a wood- paneled fireplace grabbed attentionin all the wrong ways, but a total tear- out helped it gain stunning personality. justa little paint or a new mantle would've been an improvement to the old faã§ade but a full-scale takedown and rebuild offered more design flexibility. stripping down to the plasterand framing out a new fireplace wall paved the way for a gas line and new insert. freshlight fixtures illuminate the fireplace, thanks to new wiring. smoky gray tile on the surroundand a rustic mantle removed any trace of the 1970's and give the fireplace a fresh face.hidden brackets offered the mantle a modern edge. a fresh coat of paint and cabinet doorsbeautifully update a simple built- in bookcase. with a fresh surround, a stylish mantle andlighting plus better built- ins, the new fireplace
is a polished focal point with staying power.