I am a bit sentimental and would never destroy old tilework with my own hands, even if its aesthetics feel a little strange.

After layers of newer tiles were removed and the original tiles were cleaned, glued back together, and reinstalled, the late Edwardian fireplace was revealed.

Although it is a bit too flashy for my taste and the circular drill marks are still visible, the result has a raw honesty and sense of history that you can’t ignore.