Replace the Fireplace Part III

Today's post is a continuation of a couple that I posted last week- Replace the Fireplace I and Replace the Fireplace II.

I am exploring the different options for a client of mine for replacing her fireplace. My favorite of all fireplace options, for her place, so far is today's... cast stone. This is also what Janie was leaning toward to begin with.

There is nothing like a beautiful stone fireplace.

Or is there? Cast stone is an architectural concrete building unit manufactured to simulate natural cut stone, and does a pretty good job of pulling off a great look. Cast stone can be made from white and/or grey cements, manufactured or natural sands, carefully selected crushed stone or well graded natural gravels and mineral coloring pigments to achieve the desired color and appearance while maintaining durable physical properties which exceed most natural cut building stones.

Cast concrete is a very similar look. You may think of a concrete fireplace as just a modern look, but they come in the same shapes and designs as a cast stone fireplace. The two names are oftentimes interchangeable- as they are essentially the same product- with the exception that a cast stone fireplace theoretically would have actual stone in the concrete mixture.

A cast stone fireplace would be a fantastic look for Janie's place. At first I was looking at some with over mantles- but quickly decided that they were "too much" for her room. I really like the herringbone brick like the photo below for the firebox. I also love that style- it reminds me of a traditional Brownstone in New York City. (like the photo below)
I would use a good size (but not too big) fireplace, and finish the rest off with drywall. Above the fireplace is a perfect place to hang a piece of art, but it could also be a good location for a flat screen TV. This would allow us to sell their very nice large entertainment center on craigslist, and have more room for upholstery pieces, etc,- really giving us a lot of options for decorating the room, and increasing their usable space.

BTW- don't forget to vote for Nancy's sink selection- see this post- and vote on the side column. Thanks!