My husband and I have renovated almost a dozen homes in the past fifteen years. Doing so has allowed us to save on our monthly living expenses because it is much easier to negotiate terms on a dated home than one that is already current and desirable.
When we first started, we had no clue what we were doing. We whitewashed lenolium flooring, used low quality carpeting, and ended up with a very purple countertop (not intentionally). Thankfully, all of those mistakes weren’t in the same house — and nobody noticed the mistakes as much as we did.
A few years later, well after we became seasoned renovators, we ran into another problem. A fireplace. Neither my husband, nor I, ever had a fireplace in our home before. We looked at it like a caveman who had seen fire for the first time. It took us weeks to get the courage to light it at all. Once we did, we sat in amazement at how something so ugly could remain original in the house.
Gold! So much gold!
Who thought gold around the fireplace was a great idea?
Much of our home had already been updated with rustic light fixtures and hardwood flooring. But the natural/rustic feel was quickly lost the moment anyone found the fireplace — all of that gold (brass)! I knew we needed Tile Markets, but my husband begged to use a can of high heat spray paint instead (…decisions… decisions.)
(Photo above is not the same fireplace, but it is very similar.)
Fireplace Make Over in 5 Steps
Step 1: Develop a Plan.
The first step to updating your fireplace is to decide what you dislike about your existing fireplace and what you want your fireplace to look like after your renovation is complete.
For us, we hated the brass filler panel and header. The fireplace didn’t have a true hearth; only a change in flooring from the hardwood flooring in the room to tile flooring where a hearth should be. We wanted a fireplace that matched the rustic colors in our home without giving it a “cabin” look. Our plan included using a combination of textures, stone for the hearth and filler panel with a strong wood for the legs, header, and mantel shelf. I wanted to skip the over mantel because I felt it was too traditional.
Step 2: Cleanup & Seek a Professional.
Before beginning the fireplace make over, we wanted to be sure our fireplace was safe and didn’t need any upgrades. We reached out to a chimney sweep to give our fireplace a full inspection and cleaning.
Step 3: Decide Who Will Complete the Work.
Sometimes do-it-yourself isn’t a great choice. If you are not familiar with the materials you will be using or are not confident that you can complete your fireplace make over on your own, seek a professional to assist or completed the project on your behalf.
Step 4: Choose/order Materials.
Selecting the materials you want should not be a rushed project. Make sure you know what to expect from your retailer, how long it will take to process your order for delivery, and how the materials will be delivered. Heavy fireplace materials may require a forklift upon delivery. Do you have access to a forklift or will your retailer take care of it? Always ask.
Step 5: Complete the Job.
Once everything arrives, protect the surrounding floor/wall, and begin your renovation.
(Photo Credit: Tile Markets)
5 Fireplace Make Over Inspiration
Are you still not sure where to begin? I think it is really important to embrace the textures you love best. If you haven’t started your home renovations and upgrades yet, maybe start with your fireplace and work outward from there. This will allow you to truly make your fireplace the focal of your home.
Ledgestone is a stone that I’m in love with right now because it is very versatile and can go with many decor designs. Use it on its own for a contemporary fireplace, or can be paired with thick wood mantles in cabin homes.
Do you have a cabin or home in the woods? I really love the bench-like hearth on this cabin fireplace.
The flat, smooth, stone on the hearth and panel allow for an the traditional legs, header, and mantle to be the focal point of the area.
I really love the stone-work on this fireplace. They added extra elements to the fireplace by using the smallest stones at the bottom and gradually increasing them in size until they reached the ceiling.
Do you have a large piece of artwork that you would like to showcase in your home? Framing it to match your fireplace header and mantle is a great way to make it the center of the room.
Simplicity. This is the perfect fireplace for those who prefer straight lines and modern elegance.
