A fireplace facade constructed of plywood and embellished with 1x2 white pine molding slid over the original brick structure (see before). Screws fasten it to the wall. Handmade ceramic tiles cover the remaining exposed brick on the surround and create a hearth that's flush with the floor. A thick oak mantel, stained to match the floor, completes the new look.

The handmade ceramic tiles are pricey, but only a few are needed and you can install them yourself. A bed of thinset mortar spread over the exposed brick filled in the grout lines and prepared the surface for the tile installation.

"Alternating between plain and decorative tiles saves money and sets off the beauty of this pattern." —editor Kelly Rawlings