Not a sacrilege to me [though I confess I hate to see painted hardwood, but bricks come out of a factory, aren't exactly unique and organic]. If it will enhance your enjoyment of your home, go for it... Just remember that travertine is showing signs of being this decade's version of '70s red brick.

First post folks, so be gentle! IÂve also been planning and working on a Fireplace mantle and adjoining bookcases along one wall in my living room for some time now. I finally got around to installing tile over the yucky faux white-brick on the lower half and sheet rock over the top half of the faux brick. One of the more difficult parts of this design was how to have built-in bookcases right up against the fireplace mantle (I didnÂt want to lose any bookcase room). Every photo IÂve seen of a fireplace has the shelf "crown" out to the sides as well as the front. I didnÂt want it to look "chopped-off". Well, here is an interim photo of the fireplace. It was a much easier project than I had imagined it would be. The bookcases are next and more photos to come after they are installed. While I don't have a "before" photo, you can see those ugly faux white-brick on the bottom of the hearth. Those too will be covered with a wooden box casing and trim. Bare sheet rock is above and the bottom is an earth-tone tile I installed. Mantle photo: http://i19.tinypic.com/67daeqh.jpg Materials: Appleply plywood for case 3/4" thick. Various maple trim for fireplace "bling" Popular fireplace shelf braces (had trouble finding ones I wanted in maple, but these seem to pass inspection!). Finish: Wood sealer (begins with a B, canÂt remember the name now). MinWax Golden Maple stain Varathane Polyurathane semi-gloss varnish (water-based) 5 coats! Must have tools: Air brad gun! I about wet myself using it the first time. What a time saver!! Dewalt compound miter saw. 45* cuts on trim as easy as you can imagine. Good table saw (Ridgid TS3650) for ripping those full-sized plywood sheets. Oops moment: Built mantle case and added top-shelf, and most of the trim. Then when I went to fit it, the mantle just "squeaked" over the existing brick/mounting blocks! You could hear cracking and creaking of the glue seams! ItÂs fit within a few "thousandths of an inch". Whew!! More photos as the job gets closer to being completed. Glad to be be a new guy here! Scott T

Well, I've painted the bricks and area above the shelf. It really helped lighten up the corner area. I'm not sure if I will paint the shelf or leave as is. Lesson learned: the area above the shelf was wood and at first I used a satin paint to match the trim. I felt there was too much shine from the ceiling lights, so I painted over with a matte finish and like it much better. No more glare. I understand where Fori is coming from. I still don't love the fireplace. While painting the bricks I had covered the surround tile to protect them. And I really liked the look of the painted brick w the tile hidden. However, when I pulled off the protective cover to reveal the surround, I felt the same sense of "ugh" I had before painting. Not only is the fireplace dated, but the materials are not cohesive. And painting the brick doesn't change how odd I think the surround looks. That said, I'm glad I painted as it is less dark/dreary. Also, when we are finally able to tear down and replace with a more modern design, the new fireplace will be in the same general light color. It's nice to be able to visualize how the lighter color plays out as we decorate around the area. Any advice on the shelf? Paint the same color as trim? Or try to stain darker--like an espresso? Unfortunately, I can't easily remove to replace the shelf. Sanding would be challenging. Also, there is a groove on the top of the shelf--not sure why it is there (??).

This is an old converstion but would like to add a little. Here in New England, in expensive coastal homes, shiplap is classic(not a fad) on and around fireplaces, in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens kitchens, and entryways/mud rooms. It is no more a risk than any other material as it is placed over the stone structure of the fireplace. It uses a fireproof adhesive that insulates against extreme heat and protects the wood. Using a gloss or semi-gloss paint will allow you to wipe off any soot/smoke discoloration that may occur down the road. Those referring to it as a material of poor people are out of touch or unaware of its historical use. The white pine of New England made the finest shiplap for homes as well as the whaling/fishing boats and battleships. The modern materials are of very high wuality and quite durable if you choose wisely. Disregard MDF shiplap unless you want it to look cheap or you need absolute uniformity. That wont give you the classic look and feel though. I suggest birch if its available, for its resistance to humidity and water. You can recreate any style home yiu want in any location. There are no rules about maintaining pueblo homes only in the south west, or a craftsman only in California and the midwest. Doing so is an exercise in suppressing your own creativity and vision. Be true to yourself and live your ideal life regardless of future concerns. Dont worry about what buyers may want in 5-10 years unless you are just flipping a home. Build what your best self belongs in.