The fireplace is such a powerful element in a home. Whichever room it’s in, it immediately becomes the focal point. Some take over an entire wall while others are bland builder-basic - either way, the dark unlit firebox tends to draw the eye as the darkest thing in the room, giving (unwanted) attention to an outdated setup.
There are so many options to consider when looking at remodeling your fireplace to match your aesthetic. You can rip it out completely (don’t do that - we love a fireplace!), paint over it, cover it with tile...the list goes on and on.
The most common fireplace is one made of brick. We’ve seen homeowners cover the brick in wood for a rustic look. On the other hand, we’ve also seen it done well with tile for a clean, modern design.
Leveraging drywall or plaster is yet another option. This is more of a permanent choice, as if you are just covering it with wood that can be removed to display the brick look again if the next homeowner prefers brick...or if the look comes around in popularity again. :) If you go with drywall or plaster, the world is your oyster when it comes to design.
Simply painting over the brick is another look that is gaining popularity. Some choose bold colors to leverage the fireplace as a main design element in the room. It can act as the foundation that ties the room together.
Installing a custom mantle can help elevate the look. Some homeowners choose to add shelves and built-ins to increase their storage around the fireplace area.
In our personal fireplace remodel, we updated the tile surround, the hearth, and the mantle. We've included pictures here of how this simple change has made a big statement in our living room. Now we love to lounge with family and friends during the crisp, cool months, and it's especially cozy during the holidays.
Send us a note with any questions you may have - we're happy to help! sarah@dwellatxliving.com