Fireplace Built-In: The Reveal!

When I started this project in January, I was convinced it would take me the entire year. It felt like an overwhelmingly big undertaking, but I set my expectations low and decided to take it one step at a time. As the early months of this year marched on, I did take it one step at a time and celebrated each milestone as it came. This project was big. I spent a lot of time planning and preparing to start before actually assembling the frame. Eventually, my blank canvas of a living room had a new sense of presence to it, even if there were only tall pieces of 2x4’s standing before me. Overcoming this first big battle - the will to actually start - gave me a big boost of confidence to forge forward.

Next came the built-ins and some big decisions on the finishes. I can’t even tell you how much time I spent researching stone products online, chatting on the phone with retailers, watching installation how-to videos, or stewing over decisions that carried a large creative and financial weight. It definitely felt more inviting to take the easy way out and settle on my second choice for finishing, but I ultimately decided to forge forward with stone. My original vision involved soft, textural stone and I think I would have regretted digging in this far and not seeing it through out of fear.

With the big decision made, there were a lot of little details to take care of. All projects involve this part of the process - the little associated micro-projects that seem to take so much time but aren’t always the most rewarding or flashy parts of the project. I ended up enjoying the micro-projects associated with this build: constructing a mantle, finishing off the built-ins, thinking through the logistics of installing the stone and how to best prepare for them. These little projects felt like the calm before the storm. I was still filled with enthusiasm and was a little oblivious about what would come.

In early March, the stone arrived and it was finally time to pull out the big guns. I expected the stone installation process to be physical, but it turned out to be physical and emotional. Although this was simply a renovation project, the process conjured up a lot insecurities in myself and tested me in a lot of ways. The stones were rough and imperfect and I struggled with how much the installation process mirrored those physical attributes. But I wouldn’t trade the experience. It is by far one of the most satisfying things I can say I have done and I’m so thankful that I tried it.

Having the stone installed left only one final step in the project: overgrouting the stones. This is where the entire vision finally came to fruition, and although it was physically exhausting as well, a renewed hope in seeing the light at the end of the tunnel made it easy to keep moving ahead. I won’t deny that I completely doubted myself in the thick of it, though. It wasn’t until a couple of days after completing this step did I walk down my stairs in the morning and truly feel the peace I longed for with every decision I made throughout this entire experience.

And so, it’s finished. It took me three months, many new power tools, a handful of confidence and self-doubt swirled together, extra hands to watch Mabel on weekend mornings, and a small dose of ignorance to jump in and make it here. This was by far the hardest challenge I have ever taken on. From learning how to use new tools or how to try new products to physically and emotionally pushing myself, I can’t even put into words how satisfying it is to see what this has brought to our space. I started this project because I felt our living room - the heart of our home where we spend so much time - lacked any character and focus. Now, this fireplace brings the texture, charm, and coziness that I always envisioned for here.

But beyond the final product, this process - it has shaped me. To be a little braver. A little bolder. A little more confident. Throughout every phase of this process, Mabel continually pointed to whatever part of this project that stood before her and said “Mommy do that!” and it humbly filled my heart with joy every single time. I hope it inspires her - and inspires you! - to try something uncomfortable, intimidating, or new. Because practice really does make progress and you can do big things.

Thank you for all the encouragement throughout this process. I hope it encourages you to see that joy is often found in the little things, like challenging yourself to try something new.