How to Maximize Space with a DIY Fireplace. Featuring Hidden Storage

You know those projects that start with, "This will be easy!" This wasn't one of em. But let me tell you... it was so worth it. i'm an absolute sucker for using all the space i can in this house. We have a LOT of crap, and we're running out of storage. At the same time, I like to make it so people can't see what's there. With kids, its nice to have a place to put everything without having to see the colourful boxes and tiny pieces. With Cable, and internet and video games connected to the TV, I needed to avoid this too. This was my solution.

How Did we do it?

Step 1: Figuring Out the Width

The first thing we did was tape out the size of the fireplace and the TV. This helped me visualize where they'd live and what space we'd need on either side. The scale wasnt perfect in the end, but, it was still intentional, to leave space for a Mantle in the future if we chose to add one.

• You're going to need clearance over your fireplace. Make sure you read your manufacturers instructions to figure out what that clearance is. We knew we wanted the TV centered, space for sconces, and deep storage cabinets on either side.

Step 2: Deciding on Cabinet Depth

I'm obsessed with the cheap plastic shoeboxes that Home Depot sells for like $2. These cabinets are designed to stack em high and say goodbye. We fit two wide and the depth is perfect for them. I knew this was a reliable storage solution inside the cabinet to maximize the space, so everything was built around those. They're about 12" deep.

Step 3: Framing the Fireplace

This is where things got REAL. From bolting the framing into both the ceiling joists and the wall, (concrete block in our semi-detatchedhouse). We used 2x4's for the framing and planned to add MDF boxes for the TV & Fireplace. We did add a 2x12 right across the centre where the mantle would hang. We did this so we could add one in the future, even though we dont have plans (read: budget) to add one quite yet.

Step 4: Building the Boxes

With the frame up, we installed the boxes for the TV, fireplace, and side cabinets. The side cabinets, we made with 14" Shelving from Home Depot. It's got pre-drilled holes that we could adjust shelving within. It's also a nice white melamine finish, meaning we wouldnt have to worry about painting anything, which is a win in my books.

Step 5: Running Electrical, Internet, and Cable

Before we closed everything up, we made sure all the necessary wiring was in place. We ran electrical outlets for the TV & Fireplace, we have tubing to bring internet/cables into the cabinets, and with all the infrastructure behind the MDF, we had hidden connections so there wouldn’t be any messy cords hanging around later.

Step 6: Covering It Up with Plywood

Once everything was wired, we covered the frame with plywood. This gave us a nice, smooth surface to work with and made everything solid and sturdy.

Step 7: Picking a Paint Colour & Adding Faux Shiplap

Now, onto the fun part! We decided on a paint colour. It's a colour repeat often in our mainfloor. I absolutely love it, but that doesnt mean we dont have other plans in future. We used Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore. For texture, we went with faux shiplap. I created this using 1/4" plywood. We started this before shiplap was readily available, and I also wanted something thinner on the surface. We wanted to preserve any depth we could. I love that you can see the wood grain in the panels, it adds a bit more texture to the space.

Shop the Fireplace

Step 8: Adding A Little Trim

Let's be honest, the trim on this project is to cover up the corners. Using the 1/4" plywood didnt leave much space for things like mitered corners, and being one of our earlier DIY's we also did not have any confidence in our skills, even combining our brianpower togther. So trim as a finishing touch was the perfect solution.

Step 9: Creating Secret Cabinet Doors

I love hidden storage, so we made sleek, seamless cabinet doors that blend right into the sides. We wanted them to look like a continuation of the panelling, so there are no handles, no obvious hinges, just a clean and modern look. All you have to do is a quick push in and POP, open they go.

My Dream Fireplace

So, Was it worth it?

Was this project a lot of work? Yes. Did we almost quit halfway through? we actually did. The doors lived OFF the fireplace for probably a year before we FINALLY installed them, but seeing the final result, I would barely change a thing. Now, the kids use the fireplace as a canvas for their window writer markers. It's a great place to hang the stockings and garland each Christmas. I will admit, I'm missing a mantle. That will be coming up at some point in time, but until then, I still love the look, and cannot beat the cozy feel of a fireplace while lounging on the couch.

What do you think, did we nail it or fail it?

-- Taryn