Fireplaces aren’t set in stone – no, really! Whether your current hearth is red brick or stacked stone, wood-burning or gas, making changes to a fireplace isn’t as tough as you’d think. If you’re thinking about creating a cozy, fireside setting, here are some ideas to get your fireplace renovation started!
The Indoor-Outdoor Fireplace
A two-sided fireplace? Count us in! In this whole house remodel in Pickwick Commons, we were able to make the fireplace accessible from either the new great room or the attached screened-in porch. If you’ve been eyeing a new screened-in porch or patio, but you’re concerned about whether you’d be able to utilize it in the cooler months, consider how heating options like a permanent fireplace or patio heaters could make the space more cozy.
The Three-Season Room
This three-season room in Carmel has a similar benefit – while the fireplace isn’t directly accessible from the nearby deck, it’s now possible to open the E-Z Breez Doors out onto the deck in the cooler months. With the heat of the fireplace nearby, and an outdoor firepit on the deck, the life of both spaces is extended longer into the year.
The Stone Standout
The fireplace is a natural focal point in the design of any room! This client in Carmel chose a gray and white stacked stone surround for the fireplace in their living room. We complemented the new look with a rough-hewn mantel in dark brown, and matching accents at the nearby built-in shelving and doorway. The floor to ceiling design is a standout and brings a visual warmth to the space, even when the fireplace isn’t on!
The Chic Modern
The large-format tiles are a far cry from the small, faded brick that used to surround this fireplace! The updated gas fireplace is part of a larger kitchen-living room project – the new insert complements the sleek appearance of the newly modern living room. Make sure the key elements of your fireplace renovation – like the insert, the surround and the storage areas – match the look you want the living room to have.
More Design Ideas for Your Fireplace Renovation:
- Swap out your fireplace insert for a glass door
- Repaint faded bricks or stone
- Construct a new mantel above, and repaint as needed
- Add built-in shelves in lieu of a mantel
- Keep the surrounding areas clean by adding more custom storage options
A fireplace can be more than just a cozy corner – it can be the eye-catching addition to your new living room or the first update that gives you the more modern home you’ve been looking for. For more inspiration, check out our latest fireplace renovation case study.
