When Kelly Vange moved into his Montana home eight years ago, he knew one thing: the granite fireplace had to go. Though it matched the kitchen and wet bar countertops, it never quite fit his aesthetic or did justice to the space. “All the same granite was almost overwhelming,” Kelly recalls. “We just weren’t happy with how understated it was.”

Hailing from Pennsylvania, Kelly had been familiar with the work of Henry Chapman Mercer, founder of the historic Moravian Pottery & Tile Works just outside Philadelphia. He was drawn to their rich history in the Arts and Crafts movement and Mercer’s distinctive, hodgepodge fireplace designs—unique, artistic, and full of character. Over the years, he amassed a collection of Moravian tiles, small relief pieces with intricate floral and geometric designs. But without a proper setting for them, he resorted to a creative—if makeshift—solution. “For 30 years, I would take these little tiles, put Velcro on the back, and stick them around the openings of whatever fireplace I had,” he explains. “It worked pretty well, but it was kind of a low-budget solution.”

Kelly had also been a longtime admirer of Motawi Tileworks, which he first encountered in a Frank Lloyd Wright gift shop in Oak Park, Chicago. When the time finally came to reimagine his fireplace, he saw an opportunity to bring together his Moravian collection and Motawi’s distinctive handcrafted tile—creating a fireplace that was truly one-of-a-kind.

An Artistic Collaboration

Working with Motawi designer Jessica Pruss, Kelly envisioned a fireplace that would stand on its own while harmonizing with the home’s high cathedral ceiling, exposed alder wood trim, and sweeping views of the Montana landscape. “I wanted something in the Arts and Crafts tradition, something unique, and something with a combination of colors,” he explains.

To integrate his Moravian brocade tiles seamlessly, Motawi created a custom clipped-corner tile, allowing each of Kelly’s unique 2x2 accent pieces to be installed diagonally—a detail that added what Jessica calls “a bit of whimsy” to the design.

Beyond color and pattern, dimension played a key role in the fireplace’s transformation. Motawi’s architectural moldings, including 2x6 Oxford Trim and 3x3 Oxford Picture Frame Corners, framed the firebox area, lending subtle depth to the facade. These moldings were hand dipped in Bottle Brown, a glossy glaze designed in this case to both catch the firelight and closely match the dark brown stripe in the home’s alder soffits and mantel—another intentional connection to the home’s existing features.

For the glaze palette, Kelly and Jessica drew inspiration from his Tiffany stained glass lamp and the surrounding Montana landscape. The final selection included Oak 5115, Midnight 5924, Spring Green 5276, Lee Green 5002, and Bottle Brown 2021—a vibrant mix of warm and cool tones that shift in depth and character throughout the day as the light changes.

A Fireplace as a Work of Art

Once installed, the transformation was undeniable. “When my wife Nancy saw the tile in person, she was surprised at how vibrant it was,” Kelly says. “Her conclusion? This is basically a work of art. Even when the fireplace isn’t on, it’s just a lovely thing to look at.”

Now, the fireplace serves as the heart of the home—both visually and socially. “It’s the central attraction of the entire living space, opening to the kitchen, dining area, and living room,” Kelly notes. Unlike many modern homes, the Vanges’ living space isn’t centered around a TV. Instead, the fireplace is the focal point for conversation, warmth, and admiration.

The design has been a hit with visitors as well. “We’re actually having friends over this week, and we’re bringing them back to our house for dessert just so they can see the new fireplace!”

Crafting a Legacy

Kelly’s story is one of passion, patience, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. His Moravian relief tiles, collected over decades, now have a permanent place in his home—framed by the artistry of Motawi’s handmade tile. The result is a one-of-a-kind fireplace that bridges history, personal heritage, and timeless design.

For Kelly, the experience was exactly what he had hoped for. “Motawi understood my vision and helped make it happen. And now we have something truly special.”

And while Kelly has officially retired his Velcro-mounted Moravian tile tradition, this new fireplace ensures that the tiles—and the stories they hold—will endure for years to come.