When my parents started slowly updating their builder-grade 90s home, I knew I wanted to help them tackle their living room. They had already painted and added beautiful crown moulding, but the main focal point—the fireplace—was still keeping the space stuck in the past.
The overall structure of the fireplace was actually great, so I knew this didn’t need to be a full renovation—just a thoughtful, high-impact update.
If you’re dealing with a dated fireplace, this is a simple, budget-friendly way to give it a whole new look.
Step 1: Remove the Ornate Moulding
The first thing that had to go was the ornate moulding detail—it was instantly dating the entire fireplace.
Luckily, it was fairly easy to remove. I used a metal chisel and rubber mallet, placing the chisel along the edges and gently tapping until pieces started to loosen. It turned out the moulding was just glued on.
I worked slowly and in small sections—not because I planned to reuse it (although you definitely could), but because removing larger pieces is much easier than dealing with tiny fragments.
Step 2: Add Fluted Trim Detailing
The sides of the fireplace already had fluted detailing, so I used that as my guide and added matching fluted trim to replace the removed moulding.
I batch cut all of my pieces using a miter saw (meaning I measured one template piece and cut everything to the same size at once). Then I attached them using a brad nailer and wood glue.
To finish:
- I filled all seams and gaps with caulk
- Smoothed everything out
- Painted to match the rest of the fireplace
This step alone made a huge difference and instantly modernized the look.
Step 3: Tile
If you want a full tiling breakdown, I’ve shared that separately, but here’s the quick version.
The biggest issue with the original fireplace was the green marble—it was very 90s. I covered it with a white marble and gold hex mosaic tile for a cleaner, more updated feel.
I used MusselBound tile mat (basically a strong double-sided adhesive), which made this process much simpler.
Basic process:
- Apply the tile mat vertically (this matters)
- Peel back small sections as you go
- Press tiles firmly into place
- Work from the center outward for balance
Since my tile came in mosaic sheets, I didn’t need spacers, which saved a lot of time.
Step 4: Grout
I prefer using premixed grout for smaller projects—it’s easier to work with and comes in a variety of colors.
For this tile, I used unsanded grout (smooth finish), which is typically best for smaller grout lines.
How to apply:
- Use a grout float to press grout into the joints
- Spread evenly across the surface
- Scrape away excess with the float
- Wipe clean in sections with a damp sponge
Be thorough when cleaning excess grout—this step makes all the difference in your final result.
Step 5: Caulk
The grout brand I used had a matching caulk, which helped create a seamless, finished look.
I used it along all the seams—especially where the tile meets the wood mantel—since grout can be tricky in those tight edges.
Simply apply and wipe away excess with a damp cloth for a clean finish.
Step 6: Trim Work (If Needed)
There were a few areas where tile didn’t make sense—like a small lip on the hearth and an exposed inner edge.
Instead of forcing tile, I added simple trim pieces for a cleaner, more intentional look.
I attached these with liquid adhesive, secured them with tape while drying, then caulked and painted to match.
Final Thoughts
This entire project took about a day and only cost a few hundred dollars—and the transformation was completely worth it.
If you’re looking for a simple way to update a dated, builder-grade fireplace, this is such an approachable project with a big visual impact.
Next Steps…
My mom has been dreaming of built-in bookshelves on either side of the fireplace since they moved in (back in 1998—so yes, it’s been a long time coming!).
Before moving forward with a contractor, I wanted to help them visualize the final result. I created a rendering to map out the design direction—and it made such a difference in feeling confident about the plan.
I’ll be sharing exactly how I create these renderings (using AI!) and bring them to life in an upcoming post—so stay tuned.
