Design a Great Room Around a Holiday-Inspired Focal Point

In its original state this great room seemed off-balance and ill-proportioned. But not after the fireplace surround was transformed. To play up the room's soaring ceiling, a custom mantel was built along with a wall of stylish floor-to-ceiling tile.

With the holidays approaching, the owner of this two-story Atlanta house embarked on a two week great-room remodel, a project they'd delayed since purchasing the property in 2007. It was important for the homeowner to have a place for friends and family to gather comfortably. From the color scheme and finishes to the well-balanced space plan, every element was chosen for its casual, cozy qualities.

Fireplaces are used heavily during the holiday season when they often become the backdrop for family stockings and garlands. For ample hanging space for these seasonal trinkets, build your mantel at least 7 inches deep. With most stocking hangers measuring 3 inches deep, a ledge of 7 inches provides just enough space to keep the mantel from appearing cluttered.

The new mantel borrows from the existing architecture to blend seamlessly with the whole home. After removing the existing mantel, an 8x16-foot box was constructed from 2x4-inch lumber and covered with backer board, then clad with 18x24-inch porcelain tiles featuring a gray color scheme. To make the most of this updated neutral, the greenish-gray undertones were applied to the walls, ceiling and staircase railing.