Last Monday I shared that we were going to add an electric fireplace to our small front room. I kept saying “I hope it works out”! And folks, it totally worked out! I had big dreams of having a fireplace. A painted white brick fireplace to be exact. And seeing as our home was built in the 1950’s it just felt like a fireplace was supposed to be in this 1100 square foot home of ours. Are you ready to see how it looks? Today I will share the full reveal, how much the total price was for us to add this electric fireplace, how long it took and the why behind the choices we made.
Painted Brick Electrical Fireplace Reveal-
We absolutely LOVE it! I can’t even stand it. It is for sure, “better than before”! Better use of the space. Because that is the goal.
Fireplace Wall BEFORE-
Never really liked what we had on this wall. It changed many times in the three years living here. THAT is how you know it isn’t right. You keep wanting to change it!
Painted Brick Electric Fireplace NOW-
The fireplace was completed on Friday and Kevin finished painting it on Saturday. Many times since Friday Lola has asked “Can I go turn on the fireplace and read by it”. Put a big smile on my face. If you set the mood, they will come. (Read below for links to everything).
Electric Fireplace Heat-
When THIS fireplace insert is on, it is not hot to the touch. The hot air blows out of the top vent, kind of like a small space heater. It does warm up the area around the fireplace, not like a regular fireplace, but if it is left on long enough it does the job. It also doesn’t cost much to run it (I don’t know exact amount but that was the review on Amazon). You can just turn on the faux flames without turning on any heat. (Find exact fireplace insert we used HERE).
Fireplace Mantel–
I want to talk about the mantel. I was not going to even mention this. But I thought someone else might bring it up here and it might help one of you. I received two messages the other day when we shared a sneak peek of the fireplace on instagram. One said “Before you grout, just wondering if you think the mantle is too high?” I did not mind this question at all and welcome questions like that. Then I received a message right after saying “Your mantel is too high and does not look good with your fireplace.” I did mind that statement (I blocked her and didn’t reply, because if I had a friend say that to my face, they probably wouldn’t be invited back). I am not going to lie, the message did get in my head, making me feel stupid for hanging the mantel where I did. But after talking to Kevin we determined we still like where we decided to put it. I had done research before hanging the mantle and did what was best for us.
I wanted the mantel higher than maybe what you might consider “normal” for these reasons-
- If the mantel was lower it felt like it would cut the wall in half.
- A lower mantel would make it easier for Finn to try to hang from! (because let’s face it, he is WILD! And I love him for it.)
- Every time we tried it lower it felt wrong to me. The energy was just off. Like it was too much “in your face” for our small space.
- I wanted to be able to hang stockings, garland or a droopy plant and not have them cut into the view of the fireplace.
- Raising the mantel makes the walls appear taller! And it is about at eye level.
Would it look better a little lower, possibly! But this is what we went with and we are happy with it. I thought I would share incase you are planning a project like this and want to consider all your options. And to remember- do your research and go with your gut!
You can find the exact mantel we used HERE or HERE is another option. You can build your own mantel, like we did on this post. *Our exact mantle description is was- “3×7 Thick, Reclaimed Floating Wood Shelf, Solid Pine, Hand Hewn, 1800’s, Antique, Vintage” (if ours goes out of stock, hope that helps!)
I just used a piece of art that I already had. I am a firm believer in taking time to select artwork, I did not want to run to my local Home Goods and just grab something because I was doing a blog post or had people coming over. I will change it up soon for Christmas and winter. Can’t wait to add some stockings! I also love that the chairs on either side are swivel, making it so you can turn into the fireplace or face the piano or sofa.
Above is what the electric fireplace looks like off.
Find Beach Art HERE. Find Swivel Chairs HERE. Similar Candle HERE in Volcano scent. White Dipped Stool HERE.
Electric Fireplace Cost-
We did hire someone to build our electric fireplace (Marcin) and we are very happy we did. It took him about 10-12 hours to complete the fireplace. Granted it was his first time doing something like this and first time installing brick. But he is very talented and figured it out. Marcin has done a lot of projects in our home including building our banquette.
- Electric Fireplace (26″ wide) $225
- Mantel Shelf $110
- Thin Brick $325
- Thin Brick Corners $205
- Wood for framing, sheet rock, glue, grout, etc $200
- Paint $50 (this can be cheaper too depending on your brand. We used one gallon)
- Labor $1000 (obviously you can save on this if you do the labor yourself. Or if you don’t use brick, that took the majority of the labor)
- Electric Fireplace Total- $2115
Fireplace Install Process in photos-
I took pictures along the way. But as I said we did hire someone so it was hard for me to break down the entire process. But hopefully this will help if you are interested in completing a project like this. If you have any questions leave a comment and I will find out the answer for you!
Tape off the area or draft out a plan. I should have had the brick BEFORE he started to determine the exact size to frame. I was worried about getting too much or not enough. You can find it at Lowes and Home Depot, but neither of the stocked it in my area. We had to order and it was about a week or two out. I ended up getting it from a local tile/masonry shop. And they charge a 20% restocking fee per box to return. You can average how much you will need, there is minimum in a box. We figured out our square footage then estimated the amount. Keep in mind you will want to purchase corners and those cost about double or triple to a flat brick.
After figuring out the size we placed the brick on the floor to determine how much space to leave between each brick. We ended up with six bricks across the front, then the next row was staggered. He did have to cut brick as he went. Also we did recess the fireplace into the wall so the depth could be the size of a brick, about 8″ deep. You could do it flush to the wall if you don’t have any heat vents in your wall (like e did). I feel like having it stick out a little makes it feel more real.
He did frame all the way up and then he added the sheet rock. I just didn’t get a photo.
He did not attach the electric fireplace into the wall at this point. He waited until the very end to install it then he grouted around the electric fireplace after.
You can see that he installed the fireplace mantel onto the sheetrock rather than onto the brick. The wood mantel came with a mounting system.
And one thing to mention is that the cord from the electrical outlet was on the right and the plug was on the left, we made sure we had space for the cord to reach the other side. Also our plug was older and only had two prongs so he did have to switch out the plug to a three prong and made sure to attach it to the wall.
The messiest part was when he grouted the fireplace. Highly recommend a tarp!
Painting Brick White-
We ended up painting our brick fireplace in Pure White from Sherwin Williams in a flat finish. I did try Bright White from Sherwin Williams and it felt too stark white (I like Bright White for wood trim). Love how the Pure White turned out. We used Emerald paint from Sherwin Williams that is a paint and primer in one and with low VOC, also leaves a very smooth finish. Kevin rolled it on with a 1/4 inch nap roller. Then he had to cut in with a paint brush to fill in the grout lines. We used a little less than one gallon of the paint for this project. Painting the fireplace took him about three hours.
As for now I haven’t decided if I am going to hang anything on either side of the fireplace. The bookcase is pretty busy so I kind of like it simple (for now).
Electric Fireplace Inspiration-
Two readers sent me photos of their electric fireplaces and they happen to have the same one we just installed! I thought it would be fun to show you another look!
From reader @caseybrach
From reader @thevannamast
Fireplace Mantel Inspiration-
It is so important to find inspiration before you start. It will keep you headed in the right direction and be a source to turn to when questions come up or naysayers.
I LOVE this deco tile. It just felt like too much with the tile we have in our kitchen. But notice the mantel height. Inspiration- Deco Tile Fireplace (source)
Inspiration- Brick Fireplace (source)
White Brick Fireplace source
My favorite comment this week from reader, Rae was-“Being fortunate enough to install something that brings your family joy and warmth is never something to be nervous about sharing with others.”
Click on an image below to shop this post-
I absolutely love it! And I know how it feels to have a fireplace for the first time (or in a long time, too). It adds so much to your room and just completes it. Really draws your eye up, too. I think you made the right call with the height of the mantle. It will be so nice, as you mentioned, when you hang Christmas stockings and they aren’t in the way. Love the scale of the fireplace. It looks like it gives you a little more floor space,too. I can picture you adding a strand of mini lights on the mantle soon! Very inspiring and so nice for your family to enjoy.
thank you!!
Wow! It turned out beautiful, but I didn’t have any doubts it wouldn’t. Your thought about Finn hanging from the mantel had me laughing so hard. We have a support beam in our basement and my boys used to push a chair under it, in order to reach it, so they could swing from it. So you’re not far off there. Haha! Really beautiful, Brooke!!
I love the fireplace addition and the placement of the mantle is perfect. The room is so comfortable and inviting, just like the rest of your house.
Good Morning Brooke…it’s wonderful!!!! I totally agree with the mantel height. I think your room looks bigger!! What a great idea! Have a blessed day.
IT’s PERFECT and BEAUTIFUL !!!
I LOVE this; I think the height of the mantel is one of those things that is kind of a matter of personal preference. I have three of the free-standing electric fireplaces in my townhome–one that is large and wide and wooden that the living room TV sits upon, and two that are like the Franklin fireplaces–those are in my dining room and my bedroom. Because I live in a rental, I couldn’t do what you did, but I would if I owned my own home. I have thought actually of trying to put a temporary mantel and frame around the one in my bedroom, but kind of gave up on the idea for lack of talent of how to do it, and make it temporary on my part. Your home is an inspiration to me, as I also live in limited space–1000 square foot–but have worked hard to turn it into a kind of mini farmhouse. (You can take the girl off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the girl.)
So beautiful! The transformation is so inviting. Great job! The mantel is in the perfect place!
What a warm and beautiful addition to your home. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it for years to come. Looking forward to seeing your stockings hanging on the mantle this holiday season.
LOVE, love, love this. It feels like it completes the space, so cozy. I have been wanting to add one but didn’t think it was doable. You have such great vision and give me inspiration! P.S. Height of the mantel is PERFECT.
It looks like it has been there for years Brooke! You and Kevin are so creative with your space.
I absolutely love it! And, best of all, it looks as if it was always there. Enjoy it!
Brooke- I love it!!!! It is like it was always meant to be there. Great job!!!
This looks wonderful! Just in time for the cozy, winter months!! Thanks for the inspiration to just go ahead and try. Love your message!
Oh my gosh. I love it! It looks like it has always been there with the house. I so want to do one in my house now. I think the mantle is the perfect height. I would want to hang stuff from it too. I didn’t know the electric ones could look so real. It even looks cool with it’s turned off.
Wow! It turned out great and looks like it was meant to be! You made great design choices and added such a cozy, warm feature to your home. You’re right — your space was crying out for this! Thanks for all you do to inspire and encourage the rest of us.
I absolutely love it Brooke! It turned out amazing and looks like it was always meant to be there! Perfect addition for a CT winter….im considering doing the exact same thing now! Its so cosy!! I think the mantle looks fine- I too make lots of design choices based on what my toddler boys may do to it! Mostly everything is high up at the moment 😅 you just do you! And what works for your family, you know that best of all!
It looks FABULOUS! I love it!
Love, love, love!!! This was meant for your home and brings so much warmth and character to that wall. What a great addition!
I LOVE it! It looks absolutely perfect for the space and it goes with the rest of your living room. 🙂
XO,
Courtney
It looks awesome! Not a bad price for what you got plus it adds value to your home (in my unprofessional opinion)! I didn’t even think about the mantle being too high – I think it’s perfect!
Darling!
I think it looks great and absolutely transforms your room. So toasty looking in the evening light.
Thanks for all the inspiration.
Terry
Oh my goodness!!! I love the way you have hung your mantel a bit higher than the “norm”. It looks very cool!
Whether it’s a result of budget or space, I have always been one to think outside the box. And every now and then I receive negative feedback. ..not sure why some people are like that.
Girl, through your beautiful words and photos, your love of family shines bright.
Thank you for sharing!!!🌻
I’ve been anxiously awaiting Monday morning so that I could see how it turned out…I’m such a nerd! It looks AMAZING!! I think the mantle height is perfect. I just love the visual I got of Finn hanging off a lower placed mantle…I’ve actually been there with a couple of my kids when they were younger. I walked in to my two youngest “helping me clean” as they were taking turns boosting each other up to reach. Funny now, not so funny back then 😉 Such a cozy addition to your home…it actually t looks like it was always there. I just love it.
Looks amazing! Thank you for sharing all the steps. We had a similar house in CT and our fireplace was where your window seat is. It made it so hard to position the furniture though. Yours is perfect!!!
New fireplace and mantle are beautiful. So you…cozy but not cluttered. Enjoy!
I LOVE it! I knew it would be beautiful! It adds so much warmth to the room and I’m not talking about the temperature! I love the glow of a fireplace to bring the family around and together! When we first moved into our house, the first thing we did was add a fireplace. It was wood burning and we loved it!!
It’s absolutely beautiful! I love how you brought your inspiration to life despite any negative comments! It’s your choice and in this case, I definitely think you made the right one. I immediately thought about how great it will look with stockings hanging, etc. Very nice job!
Your fireplace is beautiful! I actually think your mantel is in the perfect height. It will be so cute with Christmas stockings on it. Now, I’m going to look around my house to see if I can find a place to add a fireplace!
It looks fantastic!! Love it!! Definitely even more cozy!!
It opened up your entire room!! Fabulous job!! I LOVE following you!
It’s beautiful! We live in a 1500 sq ft 1950’s home with 5 kids and not having a fireplace is a big bummer in the Indiana winters. This post gives me hope that we don’t need a new home to get a fireplace, we can add one!!
It looks so good! You had a vision and executed it seamlessly. I’ve been waiting to see the finished product. Well done! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I love the height of the mantle. Definitely the right choice with the lower ceilings. Love your blog! Thanks so much for all the effort and care you put into your posts!
It’s so pretty – it makes the room look bigger too! I love reading the how to’s/details – storing away in my mind for some day! This is so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your fun corner of the world!
I don’t know if I could love this space anymore. It’s exactly what that room needed but we never knew it was missing! So cozy and I just love the high mantle. Sort of dresses it up in a smaller room 😍 in love!
What is that plant called on the mantle?! I need it for on top of my piano
Thanks! It is a philodendron! One of the easiest plants! I got it at Home Depot. You can also buy them here, I bought a smaller one there- https://rstyle.me/n/davr8zb5qwf
It looks perfect! Like it has always been there. Thank you so much for this post I really believed adding a fireplace would be so much more time and and money. Another inspiring post that is actually achievable for the average family.
I did not even notice the height of your mantle until you mentioned it. I love it a little bit higher but would’ve been afraid to hang it outside of normal height fearing that it wouldn’t look right. My husband and I are building a house next year and we will have a fireplace in the room will have really high ceilings so I think hanging the mantle a little higher would be a good idea. Thanks for sharing!
It looks wonderful. Such a cozy space that I am sure will be used a lot this winter.
Well. I Just love it! Great job. It looks like it has always been there! So cozy.
👍 love it!
I love it!! Absolutely beautiful and it looks so good in the space. Glad your kids are enjoying it too! Awesome!!!
The fireplace looks great. It looks like its always been there. The mantle placement looks perfect your instincts for decorating are perfect. Great addition. Love it!!!!
Looks SO good! Thank you for sharing. I will definitely be doing this in our new home if it doesn’t have a fire place. Your mantel placement is perfect, it totally elevates the room.
Absolutely stunning. Now I am more obsessed with your beautiful home. You two are an awesome team. Great job.
WOW!!! Job well done!! It looks AMAZING!!!!!
So beautiful and cozy! I was waiting all weekend to see the reveal and you did not disappoint!! I love it and I think your mantle placement looks perfect!! This is the perfect time to add this too! You will love it for the holidays! Thanks for the inspiration!!
L*O*V*E it! (placement of the mantel is perfect! it doesn’t chop the fireplace in half, which i like!)
enjoy the extra coziness & cuddles by the fire!
I don’t believe I have ever left a comment before, just a quite fan in all you do. However, I just have to say, thank you for being a source of inspiration to just go for it. Be brave, believe in yourself and go for it! Looks amazing:)
Love it! Thanks for sharing all the details 🙂
I absolutely luv all the character it adds to your living room! It’s perfect. Can’t wait to see how you decorate it over the next few months🤙🏻
it’s gorgeous!!!! i love it so much! it brings so much coziness and warmth to the space 🔥 before was great but this is a million percent better 👏🏼
That looks lovely! I never even thought the height of their mantel was anything but fine. I think a mantle that’s higher looks a little more modern and fresher. Also your reasoning behind the placement was sound. Being the ,other if two rambunctious boys, the hanging on the mantle is as valid concern lol. Also being able to hang things without having to worry about overhanging the box is good thinking. Just think how wonderful your garl hands and or stockings will look against that brick background-be still my heart! On a side note, people who are critcle of others should stop and see the beauty. We ate not all the same, thank goodness, and we should learn to appreciate other’s visions. Looks great! Looking forward to more decorating. ❤🐝
Brooke, it looks amazing! Really opens up the room and makes it cozy. So… was I the only one who noticed the lovely tile on the floor in the photo of Kevin painting the fireplace surround and smiling at the camera? Are you thinking about doing a tile hearth at some point? You two make a great DIY Duo! We’re lucky enough to have a huge fireplace in our 1800s home. For years we’d covered it up with an electric insert, but last year I told my husband I wanted to make real fires again, and when he realized I wasn’t joking (and that we could make s’mores indoors with our girls) he cleaned the chimney. He cleaned it again earlier this month and we’ve already had several cozy fires, including last night while we watched the Red Sox win the World Series!
I grabbed that tile thinking I might add it to the fireplace somewhere. But decided against the hearth because of the space! And it felt too busy in this room, that already has a lot going on!
It looks amazing! What a great way to start the winter months off! It make the space seem so cozy and warm! Also, the room looks BIGGER! I love it!!! Great job! 😊
If you put in the time to make a thoughtful design decision (which you always do), then always follow your gut and don’t look back. You are a natural! I think the tall height of the mantle looks great in your space. Where it intercepts your bookcase is very aesthetically pleasing and feels balanced and just a bit modern which I love for your space. And, I can’t wait to see your stockings hang from it. Great job!
Love the fireplace. I do not think that is a lot of money to spend on something that brings so much to your home and family.
I was wondering what the price difference would be from east coast to west coast. I love it. ❤️ Very nice addition.
Aghhh!! I’m in love!!! It’s gorgeous!
You and Kevin NAILED IT and it’s not too high at all! It looks perfect and will provide such a beautiful and cozy setting for your family! It definitely opened the room up! Good job!!!
I love how it turned out and how it totally transforms your family room!! And I like the mantel at that height, too…..especially when you think about hanging stockings and/or a garland! I can only imagine how much you and your family are going to enjoy it, especially this winter! Blessings to you….😊
Oh my goodness, it’s beautiful! I have been waiting for the reveal all weekend and I have to say this is my favorite project that you have shared!!!! I hope your family enjoys it for many years to come.
Love the fireplace and that is the coziest room ever! I’d never leave it.
I love it Brooke. It is the perfect match for your style and looks original to your home! The mantel is the perfect height. With your chairs tucked on either side you wouldn’t want it so low that people were bumping their heads. Now I need to go figure out where I can put one in my master bedroom!
Wow! Wow! Wow! Its looks awesome! Somehow it seems less intrusive on the room then the shelf/desk you had there before. I love the height of the mantel, living in a home with low ceilings myself little things to trick the eye into thinking the ceiling is higher make a huge difference.
Also love the cost breakdown. It helps to see it broken down that way because if I had somewhere in my house to put an electric fireplace I could actually afford to do so especially because my husband could do the labor. But not seeing it broke down I would’ve thought it was way out of my budget. Did you do a budget breakdown of your recent siding redo? Redoing mine soon and my house is almost Identical in size to yours and would love to see a ballpark of what it will cost.
Great job! 💕
You all did a wonderful job! Love it!
This is totally kickass! I love it and I love how you showed photos of the whole process. BTW, you’re bound to get a negative comment or two about whatever you post. Focus on the dozens of positive comments. Blocking the commenter really just validates what they’re saying. I enjoy your blog. Your home is so cute!
Love it!
Your fireplace looks fantastic! It totally looks like it could have been original to your house. I’m sorry people say rude things about your projects when you are sharing things that work for your family. But i am glad you didn’t let it get you down. Your posts are always such a joy to see in my inbox. Thanks for a cheery start to my day! I hope for chilly weather for you so you can enjoy your fireplace! xx
I love it! It looks like it has been there forever 😊
It looks GREAT!! The styling makes it look so cozy. Amazing job.
It looks perfect in your room!!! I knew it would look good in there, but honestly… you made a perfect decision to complete this room. It honestly looks like it has always been there. I love the white. The height of the mantel is perfect! When we built ours, I wanted it higher, I am 5’4” and the top of our sandstone mantel is pretty much my height.
Your new fireplace is going to bring you and your family so many hours of enjoyment . There is nothing like sitting around the fire enjoying the glow and each other!
Very happy for you Brooke!!
I LOVE this. Just beautiful, cozy and inviting! Gave me inspiration to do something like this in my master bedroom.
We just bought a home without a lot of character. This is a fantastic idea (love yours with brick and the others as well) to add it without spending a small fortune. Now I’m going to research electric fireplaces.
Wow! It’s gorgeous and really warmed the room up (literally and figuratively). It fits just right in that space and looks like it’s been there all along. I personally love the height of the mantle, anything lower would have certainly limited your decorating options and totally would have made the wall look short. Bravo!!
Hello, I wanted to tell you much I love this project!
You guys did a great job too to bottom. The photos showing the progress ant the price breakdown is so helpful.
I bet you smile every time you walk in the room. I have electric fireplace built in my entertainment center and I just love it.
Glad you got past the “snarky comment “, people don’t consider the perspective of standing in front of something and how the angle looks in a photo. Sigh…
For your next project you need to figure out how to clone that husband of yours 😉. That Kevin is a gem!
Have a great day.
Robyn
Just lovely! Makes your room so inviting! Enjoy your posts and your beautiful family. Such happy spirits!!
Ahh ok. I’m going to show my husband this! I LOVE IT!!
It’s perfect for smaller homes. I have always wanted a fireplace and should I ever purchase a new home, it might be a deal breaker! But for now, this would work perfectly for me. I think your choice for the mantel height is on point. I would choose this for my home as I also have a low ceiling height. This is such an inspiration for those of us with smaller homes. Thank you for sharing. And the price breakdown is a great bonus!! Enjoy. I am sure you will!
Congrats ! You totally accomplished your goal ! The new fireplace looks amazing ! Perfect for the coming fall and winter! Enjoy cozy evenings in front of the fire !!
Love this! My first thought was that it looks like it has always been there! I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw that it was being painted solid white but it’s beautiful 😊. Thanks for sharing! ❤️
The fireplace looks amazing in the space. Good call.
Looks beyond cozy & amazing! I always judge a house (meaning when buying one, not others :)) by how cozy does it feel & what does it look like with lamps on, candles & fireplaces burning if you were driving up on a rainy night (I live in Seattle so that is like every night) & those pictures in my head fill my soul with happiness, your house pulling up to it would provide all the feels! I hope you & your family create many fun memories around that fireplace!
It looks amazing! I love reading your blog and following all of your fun projects on ig! I am amazed at what y’all can tackle in a weekend!
Love it! Added so much warmth and coziness to the room. Your sweet family will love sitting around it.
It looks amazing! Our house plan called for a fireplace and we actually took it out. South Mississippi doesn’t require the heater or a fire very often:) But I love the look of yours…and having a place to hang stockings and other seasonal decor would be nice.
You certainly have a gift!! Another fantastic project done!! Raising the mantel up higher I agree is a smart move especially with the amount of space/room you have in the den. I’d be afraid I would run/bump into the mantel if you placed it lower. Smart thinking girl….. Love it!! BTW… When people say rude comments I always think of what my grandmother use to say…. “people like that will get their come up its one day!” True statement but the meanness in us wants to see that day. Keep doing you…..
My husband is going to kill me when I run home and tell him we (he) need to install a brick wall and electric fireplace! I LOVE this so much! It came out beautiful. I also love following every detail of your house. It is just such a cozy space. We live in a small 950 sq ft ranch and space is tight with two young boys. Thanks for all of the tips. I’m off to see how much my husband really loves me when I tell him I want a fireplace!
Good luck!!! Share an update!!! Tell him it will be a good investment- adds to the value of your home!!
You have a beautiful home! I am so happy I found your Instagram and blog. We are a minimalist family living in an average sized home. I find all of your content so inspirational. Your home is so cozy ❤️
It looks beautiful, Brooke! Made your already cozy room even cozier. The height is perfect–totally see how it might cut the room in half if lower. Can’t wait to see how the room looks at Christmas! So pretty.
I love it!! The character and warmth it adds to the room is amazing. Great job!
I love it! It looks fantastic! When you first mentioned you were planning to do this, it motivated me to get back to blogging. I built something similar (shiplap, not brick) last year and I still hadn’t shared it. I love the coziness it brings to your front room. My kids like to curl up and read by our fireplace too.
I love it! You have such a beautiful home Brooke and I think you and your family are going to get years of enjoyment out of the new addiction to your home, we have two fire places in our home and there’s not a day goes by where someone is not sat beside it reading or just having a hot choc or glass of wine relaxing after a hard day at school/work, especially when the cold winter months are here! Enjoy! X
It looks SO cozy in there!!! I love it!! I know you and family are going to enjoy it so much!
Love this so much and adds sooooo much cozy! And I would not have noticed the height of the mantle unless you said it either. It looks so great! So happy to see how you decorate it as the seasons change so I can have mantle inspiration from you now!
My sis in law is one who has said something each time we are in a new house in a statement way like one of your readers ….makes me nuts. I can’t imagone saying things like that to someone that just put a lot of money anf time in to something and clearly love it for their family. Anyhoo…..yours looks incredible …no need to doubt that!
It’s so beautiful! It added instant cozy. I love that you can turn on the “flames” without the heat. Romance and cozy year round!
This is my absolute favorite thing you’ve done to your house so far! And that’s saying something because every renovation has been a win. But this one just hits home for me. I live in a 1940s cape- pretty similar to yours in size and layout and I know I’ll be happy here forever. But a fireplace was a big concession I made not when we bought this house! How awesome to see that it doesn’t need to be. My husband isn’t as “on board” (to put it kindly) as yours is about projects. Ha, but whose is?! I think I might be able to sell him on this one though! I am just floored! Enjoy all that coziness 🙂
Nailed it!!!! Absolutely beautiful and so cozy looking and feeling!
Love, love, love! Enjoy your warm and cozy space!
When you posted some “before” pictures, I admit that my thought was “huh, that mantel looks too high” which is funny for me to even think because the mantel in my house is also placed higher up. In the finished pictures, it looks just perfect though and the fireplace definitely looks like its been there for years! What a great addition to your house!
Omg, Omg, Omg!!! Looks like it has always been there! In LOVE as per usual! And the room looks bigger too! We have a fireplace that is gas and has been turned off with no logs or glass screen since we moved in some ummmm 14 years ago! We bought a regular screen and the fireplace is just for looking at currently. But…. you have inspired once again and I am going to have the gas company come on over and tell me what we need to do to get this thing up and running once and for all. Thank you Miss Brooke!
I am sure you are going to get so many comments about the fireplace. I have to say I LOVE IT!! (not that my option matters….but: I LOVE where you placed the mantle. When I first looked at the picture I didn’t see anything that stuck out. I had to go back and see what you were even talking about. I agree, I think it would have totally cut the room and made it feel short…this makes it look taller. (sort of like when you hang your curtain rod higher than the window frame) You guys rock and I have saved this post for reference. Keep doing what you are doing!!! Happy Monday!!!
I did not know it was possible to make your home even more inviting than it already is, but then this! Love it!
I thought this room looked great before, but now I think this looks just perfect! Mantel height perfect too esp to hang stockings! Thanks for being such a great inspiration to me, you’re my favorite follow on Instagram! :))
Hi Brooke, this looks AMAZING!! It looks like it has always been there! And, welcome to the ‘high mantel’ club! We have a faux fireplace and I have gotten that comment about my mantel before – but for decor purposes, and even for conversation between the chairs on either side of the mantel — it is perfect. If it was any lower, the mantel or what I sometimes hang from it would block the ‘box’ or the view of the person sitting across from them.
I have always wanted to add an insert, but haven’t because I couldn’t find an electric one that was narrow enough that actually looked good (and didn’t break the bank). I will be doing some measuring and seeing if the one you used can be added to mine. Thank you for the inspiration!
Brooke!!! I love the fireplace and the mantel! It makes your room so warm & cozy!! Just think how much you will utilize it this winter! Love that your children love to read! I am definitely thinking about doing one in my master bedroom. I love the idea of getting in the bed with a fireplace in front of me! Good sleeping! My husband is very handy (like Kevin) so I’m going to let him do it! Btw, the location of your mantel is perfect for your room size! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!❤️
Umm… your high mantel is absolute perfection, so I’m glad that the judgey commenter got blocked! I absolutely love it and the transformation is spectacular! We have a wood burning fireplace in our home and have been terrified to use it because of my (very active and uber curious) one year old. The wheels are churning now!
It looks amazing! The fireplace completely transforms the room, and it looks like it’s always been there. It is so cozy and inviting… I love it! I didn’t even notice the mantel placement until you pointed it out; all I could see was a beautiful, warm and welcoming space. Well done, Brooke!
Wow! This is lovely! The fireplace makes the room and looks original to the house. Bravo!!
I was looking forward to seeing the results when you posted the picture of Kevin painting the brick. I am so happy to see that you chose Sherwin Pure White as I agonized over what color white to paint two brick fireplace walls last year. I ended up painting them both Sherwin Williams Pure White in a flat finish, and they both came out beautiful. Now I know my choice was right as you have such a good eye for decorating! Your room is so cozy and pretty. I love that unlike most bloggers, your house looks like it is meant to be lived in and like a house full of love! Thank you for your inspiration and for sharing your ideas! P.S. Your husband is a keeper—a wonderful role model for Finn.
Looks amazing Brooke! So happy to hear you and your familiar are enjoying it :-). Can’t wait to see all the fun ways you style it every season and holiday!
I love this. We have an electric fireplaces on both floors of our home and I love them. They are the way to go. My dog loves to curl up beside them and stay warm. What a wonderful addition to your house.
So Beautiful!!! When I first saw the progress on Insta I had similar thoughts about the mantel (although I would have never said anything 🤦🏽♀️) but I had total faith it would look perfect in the end. And it does!!!! It’s so great, really really love it!
Love it! It looks so good! I feel like it makes your room look bigger and it adds so much warmth.
Thanks for sharing with all of us, such great inspiration. We actually have a high mantel in our home. I love it for some of the same reasons you mentioned, hanging stockings and our three boys cannot hang from it:). However, we have gotten some negative comments about it before that have left me feeling insecure about it. Now, I feel like I always make some sort of excuse for it when people come over or just say it’s on our “to update” list. Thanks for the permission to love it as is!:)
Love it, Brooke!
The first thing I always think about a mantle is ‘hanging the stockings’!
You have a whole new space to play with! There are so many fun options with festive garlands. With that said, how you have it styled now with the cascading plant and your chosen art is perfect!
I applaud your candor with reference to those who are negative and mean spirited!
Beautiful! So cozy! I have a weird fireplace that is at the end of a wall against the connecting wall not even in the corner…some day I will get that moved!
This looks AMAZING! love your blog!
I just fell in love with your home even more!! Great idea-money well spent!
I love this!! We just replaced our wood burning fireplace with the gas fireplace and it’s been on every day! Regarding the mantel. If you do a floor to ceiling fireplace with no mantel surrounding the fireplace, you’re actually supposed to position it higher. It’s perfect! The only caveat is if you want to put a tv on the mantel; only them would you need to lower it. Good on you for trusting your own design instincts. ❤️
Oh really?! YAY! I totally get that- it just felt right!
Simply stated – I absolutely LOVE it – everything about it ❤️
This is amazing! My first thought when I saw this was the mantel is perfect height for hanging Christmas stockings! Can’t wait to see how much fun you have decorating it for Christmas.
Gorgeous and cozy! Looks like it’s always been there!
Hi Grace, the fireplace looks stunning! I am grateful you shared it w/ us! I never thought we could do a fireplace , but using an electric one makes it so doable. I too love that same look with the white brick and wood mantel. Nice work!🙌🏻
It looks AMAZING! Like is was always there and meant to be! 🙂 And the mantle placement is just perfect. Nice work!
It looks awesome, and I think the mantle height is perfect for your space. It’s so cozy, looking at the pictures makes me want to sit there with a cup of coffee and a good book. Definitely, a great addition to your already lovely home.
Love your home and this new addition makes me love it more. Well done!
Thank you for sharing this! It turned out great!! I follow Christ Loves Julia and was thrilled to see them add the fireplace to their bedroom. It got me thinking about adding one to my house. Your post has only furthered that idea! I love the brick style also. So classic. What great timing to have this added to your home. You will love the mantel come Christmas time! Enjoy!!
Yes! Their fireplace was my inspiration!
Hello Grace!
I’m brand new to your blog and have been reading faithfully since I tried your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe earlier this month.
In some of your photos it looks like you have wood paneling, that has been painted. We have it in our home and instead of removing, and adding drywall when the last owners were remodeling they just painted it a very stark white. Is wood paneling something I should ultimately try to get rid of? Do you have any tips for repainting so it will look good?
Thanks! xo
See- I’m so new around here I still think of you as Grace instead of Brooke! Sorry about that.
It feels so warm and cozy.. just like you. Perfect addition to your sweet home.
Omgosh one more thing for me to copy from you 😂. As usual you knocked it out the park! I will say I wondered about the mantel height but have been following you long enough to know that I have absolutely no vision and to wait and see. Of course you did not disappoint!!! It looks amazing and makes the room look so much bigger with that mantel height!!! Just beautiful. I cannot wait to try this in my home!!!
Oh thank you so much for your trust!!! You are awesome!
Wow! Amazing !!! So beautiful and cozy. It reminds me of a Cozy Minimalist Home! Be blessed and enjoy
! And you were right to make sure Finn could not teach the fireplace mantle or candles.
Just lovely as it is… simple, elegant and so tastefully done. And if you love it, then that’s really what counts. I think if you have art on the mantel, then the bare walls just help to showcase the art.
Glad to hear that you listened to your 💙
This looks great! It adds so much character to your room and looks so cozy! Nice job!
I love this so much! I think it turned out beautifully and loved the high mantel! Would you ever think of painting it? I think gold would be nice!
Absolutely beautiful !! I am so excited to see the finished project.Your family will love gathering in your living room.
Absolutely perfect. Nothing like a fireplace real or faux to warm up a room!!! It actually looks bigger if that makes sense. Great job!!!
Simply beautiful, lovely coziness! So happy for you and your family
It looks AMAZING!! And I’m know nothing about real state but I think your house goes up in value 🤷🏻♀️
Love, love, love! As soon as you shared your idea for the fireplace I knew it was going to turn out so dreamy! Thank you for your beautiful ideas and sharing your home!!! It looks like perfection!
I love it! Adds the perfect amount of charm and character to your beautiful home!
We also live in a small space and ended up removing the fireplace we had as it was in corner and didn’t work for us but I’ve been wanting to add one back in the center of the wall and this post is just what I needed. In regards to the height of the brick was that something that had to go all the way to the wall due to structural support or venting or a design choice? Just curious because I’m wondering if we could do ours just up to the mantle (not that I don’t love yours, just wanting a slightly different look).
We have been seriously considering an electric fireplace to our living room. We were so concerned it was going to look cheap and fake, but now after seeing yours, the drawings for our new electric fireplace have started! You’ve convinced us it’s going to look perfect! Thank you!!!
It looks great. It really adds something to the room. Thanks for the affirmation on going with your gut.
Beautiful! I love how it brings the whole room together – the perfect addition! I also had to add, that peoples comments never cease to amaze me… In my opinion the mantel is the perfect height 🙂
I love the way this turned out. Thanks for all the inspiration you provide!
Love it!! Just when you think your living room can’t get any cozier!! It looks amazing!! ❤️
Brooke, I truly love it! I never ever thought about installing an electric fireplace as a built-in! Pure genius! It looks like it’s always been a part of your house. I’m thinking this would be a great option for a bedroom, as well. Fwiw, the mantel is a great height, bc it’ll keep decorative things from getting too warm like it would if it was lower. We have this issue with our gas fireplace. I either have to keep the fire off when our Christmas stockings are hanging, or remove them periodically when I want to turn on the fire. The same with my garland… can get quite toasty. So, you guys were wise to hang it higher. I’ll never come to grips w these people on social media who think it’s okay to spout off whatever they want. Gimme a break…most would be too cowardly to do it in person! Anyway, love it all…you are an inspiration! ❤
AMAZING! ❤ looks súper cozy, just in time for the holidays.
What a gift you and Kevin gave to your beautiful home! It’s just perfect. Can’t wait to see how you decorate for Christmas 🎄
I can’t wait!!!
I love it! I think it looks great. I would have been one to struggle/research what height to put the mantle and drove myself crazy (and my husband) in the process. Reading your blog helps me so much cause it opens my mind to different ways of doing things that maybe I would never think of. Thanks Brooke for all your projects and ideas, I appreciate you! I just love watching your stories and reading your blog!
This is BEAUTIFUL!!! I love this. It definitely completes the room. So perfect and so cozy. What a great idea to do this!! You continue to inspire me :)))
I LOVE IT! It looks so cozy, and I love how your daughter wanted to turn it on so that she could read next to it☺️ I so love seeing how you find new and different ways to improve your home and make it more enjoyable for your family. My daughter’s house does not have a fireplace, I can’t wait to show her this post for inspiration❤️
Nancy
Wow Brooke this has got to be your BEST transformation yet. Simply perfect.
I love the new fireplace. I think the mantel is perfectly placed. I look forward to reading blog and seeing all your projects.
that’s funny. I didn’t even notice the height of the mantel until you said something. we got an electric fireplace this winter and we LOVE it! I also love the fact that we can use it all year with just the flame. Your new fireplace totally transformed your room and was sooooo worth it!
OMG!! I’ve been wanting to do something like this at our lake cottage. I’m so glad you post your step by step progress! Love It!!
It’s an illusion! The photo of the raw brick has the mantle looking like it’s in the perfect spot but painted white it does throw the eye and makes the mantle appear to be higher. But in a small space you have definitely made the right decision! I can’t wait to see how you decorate it over time, love it!
Looks like it’s always been there! I rarely see a project of yours that I don’t want to try in my own home!!
Looks wonderful and oh so cozy. It does make the room look bigger as well. Another project beautifully executed! 👌👏👍
I am looking forward to all the different ways you will style the mantle! I always struggle with mine which looks very much like yours, I need a new mantle though. Love the one you suggested! Also, I think people need to remember basic kindness and the golden rule! The one comment was meant to be constructive criticism but the other was just rude criticism.
Love, love, LOVE this!!!!! We have a fireplace, but we’re adding a small sunroom to our house and talked about doing a fireplace in there and I love how you built this in. I just showed it to my husband. I love the brick. It’s so classic. Just beautiful, enjoy!!!!! 💜
Brooke….what a beautiful addition to your living room! It looks like it was always there and not a new addition. Love the white painted brick too…so fresh and clean looking.
I grew up with the saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!” Ignore the negative comments, they’re not worth your time!
I too have a wood mantle and I love styling it for the various seasons…you’ll have so much fun shopping your house for decor…Enjoy!
Love the new fireplace! Warm, cozy and inviting. That’s what a home should be. The fireplace completes this room.🔥 Enjoy.
Love it! I’ve already copied your painted front steps — may have to copy this too! Thanks for the inspiration!
do it!!
LOVE! It really ame out beautiful. It looks like it has always been there!
LOVE!! Thank you for taking risks, for putting yourself out there, and for staying true to you and your family. You created another prefect little gathering spot. xxoo
thank you!!
I love it! I think because you’re working with a smaller space (although I think this looks so much more bigger. Is!) and the chair placement is amazing but if the mantel was lower, I think you’d feel like it was in your way while sitting. As it is, it doesn’t seem like that would be a problem!
It came out absolutely perfect. Can’t wait to see it decorated for the holidays. The kids must love it. Will Santa come down that fireplace?
Looks gorgeous! Looks like it’s always been there and fits right in! You did a wonderful job. Looks so cozy
Wow! That really looks so nice and cozy!!!
BROOKE and KEVIN! That whole fireplace is stunning! Design in my opinion is 90% taste-YOURS! Don’t let haters ruin your vision and dampen the love you have for your hard work and project. YOU live there, the negative comment people do not. No one agrees with everything that others do. I love that you continue to share your ideas to inspire those of us who appreciate you. Chin up girl and keep on sharing!!!
I love that!! it is 90% taste! I do believe in some rules- like what size rug to use! Thank you!
Absolutely stunning Brooke! Love it!
~Bobbie
Looks great…like it always belonged there ! No the mantle height works fine…and with your plant hanging it fills the space (just like the stockings will!) Wonderful addition to your livingroom
Your fireplace looks perfect. I’ve been thinking about painting mine. I was wondering if the white on the brick needs to match the white paint on the wall? Yours looks great! The mantle is s perfect height. Mine is high too and we copied it from someone’s home in a magazine. Can’t wait to see it for the holidays! Love it!
It is so cozy!!! It was meant to be there!! Beautiful as always and I didn’t even notice the mantle height until you said something but I think it’s PERFECT! Well done Brooke and Kevin! <3
Looks beautiful! I like the blank walls on either side so your eyes are drawn to the simple beauty of the fireplace.
Yes! I like it blank too!!
hey girl- love the look! so cool!
It looks fantastic! I agree with you about making the mantel higher. It definitely draws your eye up. It’s such a wonderful addition to your front room. Great job!
Absolutely beautiful AND you get to enjoy it through the holidays and long New England winter! Yay! We’re getting ready to install a small electric fireplace in our 1940s house, in the front room. One question (and I’m sorry if you’ve already answered this): Does your fireplace have a flicker effect when the flame is on? Or is it “static” (no movement in flame)? Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home and lovely spirit, Brooke!
Oh exciting! Yes, it does flicker! Looks like real flames
I love your fireplace and the mantel height. It is gorgeous.
Wow! This is just GORGEOUS and I say worth every darn penny spent! Also this is another wonderful example of turning a “want” into something that looks like it belongs or has been there for years . . . Well done you guys!💗
WOW!!!!! Just gorgeous…. Perfect ….
LOVE everything about your fireplace! The mantel is perfect!
It looks great! I bet you catch yourself just sitting in there staring at it.
I found this on Pinterest and LOVE it! But nowhere in your post did I find the brand/model of the fireplace insert. And does it truly heat the room? Approximate square footage of your room? Can you please share? Thank you. BTW, the mantel is perfect! It’s where I would place mine, too, for stocking hanging. 🙂
It is linked in a couple spots here- https://rstyle.me/n/dau92zb5qwf
Well you don’t see the entire room- we have a piano in here.
My rug is 8×10 The room is total about 12×14
Thank you!!
Love the choice of brick color, love the height of the mantel. It’s all perfection!
Thank you!!