DIY Framed Shiplap Tutorial

I've been toying around with some ideas of what to do with our wall around our fireplace...and well, our fireplace. The tile around it is horrible; I just threw up some scrap wood pieces to hide it a few years ago. It's definitely not a permanent fix. The problem is what to do with the mantel and the whole wall above and around it. If I had a single story living room, I would have figured this out years ago. But, with our 20 foot ceiling, it makes things daunting for some reason.

Before we moved in.

So, that was the back story. I've thought a bit about wrapping this thing with stacked stone or planks/shiplap. I decided that shiplap would be the cheapest and easiest. But, I didn't want to commit until I got a good idea of what it may look like. So, I made some framed shiplap to sit above my mantel for awhile to get a good idea how I would like it :) It's great, because I get the shiplap look without the commitment. 

This project is also just a great way to add some character and texture. To make this, I decided to mimic the shiplap/planks in our dining room and use cedar planks. I cut the planks to be 10" shorter than my mantel, and a little below the same height as the shelves flanking the fireplace. I ended up using 9 cedar planks. 

For the first step, I cut them all to the same size and stacked them up.

 I then painted the planks with one really thick coat of white paint.

 After they were dried, I flipped them over, and placed them on top of two 1x3 pieces of wood. Doing this helped with adding the framing in the next few steps.

 I then measured the two sides and cut a 1x2 that length.

 At this point, you would want to paint the 1x2 or stain it. I decided to keep it natural since it matched my mantel. I may end up painting it white just to see what it looks like :)

Next, I secured the 1x2 to the side use 1" nails and a nail gun.

 I then secured the other side.

 I then measured the the bottom and top, and cut 1x2s to fit.

 Once again securing them with the nail gun.

 And here's the finished piece. To hang this, I just placed a screw right through one of the planks into the wall.

 Even if I decide to not plank my surround on the fireplace, I still love this look for now. It gives me the shiplap in here that I want, and completely brightens up the space.

 I also love how the color of the trim ties into the mantel and the wood on the side.

 Now, if I ever get around to doing it, I'll be adding some board and batten the height of the mantel over on the wall by the mirrors. What do you think? Do you think it will be too busy? I'm just not sure yet!

 Here's the whole living room. I like how it tied everything together. Plus, from far away like this, it gives me a good idea of what this fireplace wall would look like all white...let it be stack stone or shiplap.

What do you think I should do with the fireplace and the wall around it? I'm up for ideas! I'm been stuck on this for years :)