If you have been looking for inspiration, you might have noticed that most recent design projects feature a fireplace remodel. It is a dominant focal point in any living or family area and has a strong aesthetic presence throughout your house. A beautiful fireplace will lift the room's aesthetic to new heights, while a dated, unattractive one will detract from it.
Of course, the fireplace in your house also serves a vital functional purpose. It can ensure reading alone while drinking a hot cup of tea is more relaxing, cater to hosting friends or family for wine and appetizers, and foster a sense of community.
Do you think your fireplace cannot provide these? Is it time to opt for a fireplace remodel? Then, dive in to learn the best fireplace remodel ideas, tips, and approximate costs.
Fireplace Remodel Tips
A fireplace remodel can reduce energy costs when it includes the installation of an external blower, outdoor air feed, or the best fireplace insert. If you are interested in remodeling your fireplace, we have listed game-changer fireplace remodel tips to help you start your remodeling project.
1. Accessorize Your Fireplace
Fireplaces should normally only be decorated with non-combustible objects because of safety considerations. However, you have considerably more decorating options if your fireplace isn't working or you decide not to light it.
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Also, you can add personal touches to your fireplace mantel or hearth with vases, books, pot plants, and other decorative items.
2. Incorporate a Stylish Storage Space
It's important to maximize the wall space around your fireplace to transform your old fireplace completely. In addition, you can use storage spaces such as cabinetry and custom bookcases to brighten the area around the fireplace.
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In addition, built-ins can offer both open and closed storage and a place for a TV and entertainment setup. Not to mention, wall art and other hanging accents give your home flair.
3. Modernize Your Fireplace
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The fireplace's flat front is adorned with minimalist tiles and framed artwork making the fireplace decor the main attraction when a mantel is completely absent.
4. Mix Old and New Fireplace Accessories
An exposed brick fireplace has a certain allure, so if you're fortunate enough to have an ancient one in good condition, think about basing your fireplace redesign around it.
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For a vintage-inspired style that works in a modern home, for example, you could combine aged red bricks with a fresh white wood mantel.
5. Install a Colorful Fireplace Tile
This ultra-modern fireplace could appear chilly with its stone surround and concrete hearth.
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However, soft furnishings, warm lighting, and light hardwood floors soften the space and assist in balancing the overall appearance.
6. Focus on Your Mantel
Not only does a fireplace mantel protect your fireplace, but it also boosts its value. Mantelpiece styles range widely because they frequently incorporate elements of interior design from many eras.
Today, cast stone, carved stone, and mortared mantelpiece designs are the most popular. Stone or brick is encased in mortar in mortared stone styles. Cast stone is significantly less expensive and lighter than carved stone but can produce more exact cutting. Higher-quality stones, such as marble or limestone, have a more precise cut for a cleaner appearance.
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A mantelpiece can enhance the aesthetics of any space and draw attention to the fireplace, depending on its design and the family photos or works of art you decide to display on it.
When building, remember the weight and depth of any desirable items you'd like to mount on your fireplace mantels, such as a TV or artwork.
7. Mount Fireplace Lighting
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Make a statement with your lighting by emphasizing your fireplace. The built-ins flanking the fireplace are illuminated by this ceiling-mounted fixture, ensuring the vibrant fireplace decor is always well-lit. The shining surface of the lights complements the room's other decorations.
8. Add a Raised Hearth
A mantle may not be your style, and that is acceptable! Look into putting a raised hearth at the base of the fireplace.
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This offers a fantastic location for decorations and souvenirs to be displayed. In addition, it will ensure that the area in front of the fireplace is clear and clutter-free, or if you'd rather keep it empty.
9. Switch out the Brick Fireplace
Brick fireplaces were once popular, but perhaps you're tired of them now. Instead, consider substituting reclaimed wood for brick which gives the room a special, rustic flavor while adding warmth and a shabby-chic vibe.
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Are you into the farmhouse look? Use white shiplap instead of brick. Lastly, the fireplace can look more contemporary if you choose a striking tile.
10. Paint Around the Fireplace
You may also give your fireplace new life by painting the space around it. It's possible that the current surround is out of date or doesn't go with the overall design of your house. Perhaps it has been painted before and needs a touch-up.
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Painting your fireplace just once is a simple, affordable solution that can work wonders. In addition, a powerful statement color like dark blue, white, or gray can be used.
11. Paint the Brick White
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For modern fireplace makeovers, you should paint the interior of the brick fireplace, not just the surround. The grout joints can be painted gray or black for an ultra-modern appearance that will make the fireplace stand out.
12. Opt for a Linear Fireplace
Modern houses can benefit from the warmth of a classic fireplace with a linear fireplace without sacrificing aesthetics. Most homeowners prefer a linear fireplace because it provides a larger view of the flickering flames.
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Linear fireplaces are desirable for a variety of additional reasons. First, linear fireplaces can be positioned around the home due to the diversity of designs available.
Common places like the living room and dining area are where they are typically put. However, they are also put in various places, including game rooms, basements, kitchens, and bedrooms. Some houses may even find a linear fireplace in two or more places.
Fireplace Remodel Ideas
Fireplace remodeling ideas involve everything from basic to great makeovers. If you are looking for fireplace remodel ideas on the internet, allow these fireplaces remodel ideas to inspire you and then personalize them using your styling and creativity.
1. Plain Traditional Fireplace to Modern Balance
This fireplace urgently needed a makeover because it was stuck in another era and out of proportion. The purple tiling did not match the furnishings in the living room. In addition, the empty wall space around the fireplace cried out for some design direction.
Before:
Removing the old, squat mantel paved the way for a full fireplace makeover. Directly on top of the fireplace surround, which is now covered in white marble subway tile, is a plain white new mantel.
After:
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The shiplap perfectly crowns the fireplace, and the basic IKEA shelves make the living room light up, and they give the impression of custom built-ins at just a fraction of the cost.
2. Too Peachy to Cool and Comforting
It's time for a change if you cringe every time you view a feature of your home and this homeowner decided that her peach-colored wall of bricks had run its course.
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As much as painting brick can be hard, it is not impossible. However, you can minimize the preparation and roll out almost all the paint to simplify your job.
After:
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This fireplace makeover turned the once insufferable fireplace into a fresh and cool space to wade off a cold night.
3. Dark Brick Fireplace to Bright and Open Built-Ins
This 1980s living room needed a renovation from the tall, dirty fireplace to make it modern. It feels more like an eyesore than a focal point, and the red brick stands out sharply against the white walls. Tearing off the brick, an updated fireplace with additional storage and design was made possible.
Before:
Custom bookcases and cabinetry enhance the space near the fireplace by utilizing the large wall space. The built-ins include a place for the TV and both open and closed storage.
After:
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The living room is modernized with a sleek gray fireplace surround and the artwork hanging above.
4. Red Brick to Marble Tile Fireplace Makeover
Red bricks are becoming more and more outdated fireplace ideas, and most homeowners are switching to marble tiles for their fireplace makeovers.
This fireplace remodel transformed the fireplace into a statement piece by building the frame with trim and adding a marble tile. Also, painting the whole area white helped to transform the old fireplace completely and gave it a fresh look.
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The homeowners decided to add a living plant to add some color to the fireplace.
5. Rustic Fireplace to Modern Fireplace Makeover
This is among the needed fireplace makeovers since the all-over pine paneling makes this living room look cramped. The outdated fireplace came with a clunky mantel with a red brick fireplace that stands out but not in the best way.
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The fireplace makeover used a new coat of white paint to achieve a clean look on the walls and ceiling. Also, the minimalistic mantel echoes the living room's modern aesthetic.
After:
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Lastly, the slip-covered sofa and modern armchairs offer cozy seating around the hearth.
6. Dark & Outdated to a Contemporary Fireplace
This is a fireplace from the 1907 Craftsman home that featured unique details but could have used some polish. The crumbling brick surround and dark wood paneling urgently needed an update.
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This fireplace remodel gave the entire room a new look while preserving the home's original windows.
A contemporary, minimalistic fireplace surround was installed to replace the previous wood and brick fireplace. In addition, simple display shelves now line either side of the fireplace to compensate for the room's lack of storage space.
After:
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Lastly, the room was brightened by a fresh coat of warm white paint, and the top shelf lined up perfectly with the fireplace mantel.
7. New Mantel to Get Rid of the Traditional Home
The existing fireplace was a problematic focal point because the existing mantel encroached on the flanked windows.
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Even though the brick fireplace surround was still present, removing the mantle and framing the masonry with a dark wood frame gave the room a leaner, proportionate appearance.
After:
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Thanks to the substantial smoked walnut frame, the fireplace is made into an appropriate focal point, which attracts attention.
8. Bold and Black to Red Brick Fireplace
The homeowner has decided to take matters into his own hands and turn the abandoned eyesore into something stunning after growing tired of how much life the 1960s fireplace was sucking out of his living room.
He painted the entire area, including the surrounding walls, after smoothing out a section of the brick surrounding the firebox using quickly drying concrete.
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9. Unbalanced Space to a New Focal Point
This is one of the fireplaces remodel ideas that improved the living area since it lacked harmony. However, it lacked a real focal point due to a sizable built-in entertainment center that competed with the nearby fireplace. Compared to the extensive stretches of wood bookshelves, the white-washed mantel seemed like an afterthought.
Before:
Also, the ceiling felt enclosed because of the dark wood beams above. Luckily, the gas-burning firebox was moved to the left with the remodel, and identical built-ins were added on either side, emphasizing the fireplace.
After:
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The surround got a clean appearance that fits the white-painted ceiling beams' airy appearance thanks to a white brick veneer. Also, the finely stained wood mantel designed to look old-fashioned stands out. Lastly, the old bookcases were replaced by a new wall of desks and storage.
10. Blank Canvas to an Eclectic Vibe
The run-down cottage had a fireplace that needed to be renovated. The tiny living area on either side of the hearth was awkwardly designed, making it difficult to utilize. In addition, the drab color scheme limited the fireplace's ability to stand out.
Before:
The fireplace in this living room was updated with a new tile hearth and white paint. In addition, a changing display of art prints and discoveries from antique shops is shown in the fireplace that has been renovated.
After:
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Spending lavishly on tile that would be too expensive to remodel a huge fireplace's entire interior is a terrific idea for a non-working hearth.
Fireplace Remodel Cost
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The average cost of a fireplace remodels is between $200 and $4000 because there are so many different fireplaces remodel ideas, from simply changing the color to a total makeover.
However, this only applies to DIY renovations, and if you want professional installation, increase the amount by approximately $250–600.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Fireplace Remodel
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Many variables affect the typical cost of a fireplace remodels. Several different types of materials, each with a different price range for repair, restoration, or replacement, can be used to construct a fireplace.
Homeowners should consider the following factors when determining the cost of remodeling a fireplace.
1. Fireplace Materials
There are a lot of options for fireplace materials. For example, a more contemporary design would have a stone firebox and slate tile surround. In contrast, a traditional fireplace might have a brick surround and hearth extension with a wood mantle. Although homeowners get to design the fireplace of their dreams, there is a large variety of fireplace remodeling costs.
Depending on the material picked, the cost of a fireplace surround can range from $75 to $10,000. It can be built of tile, brick, wood, metal, or stone. Also, more materials can be used to build a fireplace hearth, including tile, concrete, slate, brick, steel, stone, granite, and marble. A hearth's cost per square foot ranges from $3 to $200.
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Depending on the mantel's construction material—tile, metal, marble, or wood, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $11,500. Also, depending on the kind of stone used, the price of a firebox ranges from $160 to $3,500.
As a general guideline, homeowners should remember that materials like stucco, cement, and brick are on the cheaper end, while materials like metal and stone are on the more expensive.
Lastly, materials made of wood and tile can be tailored to fit in with a minimal budget or produced to a vision rather than a budget.
2. Fireplace Surround Material
The fireplace surround is the fireplace's frame, one of a fireplace's most significant visual components from an aesthetic perspective. Due to this, while remodeling, homeowners frequently invest a sizable portion of their budget in the surround.
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The cost of each material varies, and some designs use many materials. The good news is that a surround may be altered to accommodate a variety of budgets. For example, the typical tile cost for a new fireplace surround ranges from $75 to $1,800. Likewise, wood can cost up to $4,000, while brick costs between $100 and $2,000.
Another common option is metal, which has a larger price range of $950 to $5,700. Lastly, a stone surround might be a more expensive option even though it is usually beautiful and often costs between $1,000 and $10,000.
3. Hearth Material
The fireplace hearth, also known as the firebox, is the floor space within a fireplace. Although any non-combustible material may be used, it is typically made of brick or stone. The cost of remodeling a fireplace hearth greatly influences the material used.
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The costs are as follows:
- Tiled hearth- from $3 to $20 per square foot
- Concrete hearth- between $4 and $8 per square foot
- Slate hearth- between $5 and $20 per square foot
- Brick hearth- from $6 to $15 per square foot
- Stone hearth- from $50 to $15 per square foot
- Granite hearth- from $40 to $60 per square foot
- Marble hearth- between $50 to $200 per square foot
5. Labor
Depending on their degree of experience and the extent of the project, some homeowners may be able to complete their fireplace remodels. Still, for the majority, professional assistance is not only beneficial but completely inevitable.
Some repairs are more complicated than others and call for a qualified expert. Repairs to fireplaces typically cost $125 from fireplace contractors. Labor costs to remodel a surround normally run at least $1,000, though they may be higher or lower depending on the fireplace remodeling project.
6. Fire Safety Screen
A fire safety screen is essential for a fireplace to be safe overall. The type of fireplace determines a fire safety screen's primary use.
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A safety screen keeps people from touching the hot glass in a fitted gas fireplace. Likewise, a safety screen keeps the space away from open flames and flying embers in a conventional wood-burning fireplace.
A fire safety screen can cost thousands of dollars for homeowners who want a custom-made design, even though a safety screen can be purchased for as little as $50.
Conclusion on the Fireplace Remodel
There are a huge variety of modern fireplace designs to pick from. Fireplaces are built into walls made of marble or granite, drop-down fireplaces, and many others. Even better, you can develop your cutting-edge design and have a professional build it in your house.
Aside from comfort, fireplace upgrades are a terrific way to increase the value of your house. It not only affects the mood in your living area, but it also offers more affordable solutions requiring less upkeep. We hope our fireplace remodel ideas and tips will help you jumpstart your DIY project.
