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Amanda Fontenot - the Blog

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DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Overgrouted Stone Veneer.

DIY

DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer

Okay, so let me apologize in advance.

I had planned on posting a full, step-by-step tutorial about this project and I KNOW many of you were looking forward to that. BUT, my phone broke about a month ago and, of course, it had all of my photos and videos that I had been taken to show how accomplished this transformation. FORGIVE ME!!

However, I can do my best to talk you through how I did it and, of course, will link all of the tools and products I used for this DIY fireplace transformation. So, let’s start at the beginning.

The before.

The photo on the left is a photo I grabbed from the MLS listing before we purchased this house. The picture on the right is one that G took before I started working on this wall.

DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer
DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer

Now, let me tell you.. This is the room I had the most reservations about when we were first looking at this home. The odd shape, the fact that it has this weird merge with the adjacent room and the brick wall/outdated mantle all had me thrown for a loop at first. But, I took it one step at a time and slowly made it into something I now love!

Giving the brick wall a face lift.

Now, I know there are MANY people out there who are perfectly okay with a painted brick wall – love one even -and that’s wonderful. It just wasn’t the look and feel I was going for in this room/home of ours. I went over method after method in my head and researched all the things. In the end, I decided to use Venetian Plaster to cover up the brick and give the wall a more modern, organic appearance.

The first step in using this Venetian Plaster is to use this primer. I was concerned about how well the plaster would adhere to the brick wall because it had been painted over. Because of that, I applied two heavy layers of the primer with a standard paint roller. Once the primer had dried, it was time to apply the plaster. To do this, I used a standard drywall mud pan and joint knife. I tried to apply a fairly thick first layer, paying special attention to the grooves in between each brick. This was tedious, but it didn’t take me as long as I thought.

Just a heads up – you have to use two layers of the Venetian Plaster. The first layer will move and crack as it dries – totally normal! Just apply a second (and in some places more) layer and your plaster should eventually dry without cracking.

Finishing the plaster is all up to you. There’s a good chance that your surface will have some rough spots and ridges when you’re done. You can choose to sand them down with a sponge sander (like this one) or leave it as it is. I would definitely suggest sealing it, though. I always use this varnish which doesn’t yellow and helps the plaster to keep it’s matte, organic look and feel. Sealing the plaster will also make it easier to keep clean and helps it to last longer.

Shop the tools.

If you’d like to see the last fireplace makeover I did, you can click here. Also, I used this same Venetian Plaster method on our last kitchen range hood in this post if you want to check it out!

DIY Veneer Stone Fireplace Mantle.

This is where I really wish I had photos to show y’all.. BUT, you can sort of get an idea of how I built the frame for this mantle by watching these stories and also going through this blog post about the previous fireplace mantle I built – they’re very similar!

DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer
DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer

Once I had my frame built out and attached to the wall (photo above left), I covered it with Durock backer board (above right), which would give the heavy veneer stones a strong surface to adhere to. For this project, I used this stone veneer (3 sets) ordered through Home Depot! I applied them to the Durock using this thinset mortar, which says is geared toward large format tile.

One little pro tip in regards to using mortar with any tile or stone project – pick one that is in the same color family as the grout you will be using (i.e., white thinset for lighter grouts and gray for darker). That way, if any gets mixed, broken or shows up in the grout, it won’t stick out like a sore thumb.. don’t ask my how I know 😉

Also, it will seem daunting when you go to attempt to get the heavy stones to stay on the backer board. But rest assured – the thinset will do it’s job! You will probably just have to play with it for a bit to find the right amount. I used this trowel and applied the mortar directly onto the stones themselves. I used a fairly thick layer and made sure to create some deep grooves with the trowel to create good suction. I had a hard time in the beginning and just used some strong painters tape to help keep the stones in place while the mortar dried.. so you may want to have some of that on hand to help you! But, like I said, the mortar WILL do it’s job – you just have to find the right combination of thickness and groove placement.

DIY Overgrouted Stone Fireplace.

Once you have your stone up on your mantle and have given it time to dry, then it’s time to grout! I’m not going to lie – this was my least favorite part of the whole project. It was just time consuming and MESSY and it took a while to figure out how to get the grout to look the way I wanted. Fair warning, there will just be some trial and error with this. My grout spaces were VERY far apart (not sure I’d do them the same way if I were to do this all over again), so I used a masonry piping bag for some areas, my hand (with a glove on) in others and tried adhering it with a trowel in still other instances. Again, this is just going to be trial and error.. and personal preference.

I also kept a large bucket with water and a project sponge handy to help distribute the grout where I wanted it and also to sponge over a little grout white wash over the stones to make them a more uniform color. Some people also recommend using a masonry brush for smoothing the grout in between stone, but personally, I didn’t find it useful. Just thought I’d mention it in case you want to try!

DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer
DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer

Stone Veneer Fireplace Before and After.

And here is a side by side of the before and after! Which version do you like better?

DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer
DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Stone Veneer

Tools and Supplies.

Shop the tools and supplies your own DIY stone veneer and/or brick wall transformation project!

Related

Published on September 12, 2024

← Previous Post
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler’s Pantry – Reveal.
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2024 Project Recap: Sharing What We Accomplished During the First Year in Our New Home.

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Hi, I’m Amanda

Amanda Fontenot - The Blog

I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a wife and mom of three with a passion for DIY projects, decor and all things home. I hope you’ll find my site useful or, at the least, inspirational! If there’s something specific you’re looking for and can’t find, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

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Helping you create a home you love through DIY home improvement, decor and design services. Let's work together! Day-to-day in stories.

Comment CURTAINS if you’d like these beauties se Comment CURTAINS if you’d like these beauties sent to your DMS🤍 #gifted #twopageshome #twopagescurtains 

We’ve lived here over a year and I went back and forth for WAY too long on whether or not this window needed drapes😅 Now, they’ve been up 24 hrs and my family has already made multiple comments about how much nicer/cozier/prettier this room looks and feels with these curtains by @twopagescurtains🥰 Moral of the story: add the curtains, friends! And use AFBLOG for 15% off your entire order!

#interiordesign #homedecor #homedesign #homerenovation #homeinspo #interiorstyling #homesweethome #beforeandafter #homeinspo #homestyling #livingroomideas #livingroominspo #livingroomstyling #curtains #drapes
Follow and comment DESIGN if you’d like me to se Follow and comment DESIGN if you’d like me to send you a direct link to my design services page🏡

I thought it might be helpful to see a little behind-the-scenes of what a discovery call looks like on my end! Nothing scary - just a quick video call so I can get a better sense of you and your needs + answer any questions you may have☺️Thats it! Then you get to sit back and relax while I do the rest🥰

#edesign #interiordesign #interiordesigner #homesweethome #homedecorlovers #homedecorator #floridainteriordesigner #tallahasseeinteriordesigner #designinspo
Introducing the new and improved Amanda Fontenot D Introducing the new and improved Amanda Fontenot Design🤎

I’ve been serving E-design clients since 2020 and have had the immense honor of working with dozens of clients on everything from entryways to playrooms to nurseries and even kitchen remodels. I’m ready to take my business to the next level and offer even more packages - including in-person design and decorating for my local Tallahassee friends🤗 

If you’re interested, please reach out, click the link or save this post for later when you may need it! Can’t wait to work together!!

#interiordesigner #tallahassee #interiors #edesign #design #homerenovation #butlerspantry #homedesign #interiordecorator #floridainteriordesigners
I mean.. I get it, to be honest.. I can only ho I mean.. 

I get it, to be honest..

I can only hope that people might look at my profile before/after commenting and realize this ain’t my first rodeo🤠 

For the first project: we needed more storage. Period.

And the second: the paint was abnormally thick and wasn’t splattering. Believe me I DID test/check. I covered and protected the things I knew I couldn’t easily wipe clean (rug/play couch/etc) - it all turned out FINE)🫶🏼 

I also feel like people saw the Timelapse’s and assumed I was going super fast and just splattering paint everywhere🤣 In reality I was going super slow!!!🤪

#interiordesign #homerenovation #diyhomeimprovement #interiorstyling #homeinspo #homedecor #interiordesign #beforeandafter #homestyling #homesweethome #funny #interiordesigner #floridadesigners
Save this post for later!🤎 Little disclaimer - Save this post for later!🤎

Little disclaimer - I’ve only ever used traditional wallpaper, but have yet to have any issues.. especially with these tips!👇🏼

3 Tips for wallpaper success:

1️⃣. Start in the most inconspicuous corner of the room. Your wallpaper has to end somewhere and it’s not necessarily going to line up with the connecting paper when it does. Not a big deal, just start in a corner that isn’t front and center when you walk in the room!

2️⃣. Use a laser level to ensure your first piece of wallpaper is hung perfectly straight. The first piece is the most important. It will affect the way the rest of the strips are hung. So make it easier on yourself and either draw a plumb line or use a laser level to successfully hang the first piece!

3️⃣. Use a thick nap roller to apply a very thick layer of glue to the wall. The more the merrier. This makes it super easy to move the wallpaper around on the wall while you’re trying to make sure it’s straight and in line with the previous piece’s pattern. 

Do you have any tips to share? Leave them below!

#interiordesign #homedecor #homedesign #homeinspo #homerenovation #interiorstyling #diyhomeimprovement #homesweethome #wallpaper #wallpaperlove #wallpaperinspo #howto
I will never understand people’s blatant disrega I will never understand people’s blatant disregard for common courtesy and decorum on the internet🫠 I wish I could say the criticism on my recent post didn’t bother me, but I’m only human and my knee jerk reaction was to feel a little down and even defensive.😅

Here’s the thing though, it’s true what they say- “All publicity is good publicity.” And if I have to withstand 100 harsh comments so that the algorithm will put my posts in front of 10 of my ‘people’ then it’s all worth it. So, thank you, Karens of the internet, for helping me to grow my account😘 #silverlining #bekind #beigeinterior #ilovebeige

P.S. If you think this room’s beige, you should see my butlers pantry😂

#DIYhomedecor #diyersofinstagram #interiorsinspo #interiors4all #neutralhome #diyhomeimprovement #homesweethome #playroom #kidsroom #karen #humor #funnymoms #homedecor #homedecoration #decor
Save this post for later🫶🏼 I love how these Save this post for later🫶🏼

I love how these cute little cabinet feet add so much character and personality to our kitchen peninsula. The best part? They were fairly simple to make and attach. So I thought I’d make this little guide in case you wanted to make them too!

Tools and supplies you’ll need for this project:
• .75 in thick plywood
• jigsaw
• wood glue
• clamps
• electric sander
• paint that’s been color matched to your cabinets
• brad nailer + nails 

Send this to a friend and let me know if you have any questions.. I’m here to help!🤗

#diy #diykitchens #kitchenrenovation #kitchenreno #kitchenupdates #diyersofinstagram #easydiy #howto #beforeandafter #diyhomeprojects #diyhomeimprovement #housebeautiful #fixerupper
It just blends🤌🏻 This was the first time I It just blends🤌🏻

This was the first time I painted a ceiling anything other than white and I think I’m pretty much obsessed. 

This ceiling needed to be painted anyway. After the addition of the wall and remodel of the bookcase and all.. but when it came down to it, it just didn’t seem right to give it a fresh coat of white. I love the way your eye just keeps going across the room and is free to focus on the more important elements like the beautiful wallpaper, deep colors and different textures🤎 

What’s your take?

#remodel #houseremodel #painting #colordrenching #homedesign #kidsroominspo #playroomideas #playroomdecor
Follow + comment LET’S COOK and I’ll send you Follow + comment LET’S COOK and I’ll send you the dinner  recipes I’m using next week🤗

Want to take the stress out of planning next week’s meals? Swipe to see the menu I have queued up for Sun-Thurs and then join me in stories so we can cook together in the evenings🫶🏼 Happy Friday!!

https://liketk.it/56oXg #ltkhome

#recipeshare #recipes #menu #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #diningroom #homedecor #diningroomdesign #tgif #momlife #momhacks
Save this post for later!💙 I fell in love with Save this post for later!💙

I fell in love with this blue the moment I saw it on the wall. It’s not too warm and not too cool and satisfies that craving for color without being too *much*👏🏻 

Where would you use this color?

#paintcolor #sherwinwilliams #boysroom #kidsroom #kidsroomideas #homedecor #homeinspo #paintcolors #bluepaint #frenchblue #floridaliving #coastaldecor
Gimme the house that needs work under budget so I Gimme the house that needs work under budget so I can make it my own every. single. time😉 

Can anyone else relate?!🙋🏻‍♀️

#homedesign #realestate #beforeandafter #diyhomeimprovement #homesweethome #kitchenrenovation #kitchen #kitchenideas
The 10 big projects we accomplished during our fir The 10 big projects we accomplished during our first year in our new (old) home 🛠️

Share this with someone who loves a good before and after🤗

1.  WALL REMOVAL #1: Removed a non-structural wall that separated the living room and kitchen. It gave us a solid 4 more feet of usable space in our small living room and made a HUGE difference in the look and feel of this home🤩

2. CLOFFICE. My husband, who works from home, had a designated 3rd floor in our previous home and literally NOWHERE to call his own in this one - except for a corner of our room. Luckily we were able to swap an extra closet from a guest room to ours that was big enough for an office!

3. VENETIAN PLASTER WALL & MANTLE: The previous mantle was way too high and the brick wall made it impossible to hang our TV and hide its cord.. So I used Venetian Plaster to cover the brick and built a custom stone veneer mantle🔥

4. WALL & DOOR: Building a wall between these two living spaces downstairs made it so much more practical for the way our family wanted to utilize the space. Now our kids have a functional playroom where they can play, be loud and store aaalll the toys… and we can hear ourselves think😉

5. STORAGE BANQUETTE: I built a corner banquet that opens up for storage and serves as seating for games, coloring, crafting, etc.!🎉

6. DROPZONE: We desperately needed someplace to store shoes, backpacks, bags and jackets by the garage door where we come in and out of the house. Thankfully, there was a closet here that I could open up and turn into a little mudroom area🙌🏻

7. LAUNDRY ROOM GLOW-UP: The previous laundry room felt extremely makeshift and dysfunctional. It had no room to fold clothes, pipes were sticking out of the wall and it originally had ugly lenoleum flooring. It’s still small and cramped but makes MUCH more sense🫶🏼

8. BUTLERS PANTRY: I’ve always dreamt of having a butlers pantry and was beyond excited when I realized it would be doable here!

9. DISGUISED THE FRIDGE: We moved the fridge into the closet under the stairs to make more room for a large range and cabinets.

10. REMOVED STRUCTURAL WALL: I mean🤯

#DIY #homerenovation #kitchendesign #remodeling #kitchenremodel
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