We’re using stone veneers to renovate a dated fireplace into a French Country beauty!
Last week I was finally able to give a big update on all of the renovations happening in our house, so I figured I’d kick this week off with a more detailed look at some of the spaces. After we had our demo day, we were so excited to get closer to the final project!
Our fireplace sits in the center of our living room, and gets used daily in the winter. When we removed the indoor BBQ which was attached to the fireplace, we were left with exposed brick (pretty cool), and a few holes.
It wasn’t feasible to expose all of the brick because it would have taken hours and hours, plus the holes weren’t very sightly… It was just easier to veneer the whole thing.
A really long time ago, I dreamt of veneering all. of. the. brick. in our entire house. I was 22 and shameless. I’ve come to my senses since that young age, but during that time I fell in love with Eldorado Stone. So when we started the process of veneering the fireplace, I turned to Eldorado Stone.
I initially went in hoping for something white, but after seeing it in person, decided we needed some color. The white color was very Vegas in the 80s if you know what I mean.
Our Stone Options
Here are the two colors we considered: The above photo shows ‘vineyard trail’ (which is the stone we ultimately selected), and on the bottom is ‘casa blanca’, which is the stone I initially wanted (too white).
How We Added Stone Veneer
Walt, our stone mason, began by covering the entire surface with a scratch coat that will lay under the rock. This can be any color, and won’t ever been seen by the eye. This week, he will begin laying the rock over the fireplace and grouting the cracks with white mortar. I knew that since I didn’t end up selecting white rock, I definitely wanted white mortar rather than gray or sand colored.
You can see in the photo of our fireplace, that there are vent holes, which left us scratching our heads for awhile. Initially our contractor suggested filling them with artistic metal grates. The moment I saw a photo of that, I KNEW I didn’t not want that. So for a few weeks we went back and forth trying to figure out what we would do.
The guys at Basalite suggested a thin brick to “soldier” the holes. I didn’t like the idea of mixing the brick with the beautiful rock, so I shut that down.
Then, we considered using pieces of the hearthstone to fill the holes, which was a pretty great option. However, once we opened up the boxes of rock, we saw that there were many pieces of 6″ long by about 2″ wide rock, resembling small bricks. Finally, my problem was solved – we could use these piece of fill the vent holes. Much better than metal grates.
Fireplace Inspiration Photos
Here is some inspiration that we have used to design the fireplace (I believe all of the inspiration photos are real stone)!
do you have after photos with the stone you picked out from Eldorado?
Hi Nancy, I emailed you some photos! Thank you!
I love your fireplace and choice of el dorado stone veneer, I was wondering if its possible that these can be placed tighter together as opposed to the grout spacing you chose? Are you still happy with your color choice? Im liking the lighter one just as much, hard to decide.
thanks for all your coxy design inspiration
Hi! I am wondering if you could send me the picture as well. These are my inspiration pictures too!!
Hi! Can I see a few of your photos as well with the El Dorado vineyard trail? Since I found your blog/pic on pinterest I went and got a sample for our fireplace but I’m still not sure about it.
Thanks!
dawnlou@gmail.com
Hello! Here is an updated "after" photo! Thank you!! https://boxwoodavenue.com/blog/simple-farmhouse-christmas-decorations
Love your style! Do you have anymore pics of this room with the furniture? Would love to see the entire sofa….where did you purchase the sofa and chairs from? Thank you! afroian@aol.com
Hi Ann! Thank you so very much! The sofa was a purchase for our wedding – I do not remember the name brand. I will try and remember the name! We purchased it from a little shop in Reno called The Red Chair. I do not have any other photos of the room – isn’t that crazy? I will take more ASAP and get some photos up to share :).
Here is an updated link with a better view :) https://boxwoodavenue.com/blog/simple-farmhouse-christmas-decorations
Hi, was also wondering if you are going to post "after" photos of fireplace. We have a farmhouse and I have been fretting over the stone, I have brought home multiple samples but have not been in love with them when I get them home. I am also trying to figure out which limestone was used on the inspiration fireplace, I have multiple limestone samples, none quite look like the inspiration but that is the exact look I am trying to find. Rather frustrating….
Dana
dms1003@sbcglobal.net
Hi Dana! I completely understand how frustrating it can be!!! Here is a link to an "after" photo – although, this photo makes the stone appear a bit more orange than it truly is. I would say the stone turned out very close to the inspiration photo. I am guessing the inspiration photo is of antique stone imported from Europe as it is from Gianetti home – they import a lot of their materials :). https://boxwoodavenue.com/blog/simple-farmhouse-christmas-decorations
Hi!
Love your work what is the beams? What wood spieces is that and stain?
Love ,love.
I will be decorating a small home in the countryside of Tennessee. This is the exact feeling I have been looking for!
Ingrid:)
Hi!
Can you email me a picture of your fireplace? We love the inspirational photo that you used but want to see what your finished product looks like.
Thanks,
Krissy Infalt
I would love to see the finished product with the El dorado stone. I want to do the same thing to our fireplace
Stone veneer is affordable than any kind of wall designed, I really loved how you put these stone veneers in repairing your fireplace.
The stone veneers in our fireplace are really good to look at because of the natural design of stone that used in this project, the next time that I will renovate my fireplace using stone veneers I call for the help of a Kamloops masonry services.
Thanks for posting this article and glad to know you are still happy with how it turned out!
Thanks for the post on renovating fireplaces with stone veneers! As you mentioned, it’s a great way to improve the look and feel of your home.
Roof Repair in Nanaimo
Hello, I am in love with that fireplace its my inspiration for my new house.
I also love this chandelier so you know where I can find it? Thank you.
What kind of stone was used on the Gianetti Home fireplace? Thanks
I’m guessing it’s real limestone.
Porcelain pavers are durable outdoor flooring solutions, resistant to stains, weather, and fading. Ideal for patios and walkways, they offer a stylish and low-maintenance alternative to traditional materials.