How To Recreate Joanna Gaines' Stunning But Understated Fixer Upper Fireplace

As veteran house flippers with more than a decade of demolition under their (tool) belts, Chip and Joanna Gaines knew immediately that the plaster-surround fireplace in the 1960s lakeside home they were renovating in "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse" was worth preserving. While the couple didn't hesitate to rip out unsightly original architectural elements like stairs and walls, they were committed to keeping the living room's throwback fireplace with its dramatically curved firebox and mix of mid-century modern and Spanish revival styles. Joanna told Chip during the premier episode's walk-through (via Discovery+), "We're going to leave this existing plastered fireplace."

The sleek, streamlined fireplace was such a focal point already that only minor tweaks were needed. "All we did is take that original structure and accentuate it," explained Joanna (via Discovery+) in the series finale. The upgrades: swapping the drab tiles on the raised hearth and applying Venetian-style plaster to the surround and walls for a character-rich look. The result was a neutral, goes-with-anything fireplace that's compatible with a wide range of decorating schemes. Luckily, you don't need a Texas-size construction or plastering budget to mimic this pared-down fireplace — just recreate the look with a fabulous fake mantel or revamp an existing fireplace using paint or texturizing techniques.

Even if you don't have an operable fireplace, you can still recreate Chip and Joanna Gaines' minimalist "Fixer Upper" fireplace, no pricey construction required. A prefab, freestanding decorative mantel looks like the real deal but doesn't require any costly installation because there are no heating elements or fake logs. Just choose a smooth-finish style in wood, MDF, or a composite — skip anything fussy or overly decorative — and position it wherever you want a focal point. Depending on the weight and style of the mantel you choose, you'll need to securely anchor it to the wall, typically with L-brackets or a strong glue. After you've found the ideal spot, you can then create a plaster-like effect by layering a couple shades of paint from dark to light and roughing up the surface to create texture. 

What if you have an existing fireplace but the surround is constructed of visually busy, high-contrast bricks or stone? Painting the surround the same color as the walls is the quickest, easiest way to get a more cohesive look since it helps the surround blend seamlessly into the walls. Updating an old fireplace with concrete is another route for creating a sleek, smooth texture that mimics plaster. Just remember to keep the mantel top unadorned and clutter-free for the ultimate "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse" dupe.