This project was built and designed by Mark from Gunflint Designs. It showcases how a simple whitewashing idea evolved into a full fireplace restoration—combining structural fixes with a beautiful aesthetic upgrade.
With help from his wife Katie, Mark tackled the kind of project many homeowners can relate to: starting with one small task that reveals bigger problems underneath. What began as a quick refresh turned into a transformation that improved both form and function.
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A Simple Plan That Grew
The original goal was to update the outdated stone fireplace while the upstairs floors were being refinished. Katie had a clear vision of giving it a lighter, whitewashed appearance to freshen up the space.
She taped off the surrounding areas and gathered paint and supplies, expecting a quick cosmetic update. But like many home improvement projects, things took a turn once they got a closer look at the fireplace structure.
Structural Surprises
As soon as they started prepping, chunks of the fireplace began to break away. The surface damage revealed that previous repairs weren’t holding up, and the fireplace needed more than just paint.
The real surprise came after lifting the old carpet. The entire fireplace had been built on top of shag carpet from the 1970s—something that compromised both safety and stability. It quickly became clear they’d need to dig deeper.
Starting from the Ground Up
Instead of covering up the issues, Mark and Katie chose to start fresh. They removed the base of the fireplace and stripped away damaged materials to expose what was underneath.
By removing the old plywood foundation and inspecting the subfloor, they ensured the fireplace would be solid and secure for years to come. This step added more time to the project but made a huge difference in the long-term durability.
Back to the Whitewashing
Once the structural concerns were addressed, it was time to return to the original plan. Katie mixed flat white paint with water to create a whitewash that would tone down the stone while letting its texture show through.
She tested a few methods before settling on using a staining pad for the application. This approach offered better control and a more natural look than brushing alone.
Smart Techniques for Better Results
To reach into grout lines and corners, Katie applied the first coat with a brush. This ensured even coverage where the staining pad couldn’t reach.
After brushing, she used the pad to smooth out any streaks or thick spots. It took two coats to reach the desired finish, with a bit of touch-up work required where the second coat went on too early. The result was a soft, blended look that kept the character of the stone intact.
The Final Details
With the painting complete, the fireplace already looked dramatically better—but Mark and Katie didn’t stop there. They replaced the old MDF trim with a piece of red oak, stained to match the new hardwood floors.
This detail helped connect the fireplace to the rest of the room visually and brought in a warmer tone that played well with the whitewashed stone. Trim work might seem small, but it made a big difference in giving the project a polished finish.
Lessons from the Process
This project reminded Mark and Katie of an important lesson: always assess the underlying condition before jumping into cosmetic work. What looks like a quick improvement can uncover deeper problems—but those problems are often worth fixing.
It also reinforced the value of good tools and flexible planning. The staining pad was key to achieving the right look, and having the patience to adapt along the way helped avoid bigger setbacks.
Encouragement for DIYers
If you’re thinking about tackling your own fireplace update, the biggest takeaway is to embrace the unknown. Home projects don’t always go according to plan, but that’s part of the process.
Be ready to make changes, and don’t shy away from pulling back layers to get to the root of the issue. You’ll likely end up with a stronger and more satisfying result.
Preparation helps too—gathering the right tools, researching techniques, and leaning on trusted creators like Mark from Gunflint Designs can give you the confidence to move forward. Even when things go off-script, you’ll be better equipped to make smart decisions.
You can see all of Mark’s plans here: https://www.gunflintdesigns.com/project-plans.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Mark’s approach here really highlights something every DIYer learns eventually—sometimes the best projects are the ones that force you to dig deeper than planned. Finding that shag carpet under the fireplace foundation is exactly the kind of discovery that makes you grateful you didn’t just slap paint over everything and call it done.
The whitewashing technique Katie used is solid—mixing flat white paint with water gives you way more control than trying to thin down semi-gloss or satin finishes. That staining pad choice was smart too. I’ve found those pads work great for textured surfaces because they conform to the irregularities without leaving heavy brush marks in the recessed areas.
One thing that stands out is how they handled the sequencing. Getting the structural work sorted before moving to finishes saved them from having to redo the painting later. And connecting that new oak trim to the floor stain was a nice touch—those kinds of details really tie a room together and make the difference between a project that looks DIY and one that looks intentional.
For anyone considering a similar project, having a good shop vacuum and drop cloths on hand will save you hours of cleanup. Stone dust gets everywhere, and whitewash can be tricky to clean up once it dries.