DIY Projects: Updating Your Fireplace
Kit Pollard
September 15, 2009
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and... More
Houses with working fireplaces are fantastic - there's nothing quite like sitting by a warm fire on a cold night. However, an outdated fireplace can bring a room way down.
Updating a fireplace can be an easy project, or a major one - it all depends on the fireplace and your expectations. Here are some ideas for updating your fireplace - from simple to, well, not-so-simple:
1. Decorate. The easiest way to give your fireplace a new look is by adding to the mantle. Display a small collection, add flowers, or show off photos - they'll draw the eye away from the fireplace itself.
2. Clean. Sometimes all an older mantle needs is a bit of cleaning. This can be a time-consuming process, and you should take care to use appropriate cleaning products, but you never know what treasures you'll find under layers of soot.
3. Paint. The next step after cleaning, a new layer of paint on a wooden mantle can spruce up a whole room.
4. Simplify or add architectural details. This is a big job, but if you're very detail-oriented (or have a talented friend or contractor), adding detail to a simple mantle (or subtracting it from something too busy) makes for a big change.
5. Completely revamp. A new facade of stone, tile, marble or wood is a big job, but also makes a big difference, and can give the whole room a facelift. Reclaimed mantles are often available at architectural salvage houses. For bigger jobs, it makes sense to find a contractor with fireplace experience.
Add your own tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). September's contest is on until the 30th. Good luck!
Updating a fireplace can be an easy project, or a major one - it all depends on the fireplace and your expectations. Here are some ideas for updating your fireplace - from simple to, well, not-so-simple:
1. Decorate. The easiest way to give your fireplace a new look is by adding to the mantle. Display a small collection, add flowers, or show off photos - they'll draw the eye away from the fireplace itself.
2. Clean. Sometimes all an older mantle needs is a bit of cleaning. This can be a time-consuming process, and you should take care to use appropriate cleaning products, but you never know what treasures you'll find under layers of soot.
3. Paint. The next step after cleaning, a new layer of paint on a wooden mantle can spruce up a whole room.
4. Simplify or add architectural details. This is a big job, but if you're very detail-oriented (or have a talented friend or contractor), adding detail to a simple mantle (or subtracting it from something too busy) makes for a big change.
5. Completely revamp. A new facade of stone, tile, marble or wood is a big job, but also makes a big difference, and can give the whole room a facelift. Reclaimed mantles are often available at architectural salvage houses. For bigger jobs, it makes sense to find a contractor with fireplace experience.
Add your own tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). September's contest is on until the 30th. Good luck!
A smooth facade in cool gray anchors this room's modernity.
Mixing media - like tile and wood - adds interest.
This original marble mantle was removed, cleaned and reinstalled by the contractor.
When adding a brand new fireplace, you can experiment with shape and size.
A pretty little collection is the quickest way to dress up a fireplace.
Hanging tapestries (Christmas stocking-style) can also look very cool.
pierre senechal
This traditional fireplace requires is kept fresh by new paint and careful cleaning.
Urban Earth Design
A stone facade gives this outdoor fireplace a natural, but modern look.
Updating the look of a whole fireplace doesn't stop with the mantle - it can also include the chimney.
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Using different wall tiles next to the fireplace will make your fireplace eye-catching.