Design Spotlight: Board and Batten DIY Fireplace Accent Wall

We are in love with the serene style of this DIY board and batten accent wall featuring the Touchstone Forte Smart Electric Fireplace. Arielle @beydindesign shares her project from start to finish and offers some great tips.

Step 1: Find the Best Fireplace For Your Space

Arielle shares, “The first thing to do when planning a fireplace build... find your fireplace insert first! This project got started when I came across @touchstonehomeproducts and their beautiful selection of electric fireplaces.”

In her design brief, Arielle shares her neutral earth tone fireplace accent wall inspiration from another DIY project featuring a Touchstone Sideline Elite® Electric Fireplace, completed by @howell.home.

The Project Inspiration: Touchstone Sideline Elite® 50 Smart Electric Fireplace, @howell.home

Touchstone has plenty of resources for fireplace style ideas on our website, electric fireplace photo gallery, blog and social channels. Fellow Touchstone customers generously share step-by-step project details and encouragement. The real photos and videos by real people help you envision how each fireplace style will look in your home.

Step 2: Find Your Style

Initially, Arielle considered a 50-inch fireplace, then decided the 40-inch size Touchstone Forte Smart Electric Fireplace would be the best fit for her living room wall space. The traditional size of the Forte pairs well with classic board and batten trim.

Arielle explains her design process: “I had so many design styles in mind for our fireplace. I loved the look of stone or brick but after reviewing time/cost I looked for a more DIY friendly option. I have a lot of board and batten throughout our home, and when I came across a board and batten style fireplace, I fell in love and knew that was the way to go! It ties in so well with the aesthetic of our home. Clean lines, yet enough character to set it apart from the rest of the wall.”

Step 3: Ready to Build

A heartwarming father-daughter duo, Arielle and her dad worked together on the electric fireplace bump out wall framing and drywall. She credits Touchstone for a smooth build. She explains, "We couldn’t be more grateful for the detail that Touchstone provided within their installation instructions. My Dad could build a house on his own, I have no doubt. But the helpful instructions provided with the fireplace insert made the entire process that much easier. Our building process was planned around the fireplace we decided on from Touchstone, as well as the size of our TV.”

"My Fireplace dreams have FINALLY come true! I can’t thank my Dad enough for helping me with this build! His skills are truly unmatched, and I love learning from him!"

Arielle's 55-inch TV size (standard diagonal measurement) balances nicely with the 40-inch width of the Touchstone Forte Smart Electric Fireplace.

Best Electric Fireplace Size For Your TV

Budget-friendly Board and Batten

The timeless style of board and batten trimwork adds elegance to the simple fireplace bump out wall. Compared to stone or brick covering, this paneling is a more affordable alternative with an upscale look. Arielle uses 1/2-inch MDF for the board and batten framing. The MDF boards are cut down to 3-inch boards for the majority of the framing with 2" behind the TV and 6” around the fireplace. A hand-stained natural mantel adds the finishing touch.

"Cant Say Enough Good Things About the Installation"

Arielle shares, "We chose the The Forte 40 Inch Recessed Smart Electric Fireplace 80006, and I couldn’t be happier. It comes complete with multiple realistic flames, remote or Wi-Fi app controls, and the ability to enjoy year round due to the heat-free option."

“Can’t say enough good things about the installation and guide included, the detail provided for install made it so easy. I love the flush design and variety of flame options. We are also loving the heatless option right now due to Fall taking its sweet time to get here!”

Check out all the details of this project @beydindesign Instagram highlight reel: 

https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18497757724068002/

Photo and video credits: @beydindesign

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