Home Trends: Fireplace Focal Point

RISMEDIA, September 1, 2010—It’s hard to think about enjoying a cozy fire when the temps outside are still sizzling. But September through November is a peak real estate sales timeframe and your clients want inviting spaces for holiday entertaining. Suggest this economical tile project from Lowe’s Creative Ideas for Home and Garden® to turn an ordinary fireplace into a beautiful focal point.

Slate Surround
Dress up a plain fireplace with a mix of slate and porcelain.

Mosaics have been used for centuries to add texture and interest to surfaces. Here, this ancient art gets a new twist by mixing large porcelain tile with subway slate in a fresh pattern. Originally covered with plain brick, this fireplace is now a fabulous focal point.

Make It Yours
1. Apply a thin-set mortar with polymer over the brick with a flat trowel, forcing the mortar into all the brick grout joints to create a smooth, flat surface without any seams. Allow the first coat to dry for at least 24 hours.
2. Apply a second coat of the mortar with a notched trowel. Set the tiles into the mortar. We chose neutral-colored large tiles and combined them with earthy multicolored subway slate tiles. Allow mortar to dry.
3. Apply grout with a rubber grout float, and wipe away excess with a damp sponge. Allow to dry.
4. Apply a tile sealer/enhancer to the slate and grout with a sealer applicator.

This article is adapted from Lowe’s Creative Ideas for Home and Garden®, May/June 2010 issue.

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