorced over their builds. In each instance it was in the final phase of the build when things were getting ripped out over and over to meet one idea of perfection over the other's. I'm not even saying that applies to you... in the least... so please do not take it as such....all I'm saying is sometimes it's more stressful holding on to an idea than it's worth. On my home DH and GC both wanted to do a poplar ceiling painted white in my "rustic" kitchen. I fought tooth and nail over that one and won. I've never regretted it for one minute. You have to decide what to fight for and what to give up. Good luck....See MoreMinimalist style - possible to be family friendly?
Comments (21)very interesting to hear everyone's thoughts and I'm glad to hear that many of you think it is possible to achieve a comfortable, inviting space while still being sparse and minimalist. thanks mtnredux -- I've also made a number of bad design mistakes after drinking. ;) I started to paint my current dining room black one night after a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. I just got out a brush and went at it. And, um, my head hurt the next morning just looking at it. I also never decorated my homes differently because of kids - everyone told me I needed them, but I was not a fan of those hideous plastic things on cabinets to keep infants from staying out of them and I refused to install them. But you all are right that there is definitely a certain amount of clutter that is unavoidable (backpacks lying around, leashes and dog food bowls, shoes at the entryway, toddler socks in the middle of the room) given our lifestyle. None of that stuff bothers me -- it is the décor-style clutter (too many furnishings in a space) that makes my head hurt. javachik, yes, good eye, that is my peacock! :) Interestingly enough, our home is near a canyon that is a wild peacock preserve, so we have them roaming on our property. Several live in trees in our backyard. aktillery, your space is so warm and inviting! I love your design style and all of the furniture seems really comfortable and I just want to kick back on that sofa and read a good book. I'm with you that some of the minimalist furniture doesn't seem nearly as inviting or plush, although I am finding a few pieces that are really comfy -- like a beautiful Eames chair I am hopelessly in love with (the black/walnut chair in photos 8 and 9). It would be a splurge, but I do love those chairs, especially because they swivel and you could sit in them and watch tv and then look out the window at the backyard. mnzinnia, thanks for sharing your experience. I've been reading a lot about MCM homes and atomic ranches, and how many were built and designed to raise families in. There are so many aspects of this home that appealed to us -- the high ceilings, the open concept, the indoor/outdoor lifestyle and the use of glass everywhere and floor to ceiling windows -- even our front door is all glass. But like the house you grew up in, there is very little frou frou - no laundry room, a small but open and well planned kitchen, no powder bathroom, no dining room -- things that might be deal breakers to some people. snookums, self cleaning windows sound awesome! I've never heard of those, but I will have to google that. thanks, nancybee! I agree with you -- with kids, keeping our house picture perfect is definitely not a priority (and not even within our realm of possibility!). thanks ellendi, peegee, marti8, joanie, juliekmco and nosoccermom! chispa, you're definitely right that Houzz photos don't depict real life. I love Houzz but realize it's sort of like the airbrushed version of real homes. I spent nearly two days organizing and de-cluttering our current house for our MLS listing photo shoot and it still looks much more cluttered than these Houzz shots! hoping I responded to all! gotta run, nap time is over...See MoreMinimalist meets craftsman?
Comments (19)Minimalist doesn't have to mean modern furniture. It means less stuff. You could do a minimalist decor with Louis XIV furniture in a chateau. The trick with blending styles is to pay attention to scale and lines ... Craftsman is blocky and square, medium to large scale. If it has curves, they are simple, not swoopy. Blends well with rustic modern and squared leather and wood pieces, not so well with chrome and glass or lightly build wood. Think plush textures (leather, velvet, thick weaves, tapestries) not hard. Clean colors (jewel tones, clear pastels, strong mediums) not muted. If you want to lighten up the fireplace wall, use light or brightly colored paper or fabric behind the shelves. And change the chandelier ... please. It's the one jarring note in that decor. any tips on how to use light-coloured wood furnishings with dark trim/hardwood? Just use it. If the scale and lines blend, you are good. I bought a great Craftsman buffet and it looked HORRIBLE in my house with dark oak floors because the entire house was gracefully rounded - arched windows, rounded sills, medium scaled furniture in various woods with rounded lines. The buffet was square and solid and chunky and all the things my house and other furniture wasn't. That stupid buffet squatted in the room like a linebacker at a teaparty. I sold it to a friend who had a genuine craftsman house and it snuggled into that house like it belonged....See MoreAnother Non-Minimalist room
Comments (51)I've always believed that everyone should live in homes, live in rooms, that make THEM happy. And, I respect everyone's choices. I'm sure whoever lives there is happy, but it would be a nightmare for me! Just seeing all of those displayed plates makes me shudder! But, as I said, good for them . . . I'll bet their housekeeper hates dusting that place, though (LOL)!...See More
tangerinedoor
3 years agolydcrafts
3 years ago
Irene Morresey
3 years ago
PROSabrina Alfin Interiors
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoI like the idea of incorporating some texture, so either the large format tiles or the wood-look plank style tiles would be great. Alternatively, do concrete, but have them use wood planks for the forms so you get the wood texture pressed in to the surface.
Concrete Board-Formed Fireplace Surround · More Inforfharmon
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoI feel like I'm on an tv show entitled this is what I asked for vs. what I got. Here is the picture of what my installed onto my fireplace. To me, it looks bad and I'm not sure it's worth trying to fix. The installers used 1.5 tiles the materials suggested and just slopped it onto the fireplace-- although I asked them repeatedly to use skim coats. We used MAPEI Planipatch.
rfharmon
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agorfharmon
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoAs alternatives, I found some tile. May you please let me know you like any of these options:
24x36
8 x 72
12x24
18 x36
12x24
PROBeth H. :
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoI feel like I'm on an tv show entitled this is what I asked for vs. what I got.
ok, this is the funniest thing I've ever read on this site. I can so relate.
What did they do that was wrong? it looks skim coated to me. now they just tile, yes?
All those 12x24 tiles you posted look cheap and blah. they're a big NO from me.
the one in my picture above looks like a random linear bar slate tile or basalt. or it could be a split face slate, quartzite or basalt.
also called 'ledgerstone' they come in 6x24 panels. 'stacked stone'. diff names are used.
sometimes they have longer, thinner pieces.at my tile place, they have an entire room dedicated to fireplace tiles. these stacked stone options. and there are no less than 200 of them
these are called split face. these are marble
this is a large basalt tile, smooth/honed finish. when you seal them they turn a darker black. I have this in my shower as an edging. I think on a modern fireplace, the basalt is a natural choice.
these are the regular 12x12 sheets of basalt. basalt is cooled lava. and it comes in many diff finishes.
however, this one looks really nice too. this a smooth cut basalt linear tile
**love this look**is this how yours is supposed to end up like? and then just tile on the face?
basalt comes in a million shapes, sizes, cuts, and colors/finishes.these large striated basalt tiles are also cool.
they come like this, or grooved, chiseled, flamed, honed, leathered, polished, (different gray tones are also avail)I love the one above w/the red chair. I'd do that one on yours.
this one. It's Norstone Ebony IL fireplace-basalt tile **and it comes in the gray option*** (but I like the black better)
https://www.norstoneusa.com/products/lynia-mosaic-tiles/ebony/
https://www.norstoneusa.com/products/large-format-stone-veneer/ebony-basalt/Here's the cement gray color
this company also has a lot of other colors and finishes if you don't want this smooth ebony choice.If you want a diff look, tell me what you want, and i'll tell you where to get it
rfharmon thanked Beth H. :rfharmon
3 years ago@Beth H. :, you dropped so many amazing jewels here! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I feel like a total failure at the moment and will definitely take you up on your offer to help me locate the materials after I spend some time fully considering your options. Thanks again for these! I so appreciate each and every option!!!
Here is a picture of what I thought I was getting. A concrete minimalist fireplace. :-/
- PRO
Beth H. :
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agodid you give them a picture of that^
I assume you wanted the insets. Ok, so the one above is fully cured. yours is not. keep that in mind. as for the finishing, Yeah, this one looks a little different!
To be honest though, I like the smooth black basalt tile so much better than a raw cement finish.But, if the raw cement is what you want, have a cement guy come out and put on the finishing finish for you.
rfharmon thanked Beth H. : rfharmon
3 years ago@Beth H. : we did give him a picture and several diy videos. 😌
my husband and I have gone back and forth about the tv being recessed. I think it’s played out to recess a rv. He think it’s an eyesore to walk into our home and see a tv. Do you have an opinion on this? Here’s a photo from the front door:
- PRO
Beth H. :
3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago 
PROThe Nielsen Collection
3 years agorfharmon
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoAfter purchasing paradigm tower floors (https://www.paradigmflooring.net/20mil-products-1/tower-con2004pad) and after seeing this adorable picture of Dwayne Wade (retired Miami beat basketball player) with his daughter and loving the simplisty of his home...
I decided to just design the interior of my house to my liking and to just dry wall the windows if they don’t work with the final decor.that being said, I still want a modern concrete look. like above but within my budget, lol. Unless, there are affordable suggestions to create his look. Here are my fave inspiration pictures.
rfharmon
3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago@Beth H. : i also love the basalt look But tried to find local samples and the stuff I located was sold out.I could never find the flat interlocking basalt and I also love the black flats tiles that you recommended.
I would leave the faux concrete but it also has cracks on it and looks like it wasn’t done with any effort for it to ever work.if you’re still willing to help me find materials, it would be grately appreciated!!!!!!
- PRO
Beth H. :
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoyou can't find a place to order the basalt? what about the link I gave you for the actual tile? Norstone USA?
if you want the concrete look, you could try very large porcelain tiles. (24x48" panels) Tilebar has some of those.
that size would look like this
and they also have large format tiles that look like cement (12x24 or 24x24 sizes)why don't you visit here and order some samples?
here are the metallics
https://www.tilebar.com/collection/porcelain-tile/shop-by-look-porcelain/metallic.html
and here are some of the large format. look at the Angela Harris tiles
for example, look at this one in the light silver. it's a large panel. You'd have to have complete coverage on this tile, so make sure you hire an expert installerhttps://www.tilebar.com/angela-harris-inspira-light-silver-24x48-porcelain-tile.html
do you like any of these?
I still like that basalt, so contact Norstonehttps://www.norstoneusa.com/products/large-format-stone-veneer/ebony-basalt/
rfharmon
3 years agorfharmon
3 years ago- PRO
Beth H. :
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoyes! basalt. I did mention that, I think! did they have the black one like the one in the pic?
I know they have the gray, but I think this black one would be perfectoh, I just saw this gray one that they have. is this too busy looking for you? the color is gorgeous
https://www.norstoneusa.com/blog/how-pattern-impacts-stone-installations/this place may carry the same material as norstzne:
https://www.materialbank.com/a30ae39fb5134a3c8613ea72b4981ed5
Home depot has one like this basalt
did you look at this one? Tilebar has it under Angela Harris (and they have a sample,,) but wayfair carries it as well:
these are 24x48, but come in 12x24, 24x24they have it in this steel color too https://www.tilebar.com/angela-harris-inspira-steel-24x24-porcelain-tile.html
rfharmon
3 years agoUser
3 years agorfharmon
3 years agoAs suggested, I bought the black basalt fireplace tile and I loved it!!!!!! Thank you so very much for the recommendation!!!
Now, I am wondering if I am making a mistake recessing my great room tv? My husband is concerned that not recessing it would be a eye sore walking into the house since it’s the 1st thing you see upon entry. I’m concerned recessing the tv ages the house renovation. I also would like to have a fireplace mantle but realize that won’t be feasible, given the fireplace is only 8ft tall and 6ft wide. Cc’ing @Beth H. :
rfharmon
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agojust in case anyone is willing to lend me their opinions, for your convenience and as an expression of my gratitude, I’m posting a black fireplace not recessed here:
and a recessed black fireplace here:
rfharmon
3 years ago- PRO
Beth H. :
3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago rfharmon
3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago- PRO
Beth H. :
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agodon't they have bullnose edging for that tile? did you ask? I know they make specific corner pieces for this tile.
it's called the finger joint panel. this is what you need for the edges
you could have them use a black jolly. it would blend w/the basalt. (but I think the corner piece would be a smoother look)i actually have basalt in my shower and edged it with basalt chair rails (the inner basalt pieces were3/4" thick. I had to buy space since this was all of the cement tile I had)
the guys could get some straight basalt tiles and cut them like this for the edges.
oh, one more thing. very important you do this. Basalt has tiny pin holes on the surface. If you don't seal it prior, when they install it and grout, grout/mortar will adhere to those tiny pin holes. you don't want this.it will end up like this (and I'm sure you're using black or charcoal grout, but you still don't want it. )
enlarge my pic of the shower. see how black and smooth it is? I sealed all of those tiles on that wall prior to install. the others are cement.get some sealer. I used the impregnating enhancer from 511 or Aquamix. (it deepens the black too) get out each sheet of tile and apply the sealer. only the tops, don't let it drip down the sides. leave it on for 1-2 mins, and buff w/a clean cloth. Do it while you watching tv or whatever. don't expect the tile guys to do it, they won't. And those grout release products don't work very well after the fact. trust me on this one. seal it first.
the enhancers will deepen the black color. (similar to how they look when wet). if you don't want this, just get the regular seal.
Beth H. :