Behind the Scenes: The Art of Designing a Custom Fireplace Surround

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Bringing It All Together:

In every home, there are certain focal points that define the overall aesthetic and create a lasting impression. For many, the fireplace serves as the heart of the home—a place where warmth meets design

Custom Mantel for AKB Design

For many, the fireplace serves as the heart of the home—a place where warmth meets design. We recently had the privilege of working on a truly breathtaking custom fireplace surround as part of a home reveal, collaborating with an amazing team of designers and craftspeople. Every detail is pure magic and magazine-worthy!

This project, done in collaboration with the wonderful Maude Carrier-Pion, was a dream from start to finish. Her jaw-dropping home reveal featured a striking custom fireplace that became the star of the space. The design was brought to life by the talented team at @Akbdesign, who were not only a joy to work with but delivered on every creative and technical aspect. Their eye for detail and seamless approach to design elevated the vision beyond our wildest expectations. 🌿

The Vision:

Inspiration Photo sent to us. Original is featured in NewYork Girl Style Magazine

Every homeowner dreams of a space that not only reflects their personality but also offers the utmost comfort and functionality. The design journey began with a simple but bold idea—creating a custom fireplace that would serve as a perfect blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance. The stonework needed to exude both warmth and grandeur, while the mantel had to stand as a masterpiece in itself, seamlessly fitting into the homeowner’s vision for the entire space.

With Maude’s vision and the talent of the AKB Interiors team, we began our collaboration process…


This project was nothing short of a collective effort from a powerhouse team. Alongside akbdesign, the brilliant Jenn Larocque played a key role in bringing the fireplace’s surrounding elements to life. Her design insight ensured that the textures, colors, and proportions all harmonized beautifully with the rest of the room, making the fireplace both a functional and visually striking element.

The custom surround, crafted by @Omega Mantels, reflects meticulous attention to detail and the finest craftsmanship. Its elegant curves and lines not only complement the natural stone backdrop but also provide a sophisticated architectural frame for the fireplace. This combination of modern design with classic stone elements creates a balanced aesthetic, one that seamlessly fits into the overall theme of the home.

Pieces of the planning process

The choice of materials really played a huge role in bringing the whole look together. @Lespierresroyales gave us that beautiful stone backdrop, adding texture and a natural element that perfectly complemented the sleek lines of the mantel. It created such a lovely contrast! To set the mood just right, @Unionlightingdecor came in with lighting solutions that highlighted the fireplace’s details without stealing the show—just enough glow to let the craftsmanship shine.

Behind the fireplace, @Toilessignatures worked their magic with the tilework and surrounding textures, making sure that every angle of the room felt cohesive and thoughtfully connected. And let’s not forget the custom cabinetry by @amoires_Cordeau_, which not only framed the fireplace beautifully but also provided practical storage while tying the entire space together. The final touch? Those luxurious rugs from @loloirugs that added warmth and softness, making the space feel both grounded and inviting.

When you step into the room, the fireplace immediately commands attention. It feels like a statement piece but remains inviting and functional, perfect for cozy nights spent at home. Every aspect of this custom surround, from the carved stone details to the texture of the materials, was carefully curated to align with the homeowner’s lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

This project was truly a labor of love, and the result speaks for itself. A home reveal this extraordinary couldn’t have happened without the combined efforts of everyone involved, and I’m beyond thrilled to see this masterpiece come to life. See the final result below!

The Final Home Reveal for LLesDuex