A couple of years ago, after we remodeled the kitchen, I began to notice how out of place the fireplace felt. The red brick and the old run-down fireplace with the foggy glass just looked kind of pathetic compared to the modern design of the kitchen and our concrete floors. 

In April we finally decided to remodel it. My inspiration was to continue the modern vibe and to tie the design of the living room to the kitchen. Originally I thought I'd mount our TV above the mantel to try to get rid of our entertainment center, but in the end decided not to make the TV the focal point of the room (thankfully!). I knew I wanted to do concrete for the hearth and mantel, but my original idea for covering the brick was actually wood: Maple. But, when my dad and I did some temperature tests we quickly realized that the maple wouldn't handle the heat, so we had to find something different. Via craigslist, I found a great deal on Daltile's Fabrique tile in Creme Linen from an architect in Seattle who had leftovers after his own remodel project. 

My dad lent his vast expertise on the concrete as he did with the a lot of the project and we poured the slabs in May. Over the summer I stained and finished them. This was fun!!

Jono came and did the tile last weekend. We had a great time hanging out and he did an amazing job as he always does. 

Finally, Moses helped me install the new fireplace. He is an old old friend from back home in the Lake Tahoe area and used to install fireplaces professionally. 

And, of course, Jentry survived my constantly changing ideas and sporadic inspiration. She's so patient with me!