Reinventing the Classic: Shiplap Fireplace Buildout with a Modern Twist
Shiplap Fireplace Buildout: A Timeless Feature in American Homes
When it comes to designing a cozy and visually appealing living room, one element has stood the test of time: the Shiplap Fireplace Buildout. This feature has become one of the most popular fireplace wall designs across American homes, from the suburbs of Denver and Castle Rock to modern developments in Orlando and Tampa. Why? Because it’s functional, elegant, cost-effective—and it just works.
The classic shiplap fireplace is typically built as a full-height media wall, often incorporating an electric fireplace with a TV mounted above. The clean horizontal lines of the shiplap create structure and visual depth, bringing a polished look to any living space. But despite its popularity, many homeowners consider it too “common” or “predictable.”
At Avileve, we set out to reinvent this classic—to prove that a shiplap fireplace doesn’t have to be boring. With thoughtful enhancements, premium finishes, and clever add-ons, this timeless design can become the standout element in your home.
Color Reinvention: More Than Just White
Traditionally, shiplap walls are painted white—clean, neutral, and elegant. But we go beyond the basics.
At Avileve, we use professional spraying equipment and Sherwin-Williams paints to bring your vision to life. Whether you want a rich navy blue, a warm “Hidden Gem” green, or a soft greige, we can custom-paint your shiplap wall to match your room’s aesthetic.
A colored fireplace build-out immediately stands out, especially when contrasted with a lighter wall or highlighted by strategic LED lighting.
Add Warmth with a Custom Wood Mantel
One of the most powerful additions to a shiplap fireplace buildout is a wood mantel. Handcrafted in walnut, oak, or cedar, a stained wood mantel adds natural warmth and visual balance.
Beyond aesthetics, mantels serve practical purposes too:
Display family photos or decorative accents
Hang stockings during holidays
Add rustic charm to an otherwise modern setup
A mantel ties the whole design together, offering that perfect blend of classic and personal.
Benches, Shelves, and Built-Ins: Upgrade Your Fireplace Wall
There are several ways to expand your Shiplap Fireplace Buildout and give it more presence in the room:
• Add a Matching Bench
Include a floating bench below the fireplace or across the base of the wall. It can be a minimalist slab with a wood finish or a built-in with additional storage. A bench provides a great space to display décor, houseplants, or even act as extra seating.
• Install Floating Wood Shelves
Shelves on one or both sides of the fireplace open up countless styling opportunities. Whether it’s a trio of stacked floating shelves or longer planks running alongside the buildout, these features enhance vertical balance and give homeowners space to curate the wall seasonally.
• Include Base Cabinets
Adding custom cabinetry at the base of the fireplace wall not only adds storage but creates a built-in look that feels high-end. Perfect for media components, books, or everyday items.
Avileve
Elevated design-build, inside & out
Accent Walls · Media & Fireplace Walls · Decorative Ceilings · Bedroom & Feature Walls · Finish Carpentry · Decks · Pergolas · Privacy Screens · Outdoor Walls · Railing Systems · Outdoor Carpentry
Illuminated Niches: A Bold, Affordable Enhancement
One of our favorite design upgrades is to flank the shiplap fireplace with built-in vertical niches. These can include:
Backlit wood interiors for a warm glow
Painted or stained finish to match the main wall
Open shelving or inset paneling for added depth
Niches visually expand the wall and provide space for everything from books to sculptures to lighting accents. And the best part? They’re cost-effective and highly customizable.
Why Choose Avileve for Your Fireplace Buildout?
At Avileve, we specialize in reinventing tried-and-true classics like the Shiplap Fireplace Buildout, transforming them into stylish, functional centerpieces that bring warmth and value to your home. Our experienced design-build teams operate across Colorado (including Denver, Boulder, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Parker, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Lakewood, and nearby mountain towns), Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Kissimmee, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Daytona Beach, and surrounding areas), Illinois (Chicago and suburbs), California (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area), the Maryland and Washington, D.C. metro region, as well as key areas in Texas and North Carolina.
Wherever we go, we deliver thoughtful, custom-crafted media walls and fireplace buildouts that elevate interiors, impress future buyers, and stand the test of time.
Here’s what makes us different:
🛠 Full-Service Design & Installation
From layout to final touch-ups, we manage every step in-house.
🎨 Customization at Every Level
Choose your layout, paint color, mantel type, shelf placement, lighting, and more.
💬 Transparent Communication & Fair Pricing
We offer upfront pricing, detailed proposals, and no surprises.
📍 Local Expertise in Every Region We Serve
We understand the architectural styles and lifestyle needs of homeowners in each area we serve.
Spanish Summary
Reinventa tu sala con una Chimenea Shiplap personalizada. Aunque este estilo clásico es común en muchos hogares de Estados Unidos, en Avileve lo transformamos con colores personalizados, estantes de madera, nichos iluminados y accesorios modernos. Ideal para hogares en Orlando, Tampa, Denver y otras ciudades que buscan aumentar el valor y el atractivo visual del espacio. Contáctanos para crear una pared con chimenea que refleje tu estilo y aumente la inversión en tu hogar.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re staging your home for sale or simply upgrading your living space, a Shiplap Fireplace Buildout is one of the most cost-effective ways to add value and elegance. At Avileve, we help you go beyond the standard—transforming this timeless feature into something truly extraordinary.
Ready to reinvent your fireplace wall?
Request a Quote or Explore Our Media Wall Gallery for more inspiration.
A timeless shiplap fireplace wall in Orlando with matching wood mantel and bench, soundbar niche, and a smooth Sherwin-Williams paint finish.