A fireplace can change the way a living room looks and feels. For this Thornton home, Timberline Builders helped turn an existing wall between two windows into a focal point with a fireplace, stacked-stone surround, wood mantel and raised hearth.
The before photo shows the original wall behind the seating area. In the finished view, the fireplace brings texture, depth and the movement of a fire to that same space.
Project Overview: A living-room fireplace installation in Thornton, Colorado, featuring a stacked-stone surround, wood mantel and raised hearth.
The wall between the windows provided the setting for the new fireplace. Rather than extending across the entire wall, the finished surround creates a defined central feature, with the windows remaining visible on either side.
The stacked-stone pattern gives the surround a textured appearance. Its mix of earth tones pairs with the room’s wood flooring and the mantel above the fireplace, creating a finished feature that feels connected to the existing room.
A simple wood mantel caps the surround, keeping the upper edge clean and giving the fireplace a distinct horizontal line. Below, the raised hearth extends beyond the fireplace opening and continues the stone treatment along its front.
Together, those elements give the installation depth and a clear presence in the room. With the fire lit, the combination of textured stone, wood and flame creates a warm focal point within the existing room.
This project shows how a focused change to one part of a living room can make a noticeable visual difference. The original photo and finished fireplace view tell the story directly: a plain wall has become a defined focal point for the living room.
For homeowners considering a similar project, the surround, mantel and hearth are worth planning together. Their proportions and finishes shape how the fireplace fits the room, alongside the location of windows, furniture and nearby finishes.


Explore Timberline Builders’ fireplace and mantel project gallery for more examples, or contact Timberline Builders to discuss a fireplace feature or living-room remodel.