I am so excited to finally be sharing the fireplace remodel in the dining room with you. It’s taken us a good few weekends to get this done but I have to say, I’m so pleased with the final look!!

marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper

It took longer than we’d planned as we hit a few snags along the way and the weather has been just crazy this past month. We’d actually planned on finishing it last weekend and then we had the most bizarre weather with freezing cold Arctic air blowing snow and hailstones through the country and temperatures around 2-3 degrees C. It was raining one moment, hailing the next and then the sun would come out and everything would be dry immediately. Anyway, we needed to cut tiles outside (we don’t have a garage to do this sort of thing) and using electric equipment just wasn’t going to happen with the weather like that so we got a bit delayed. This weekend, happily, was crazy warm and sunny and it felt like summer again with blue skies and blazing heat. So we took advantage and completed the work!* Hurrah!

*And yes, every time I say β€˜we’ I actually mean Wayne because he did all the hard stuff, I just played assistant and project manager! Ha! 

Bear in mind, this is a non-working fireplace so we just wanted to make it a feature in the space rather than just some forgotten hole in the wall as it’d initially started out. So this is what it looked like when the room was in it’s previous incarnation, taken Sept 2013. As this is the best picture I could find, it’s clear I didn’t take too many pictures of the whole thing – it wasn’t horrible but there really wasn’t much to get excited about.

dining room fireplace BEFORE

You may recall when we first started the work that we’d ripped out the back panel initially because we’d hoped to make the fireplace a little bit deeper. Alas, the hole revealed that it’d actually been bricked up to make it shallower so we abandoned that idea, knowing it would just take a bit of MDF to repair the back part we’d removed. So this is what it looked like when we started work with the surround removed and the hearth and back panel ripped out. Yikes.

fireplace remodel work begins

We laid the new flooring all the way to the wall and filled the inside of the hearth with concrete to even the base and I painted the surround in black and of course, wallpapered. And that’s how it was left for quite a while.

fireplace remodel - just before starting to tile

One of the issues we had – and one we repeatedly have in this old house – is that NOTHING is straight. So every single angle you see there, from the floor to the sides to just every single surface area is crooked. And that meant there was quite a lot of filling in to make the whole thing a lot more plumb so that we could tile it. Things like this slow down every project – it would have been nice to just slap on the tiles but there was a lot of prep that isn’t that pretty and just takes time. C’est la vie.

The first row is always the most difficult and as we wanted to start at the top and work our way down, we decided to use a bit of leftover trim pinned to the outside to allow the tiles to have something to rest against whilst they dried (otherwise, while the adhesive was wet, they would have just fallen due to their weight and well, gravity). This was my idea which I was pretty damn proud of and it worked a treat, allowing us to get that first row perfectly level. Go me! ;)

fireplace remodel - laying the first row on top

From there, we could then do the rows beneath, tapping in a few pins to support the weight of the tiles as they dried every few rows. Obviously these would be removed once the adhesive was dry enough that the tiles wouldn’t move.

Here is a little slideshow of the whole process if you’re interested in doing something similar. The tiles are Carrara Marble effect porcelain tiles from Tile Mountain and they are just stunning. Tile Mountain also supplied their Mapei Keraquick White Fast Setting Adhesive in white which works as both adhesive as well as grout. We’ve used Mapei products from Tile Mountain for our bathroom and would highly recommend them, they are trade quality and so much better to work with than other brands.

One of the many things I’ve learned working with Tile Mountain (I write for their blog as well and do some consultancy with them) is that you can’t use ready-mixed adhesive with porcelain – because porcelain is less porous than ceramic tiles, the ready mix may not dry properly so the quick setting ones you mix with water work best. Just a little tip there!

We also used brass tile trim from here. It added such a luxurious touch to the tiles and I plan on using the same trim when we finally do the tiles in the kitchen.

marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk

So here’s the finished look!

marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk

Here’s Quito modeling with the fireplace. The grout was still a little wet here – it starts off a sort of grey and then dries to a brilliant white but he looked so damn cute, I couldn’t resist sharing the picture. And you can see a little sneaky peek of the bar cart too.

marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper modelled by a cute Sheltie - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk

I’m so happy with it and the tiles are just so pretty. Of course, we couldn’t have a fireplace without putting something in it so while it’s a non-working one at the moment, I had the lovely folks at Imaginfires get in touch at the start of the project to see if I’d like to check out their little biofuel fireplaces. These can pretty much go anywhere and I thought it would be the perfect addition.

marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk

We chose the Arkle model as the size was perfect and it’s simple black contemporary design ties in nicely with the fireplace surround and other black accents in the space. We lit it for the first time last night to try it out. It took a few tries to get it to light (in the instructions that come with it, it did warn us it might as the fibres need to soak with fuel before it’s ready the first time) but once it was lit, it just looked so lovely with little yellow flames lapping around the white stones.

marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk

The heat output is similar to a small electric heater – about 3.5kw – which is perfect for when the temperatures can still dip at this time of year (evident in last weekend’s crazy hailstorms!). You can also control the height of the flame really easily too. Best part is that it’s currently on sale on their site for half off!! Go get a bargain while you can!

So this is the final look!

marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk

I hope to be sharing the whole reveal really soon on the blog as the room is just about done now – we still have a few small bits to take care of and then it’ll be ready for it’s debut! Whoop!

What do you think of the fireplace makeover in the meantime? I’d love to know what you think – or if you preferred the before better? Go on, the comment box awaits!

 

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Disclaimer: This post was in collaboration with both Tile Mountain and Imaginfires who provided items free for my review. As always, all images, opinions and words are my very own. I only ever work with brands I really like and think you will too! Thanks for supporting the brands that support Swoon Worthy!

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marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper
dining room fireplace BEFORE
fireplace remodel work begins
fireplace remodel - just before starting to tile
fireplace remodel - laying the first row on top
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marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk
marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk
marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper modelled by a cute Sheltie - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk
marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk
marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk
marble tile fireplace with brass trim and black hearth with graphic wallpaper - see the whole process on www.swoonworthy.co.uk
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Meet Kimberly
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Amara IBA19 Winner Home Styling
Vuelio Top 10 2020
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Ad (Press Sample) There are few kitchen products that are considered absolute classics but there is one that I have lusted after for YEARS and that is the utterly iconic @lecreusetuk large casserole pot. 🀩

For nearly a century, Le Creuset has been trusted for its superior performance, lasting quality and iconic design and the enamelled cast iron allows incredible versatility - not only can you use it with just about any heat source (from induction, glass, electric etc), you can also do everything from stir-fry to slow cooking to baking a cake in it and more. 

So, imagine my delight when Le Creuset got in touch to ask if I'd like to shoot their brand new colourway πŸ‘ PΓͺche πŸ‘ in my kitchen. I mean, there couldn't be a more perfect colour match with that juicy coral shade which if you've followed my account for any length of time, you'll know is one of my all-time favourites (not to mention that beautiful soft gold knob! 😍). The matching petite casserole dish and mugs are the perfect companions but you could easily mix and match this colourway with Le Creuset's other designs (Might I suggest the Sea Salt, a soft blue-green which would be gorgeous with PΓͺche). This new juicy summer shade is currently available exclusively at Le Creuset Official. I'd love to know which colourway is your favourite in the range?

#lecreuset #kitchendesign #kitchenstyling #kitchinspo #victorianhome #englishhome
My little neglected makeup/dressing room has had a glow up πŸ₯°

#swoonworthy #beforeandafter #dressingroom #makeupvanity #closetgoals
My new rug can't compete with that belly.

Rug is from @laredoute_uk (not an ad) not that anyone cares πŸ˜…

#kitchendesign
I've really loved making these pretty reusable Christmas crackers! I'm still in the process of finding cute bits for filling them but they'll definitely be a centrepiece for my table this year!πŸŽ„πŸ’•

Suggestions for what to fill them with coming soon!

(By the way, I'm not a skilled seamstress so I'm sure my techniques can be improved but just sharing what worked for me πŸ€—πŸ˜…)

Let me know if this is something you'd try? ❀️

#swoonworthy #christmasdecor #christmascraft #diychristmas #diycrafts #easysewingproject
On 22 October 2022, I married my best friend! I can't believe it's been a whole year (and one day) I've been calling @2nilup my husband πŸ₯° We've been together for 15 years now and I simply can't and wouldn't want to imagine my life without him ❀️ 

#youandmeagainsttheworld #2222 

Photography: @violajayphotography 
Flowers: @primroseavenuefloral 
Dress: @camillawithlove
DIY REFILLABLE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS πŸŽ„πŸŽ‰

I've been thinking about making refillable crackers for so many years now - I just hate the waste the disposal ones create! So I'm so excited I've finally gotten around to starting this project!

I will be sharing more details on how to make them as well as ideas for what to fill them with too so stay tuned for more but in the meantime, what do you think? 

#swoonworthy #diychristmas #christmasdecor #christmascraft #easysewingproject #sustainableliving #ecofriendlyliving
Just wanted to introduce my latest plant baby in my dining room πŸͺ΄

It's from @botanique_shrewsbury and it's a Peparomia (I am probably pronouncing it wrong, I keep wanting to say
GUEST BEDROOM REVEAL 🌟

I decided on a whim, 2 weeks before we were expecting visiting family, that our guest bedroom was in desperate need of a refresh.

Well there's nothing like an impending deadline to light a πŸ”₯ under my πŸ‘ and I managed to clear out the clutter, repaint the woodwork, ceilings and walls and hang wallpaper as well as restyle the room in one week πŸ˜… (Meisha was zero help 😼)

I'm calling it Boho Vintage Victorian Grandma πŸ˜†

This wasn't sponsored in any way but the wallpaper and bedding is from @lauraashleyuk and the paint is @earthbornpaints Peach Baby - everything else I already had!

What do you think of the new look? ❀️

#bedroombeforeandafter #guestroom
#bedroommakeover
#beforeandafter
#bedroomdecor #cottagecore #vintagestyle #victorianhouse #ihavethisthingwithpink #bengalsofinstagram
πŸ”₯JOIN US ROUND THE FIRE PIT! πŸ”₯

ad | One of my favorite things to do in summer is sit around the fire pit in the evenings with a cold beer 🍻 There's just something incredibly relaxing watching those flames and embers crackle, warming yourself up and taking the edge off falling temperatures as the sun sets!

Thanks to @homefireuk they've made the whole process incredibly easy and enjoyable with their Handy Firepit Bundle which include 2 bags of kindling, 2 bags of natural firestarters and 3 large bags of kiln-dried logs πŸͺ΅ for a really great price! 

No more standing around waiting for things to light properly or billowing smoke from wet wood, everything burns beautifully! ☺️ We literally sat around this for hours as the logs last so long, long after the sun set, just chatting and enjoying ourselves! πŸ₯°πŸ»πŸ”₯

Do you love a good firepit in the summer?

#homefire #readytoburn #smokelessbyhomefire #heartofyourhome #logsbyhomefire #summerideas #firepit #gardenideas
San Sebastian photo dump - just a tiny selection πŸ˜„

We have had such a fabulous holiday to Basque Country - our first 4 days spent in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, land of pintxos, stunning architecture and some damn good wine.

#sansebastian #travelgram #photodump
A little kitchen reshuffle today so I thought I'd share πŸ₯°

It's been 4 years since we created this space and it's still one of my favourites β™₯️

#kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitcheninspiration #kitchenideas #openshelvingkitchen #kitchenstyling
Ad 🩷 Before and after Deck makeover! 🩷

This little decked patio was looking worse for wear after a wet winter but @frenchicpaint came to the rescue with their beautiful Dusty Blush Alfresco Paint, perfect for all your outdoor projects!

The deck has been a few colours over the past few years but this is definitely the most fun and gives the whole space such a tropical vibe - even in Shrewsbury! 🏝️ πŸ¦©πŸΉπŸ˜„

The paint has incredible coverage and was so nice to use - I loved the tools they provided too, especially the oval brush which got into all the nooks and crannies easily!

Let me know what you think of the new colour! 

#frenchicpaint #beforeandafter #deckmakeover #gardeninspiration #gardeninspo #outdoorproject
So on a whim I decided to paint the bedroom pink yesterday πŸ˜…πŸ©·

This room has been neglected for so long as I've wanted to fully redecorate for about 3 years now but there are always other bigger priorities or a lack of time/energy/money so I keep putting it off πŸ™ƒπŸ™ƒπŸ™ƒ (tell me I'm not the only one) but happily this didn't cost a penny as I used what I already had although it did take me the best part of a day!

I went through my paint stash and found that I had extra @coatpaints Percy from when I did the living room early last year -- well I'm not one to let something this good go to waste (honestly this paint is absolutely wonderful to work with and has amazing coverage) and my goodness it's just so pretty in here πŸ₯° I also moved my pink curtains from my office into here and the whole room just glows!

I might actually be able to live with the mural a little longer until the room gets the attention it deserves! Let me know if you like the change β™₯️

*For those who are wondering, it used to be white walls and I had grey curtains! πŸ˜…

#swoonworthy #bedroomdecor #bedroommakeover #bedroomdesign #pinkpinkpink #pinkinteriors
A little photo dump from my recent living room shoot because I still love to dig into the details of a still photo πŸ˜„πŸ’•

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #photodump
ad How to De-stress at Home in 6 Simple Steps 😊

April has been #stressawarenessmonth and so I've teamed up with the wonderful @frenchbedroom to share a few simple tips in creating a cosy sanctuary at home!

One of my favourite ways to add a feeling of comfort and relaxation is with glorious touchable textures and the stunning Mulberry Silk ruffled cushion from French Bedroom not only looks spectacular but feels incredible too! Pairing this with other feel-good fabrics will add depth to your design and will beg you to sink in and unwind 😍

French Bedroom are also now stocking my own home fragrance brand @swoonworthyscents candles, adding another element of calm with scent to your home. I chose No 02 Sunday Morning for my living room with rejuvenating Jasmine and refreshing pine and lemon notes πŸ₯°

Check out my latest blog post for more tips on creating a relaxing sanctuary in your home via the link in my bio!

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #frenchbedroom #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #calming #aesthetic #cottagecoreaesthetic
Who needs pancakes when you can have Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemoncello glaze?! πŸ˜‰πŸ‹

I've had such a craving for this cake for a while so figured I'd make it today! This is a recipe from @bbcgoodfood and it's rather gorgeous πŸ₯°

#baking #lemondrizzle #lemoncake #bakewithlove #shrovetuesday
Are you lucky enough to be owned by a cat? 🐈🐾

#bengallove #bengalsofinstagram #bengalcat #bengal #catsofinstagram #catlife
Finally managed to get the gallery wall completed in our hallway!

I couldn't have been happier with @violajayphotography capturing our little intimate wedding in October and knew as soon as I saw the photos I had to print them for our home! I admit, I've never been one to hang photos but it's probably because all we ever had after 14 years together was selfies πŸ˜‚πŸ€·πŸ½β€β™€οΈ I'm so pleased we finally have some lovely shots of us together πŸ₯°

Do you have photos of you/your partner/your family up around your home?? πŸ€”

#gallerywall #autumnwedding #hallwaydesign #hallwayinspo
✨These little vintage copper pans needed some TLC! ✨

After searching for a while for vintage copper pans, I found these on eBay - they looked quite grim on the ad but I knew they could be shined up nicely! A little @barkeepersfriend later (not an ad!) and I'm loving how they look in my kitchen πŸ₯°

Let me know if you like the new addition ❀️

#kitcheninspo #kitchendesign #vintagestyle #kitchenstyling
Oh hey living room, nice to have you back ☺️

I always feel very ready to remove the excess of Christmas decor pretty much as soon as the 26th arrives but I've been later than usual this Twixmas as we've both been unwell the last couple weeks πŸ€¦πŸ½β€β™€οΈ Nevertheless, I've managed to get things packed away and I styled this little faux arrangement today for my coffee table so ya know, small victories πŸ˜„πŸ™ŒπŸ½

#livingroom #livingroominspo #fauxflowers #coffeetabledecor