Hearthside Haute 

An inspiring fireplace makeover 

By Heather Shoning

A once-functional gas fireplace now stands as the artful centerpiece of a thoughtfully  remodeled home. At the homeowners request, the Sloan Construction team removed the glass and deactivated the gas line, transforming the unit into a purely decorative feature. For cozy comfort without the flame, a discreet toe-kick heater installed beneath the firebox quietly provides warmth—clever engineering disguised as simplicity.

Design inspiration sprang directly from the clients, who wanted a statement that balanced contemporary style with timeless character. They love arches and wanted to honor the home’s vintage charm, so the architect, Mosaic Architects + Interiors, introduced them to Magik Studios to bring their vision to life. 

The crafty comeliness is thanks to an unexpected choice: troweled paint, not plaster. The homeowners envisioned a finish that looked both refined and lived-in, and local artisans at Magik Studios delivered exactly that. The hand-troweled texture lends a soft, organic feel that complements the home’s age while introducing a fresh, modern touch.

Grounding the entire vignette is custom white oak. Both the flooring and the hearth—crafted by Laak Woodworks in Berthoud—share this warm, honeyed wood, tying the fireplace to the broader palette of the home.

With its inviting form and subtle heat source, this fireplace proves that a hearth doesn’t need a roaring flame to be the heart of a room. It’s a study in restraint and artistry, where thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship transform a utilitarian fixture into a sculptural focal point—modern, cozy and unmistakably haute.

Mosaic Architects + Interiors
mosaicarchitects.com

Sloan Construction
sloan.build

Magik Studios
magikstudios.co

Laak Woodworks
laakwoodworks.com