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.
Kommentarer (35)
er612
3 år sedanSofia
3 år sedan
tangerinedoor
3 år sedanlydcrafts
3 år sedan
Irene Morresey
3 år sedan
PROSabrina Alfin Interiors
3 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanI 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 · Mer inforfharmon
3 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanI 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 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanrfharmon
3 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanAs 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 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanI 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 år sedan@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 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedandid 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 år sedan@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 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedan 
PROThe Nielsen Collection
3 år sedanrfharmon
3 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanAfter 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 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedan@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 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanyou 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 år sedanrfharmon
3 år sedan- PRO
Beth H. :
3 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanyes! 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 år sedanUser
3 år sedanrfharmon
3 år sedanAs 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 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedanjust 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 år sedan- PRO
Beth H. :
3 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedan rfharmon
3 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedan- PRO
Beth H. :
3 år sedanÄndrades senast: 3 år sedandon'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.
Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore
Beth H. :