It’s fireplace season you guys! The temperatures have been taking a downward spiral this week. We even got our first snow a couple days ago which amounted to a couple of inches. I can’t remember the last time we had a snowfall this early in the year. Can it just be fall for like 5 minutes?
With that being said, I use these cold days to stay inside and work, there’s always work, but I get distracted easily and that usually leads to restyling the rooms in my house. It’s a common problem for those of us that LOVE home decor. We can’t ever seem to leave well-enough alone.
I had been wanting to do a refresh to this area. I knew lighting the fireplace would become a daily occurrence and I didn’t want to have to keep moving everything on the hearth each time we built a fire, so I needed to simplify the space.
Here’s what happened…
This project began with a roll of wallpaper I bought at Target in their Magnolia Hearth and Hand line. I knew I wouldn’t be covering any walls with it, but I had some ideas for using it and couldn’t wait to get home and get started. I began covering scrap pieces of wood with the wallpaper. I thought about framing them and adding them to a gallery wall somewhere. As I was working, I had one leaning up against the fireplace. Mark saw it and said, “That would be a really cool pattern around the fireplace as a fireplace insert.” I mean, Mark has some good ideas, but I was blown away. It was like we had won the lottery. I screamed, “Yes,” and sent him out to the shop to start building the insert.
He took the necessary measurements and decided instead of using a piece of plywood to make one large piece, it would be easier to cut the wood into three separate pieces and attach them together from behind with these brackets.
Next, I began covering the insert with wallpaper. This particular roll is prepasted. I submerged the cut roll of paper into a tray of water and let it set for about 30 seconds. I, then, folded it over to “book” it. This activates the glue after about 2-5 minutes. It’s not a big surface area to cover so after you have your structure built, this project doesn’t take a lot of time to complete.
I cannot tell you how much I LOVE how this turned out. It adds just the right amount of interest and is going to be perfect for the holidays. The best part about it is that because it’s just an insert, it can be pulled out at any time. It can be as temporary as you want it to be. If my mad for plaid obsession ever goes away, I can get rid of it or change it to something new.
Mr. PR never ceases to amaze me. I am so incredible happy with this DIY. I don’t think I’ll be changing it for awhile. It goes perfectly with my hand-picked pumpkin sign from Harper Grace. Oh, and see that strip of plaid-covered wood sitting on top of the mantel, that’s what started it all.
Thanks for stopping by, Friends!
Debra says
That insert really makes a statement and your fireplace just pops with color! Love it and thanks for sharing. Did you make the hand picked pumpkin pic/sign hanging above your fireplace. It is so cute!
Kristi Bissell says
Hi Debra. Thanks so much. I am so happy that you like it. I did not make the sign. It came from http://www.harpergrayce.com. I am so in love with it and it definitely makes the space. Have a great day friend.
Maria says
Wow That is quick to get a really stylish fireplace surround! Love the idea! Very smart!
Candy says
Big transformation. Lucky to have such a handy guy around.
Kristi Bissell says
I do have to agree. The hubs is pretty awesome. Im so glad you like it. Thanks a bunch.
Barbara says
Our hubbies do have brilliant ideas!! I love how your new fireplace insert matches your dog… Lol! He’s growing up fast, too. 😉 Brilliant idea using the wallpaper!!! Already pinned to a few boards for you. <3
Kristi Bissell says
Barbara thanks so much. I appreciate that. I’m so glad you like it and high fives for brilliant hubbies. Have a great day.
Lori Jo says
Love the look! I just went to the buffalo check and farmhouse look and love it, even though I sewed myself to death, LOL. Yours is very tasteful, and the little doggie matches as well, enjoyed the post! 😀
Lori Jo – 50 With Flair
http://www.50withflair.com
Kristi Bissell says
Thanks a bunch Lori Jo. I’m currently obsessed with all things plaid. Thanks for stopping by.
Julie says
Great idea… and so pretty! And insert for a fireplace is so smart! Pinned!
Kristi Bissell says
Thanks Julie. It’s a nice temporary alternative for sure.
Kim @Serving Up Southern says
I love this! Such a simple DIY with huge impact. You could have several different inserts and change them out like pillows. 😉
Kristi Bissell says
Hi Kim. YES!! That’s exactly what I was thinking. I am so glad you like it. Thanks so much.
Lisa says
This!!!!! Such a beautiful solution. Great job.
Kristi Bissell says
RIGHT? Thanks so much. Kudos to out hubbies who sometimes have really good ideas. LOL.
Mary says
This is such a brilliant transformation! Love it and it really changes the whole look of the fireplace. Sharing with my fb group!
Kristi Bissell says
Hi Mary, YAY. That makes me so happy that you love it and I hope your FB group loves it too. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Roxanne says
I don’t even know where to start this comment! I love both versions of your fireplace. Was that a banister across the top of it in the first photo? The wallpaper idea was SO clever and I love how that turned out! And that puppy!!! Oh so cute!!
Kristi Bissell says
Hi girl, It was an old porch post that I had across there for awhile. I am known for moving things around A LOT! LOL. Thanks so much for your sweet comments. Hope your day is a good one.
Janet says
I think that it’s darling Kristi…really adds a nice punch to the fireplace!
Kristi Bissell says
Thanks so much, Janet. It’s a fun temporary change.
Nikki says
Your whole fireplace is gorgeous! And that is an ingenious update. I don’t have a fireplace, but I put in an antique mantel and so my whole fireplace is faux and I love it.
🙂 gwingal
Diana says
Hello! What a fabulous idea! I have one question, how do you get it to stay put against the fireplace? ❤️
Kristi Bissell says
Hi Diana, We cut it so it’s a very tight fit. Once you add the wallpaper it even adds another ayer of thickness so it’s not going anywhere.
Sandy Bailey says
Your fire place surround turned out beautiful!! can you tell me how you attached it?
Kristi Bissell says
Thanks so much Sandy. We actually didn’t attach it because we weren’t sure how it would hold with the heat of the fire so we made it tight enough it just wedges in there and if we need to, we can pop it out when we light a fire.
Linda Kerekes says
I am glad you said you do not light the fireplace when your insert is in. If you had a fire your insurance would not cover your damage as your insert is not fireproof and up to code. Cute though.
Modus Fireplaces says
Just because your fireplace doesn’t work doesn’t mean it’s totally useless. Turn a flea market find into your next genius decor idea. Use the empty space to your advantage and add storage.