Before and after: A red brick fireplace gets a $250 modern makeover

A fireplace serves as a comforting warmth provider during winter and an appealing display area throughout the year. If a fireplace appears outdated, various makeover ideas can transform it into a room's central feature. These transformations encompass new mantels, stylish surrounds, cozy hearths, and fresh paint applications, offering numerous options for an impressive fireplace update. One example details a 1930 home's fireplace with charming old brick and a well-proportioned mantel. Initially, a robin's egg blue paint on the surround and trim, combined with dark wood doors, created a disjointed and cluttered appearance, detracting from the brick's warmth and emphasizing an awkward room layout. The transformation involved painting the fireplace surround and trim white, allowing the rich red brick to become prominent. Additionally, an indoor garden was introduced into the firebox, converting a nonworking fireplace into a decorative focal point. Another case study involved an awkwardly positioned corner fireplace with dark brown marble and a traditional white mantel. A modern makeover streamlined its appearance, integrating it seamlessly into a newly designed living room. This update utilized a sleek, clean-lined mantel to reduce the fireplace's visual prominence. Gray-and-white Carrara marble tiles were incorporated into the surround, connecting the fireplace to the room's neutral color scheme. Similarly, a 1907 Craftsman home's fireplace, characterized by dark wood paneling and deteriorating brick, received a contemporary update. The old wood and brick were replaced with a modern, minimalist surround. Simple display shelves were added on either side for storage, with the top shelf aligning with the mantel for a cohesive look. A warm white paint color was applied to brighten the space. A bland fireplace with a plain white surround and mantel blended into neutral walls, lacking distinct features. French doors on one side and smaller windows on the other created an unbalanced room. The remodel introduced a contemporary style with black tile on the hearth and an MDF mantel. The brass fire screen was painted black, and the replacement of windows with French doors and new adjacent windows enhanced brightness and functionality. An uninspired builder-basic fireplace wall, covered in 12x12-inch tiles, featured painted drywall and basic cabinets. Instead of removing existing bookshelves, the homeowners transformed the fireplace and cabinetry with a modern farmhouse style. Reclaimed barnwood planks were installed vertically on the chimney wall, adding texture and emphasizing the tall ceiling. Barn boards replaced standard shelves, cabinet doors, and drawer fronts, while a hand-hewn wood mantel completed the farmhouse aesthetic. An ordinary living room struggled with a large built-in entertainment center competing with the fireplace, creating an off-balance space. The fireplace was repositioned by shifting the gas-burning firebox to the left and adding matching built-ins. A white brick veneer gave the surround a clean look, complementing white-painted ceiling beams. A richly stained wood mantel, designed to resemble antique furniture, became a prominent feature, and new desks and storage units replaced outdated bookcases. An outdated room with uneven, dirty carpet and a nondescript fireplace underwent a comprehensive renovation. The carpet was removed, and the fireplace became the room's focal point. The bump-out around the fireplace was updated with Inhabit Wall Flats, which resemble tile and can be painted. A simple wood beam mantel complemented the streamlined tile, aligning with the room's modern-meets-rustic decor. Another example involved a prior-era fireplace with purple tile and bare walls. This was transformed by replacing the squat mantel with a simple white one, sitting directly atop a white marble subway tile surround. Shiplap was added above the fireplace, and IKEA shelves, upgraded with molding, created the illusion of custom built-ins. An all-over pine-paneled living room with a clunky red brick fireplace was revamped to fit a beachy California location. The brick fireplace, along with the walls and ceiling, received a fresh coat of white paint. A minimalistic mantel was installed, and contemporary armchairs and a slipcovered sofa were arranged around the hearth. Finally, a tall, dingy 1980s brick fireplace, sharp against white walls, was updated. Tearing out the brick created space for a modern fireplace with added storage and style. Custom bookcases and cabinetry were built around the fireplace, providing open and closed storage, as well as a spot for a TV. A sleek gray fireplace surround and contemporary artwork modernized the living space. #FireplaceMakeovers #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #DecoratingIdeas #LivingRoomDesign #HomeImprovement #FireplaceStyles #DIYDecor

This article highlights the winning fireplace design from the 2022 Design Awards, focusing on a renovation project by Madison Rees, senior designer at Rock Solid Renovations. The project aimed to transform a traditional, rustic stone fireplace that dominated a space into a balanced, contemporary focal point. The homeowners desired a design that reflected their appreciation for extravagant hotels, neutral aesthetics, and their extensive art collection. The renovation began with the removal of the existing beige and rustic stone, followed by reframing the fireplace to achieve a more streamlined and modern look. Given the room's tall ceilings and the homeowners' intention to install a grand chandelier, the new fireplace needed to be an equally striking statement piece to ensure visual balance. A key element of the new design was the selection of a black granite slab with creamy veining, noted for its beautiful movement and subtle gold and sparkling elements. The installation of this granite slab required exceptional precision and craftsmanship. The design team meticulously fabricated the fireplace hearth and surround from a single slab of granite, mitering all corners to ensure seamless joins. Small framing pieces were incorporated to add traditional detailing, creating the impression that the surround was carved from a solid block. Ultimately, the project successfully converted a dated feature into a chic, modern centerpiece, demonstrating how a well-executed renovation can dramatically alter the ambiance and style of a living space. The rich black granite with its cream-colored veining not only provided a contemporary edge but also introduced warmth and dynamic visual interest. The article also provides resources for interior design, photography, stone and tile suppliers, wood flooring, and fireplace providers involved in the project. #DesignAwards #FireplaceDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernFireplace #GraniteSlab #ContemporaryStyle #RockSolidRenovations

This article details a DIY fireplace upgrade project, focusing on transforming a hearth using only paint and stencils. The project, showcased by Instagram user @negi.at.home, demonstrates how to achieve a stylish new look for under £50, primarily using leftover paint. The article emphasizes that while patience is required, the results are significant and cost-effective. It offers a step-by-step guide for readers to replicate the project in their own homes. The first step involves practicing the stenciling technique on scrap paper. This allows the DIYer to test different tools, such as a stencil brush or a roller, and to determine which works best for the chosen pattern. For intricate designs, a brush might be more suitable to prevent bleeding. This preliminary practice ensures a clean and precise application on the actual fireplace. The second step focuses on planning the pattern. This includes measuring the area to be stenciled and calculating how many stencil repeats will fit neatly within that space. For greater accuracy, it is suggested to lightly mark the positions of each stencil with a pencil before starting the painting process. This planning stage is crucial for achieving a symmetrical and well-aligned final design. Finally, the article outlines the stenciling process. For a perfectly straight application, a tape measure and spirit level can be used to position the first stencil. Masking tape secures the stencil in place while painting. The stencils are then moved gently across the surface, applying paint in thin coats. A key tip is to use a very small amount of paint to prevent bleeding, especially when using a roller, to ensure a crisp design. After the paint dries, the new 'tiled' look is complete, demonstrating a significant transformation with minimal investment. The article also provides links to related content for further home decoration inspiration, including best furniture paints, bathroom paint colors, and grey living room ideas. #DIYFireplace #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #Stenciling #BudgetDecor #HomeDecor #Upcycling #PaintProject #HearthTransformation

The article details the transformation of a family room in a 1980s-era contemporary home in Florence, Massachusetts, that initially felt dark and heavy despite its vaulted ceiling and large windows. The original room was characterized by a redbrick fireplace, stained moldings, and greige walls. Designers Sally Staub and Hannah Ray of Workroom Design Studio initiated the makeover by painting the entire room, including window trim, with Benjamin Moore’s Simply White to create a lighter, airier ambiance. This change was crucial as the dark wood framing the windows previously obstructed the view of the natural surroundings. A significant element of the renovation involved reimagining the fireplace. The designers removed the existing mantel and replaced the surround with sleek black granite slabs, hand-painted Fireclay Tiles, and black metal trim. This minimalist approach for the fireplace allowed for more visual space next to the windows, while the graphic design of the tiles introduced a whimsical touch that complements the nearby kitchen's aesthetic. The decision to use only a single row of Fireclay Tile helped manage the project's budget. To address the challenge of filling a large wall beneath the soaring 30-foot ceilings, the homeowners acquired a painting by Peter Stolvoort at the Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton. This artwork, featuring lollipop-like trees, was selected for its size and its red underpainting, which subtly connects to other red accents in the room, such as the sconces. The use of large-scale art was essential to balance the room's expansive vertical space. Lighting fixtures were chosen to enhance the cheerful and midcentury modern aesthetic. Dutton Brown sconces in a vibrant poppy red were installed, reflecting the clients' preference for bold colors. The designers particularly appreciated the off-center globe design of the sconces and their striking contrast against the newly painted off-white walls. An origami-style pendant light, crafted from laser-cut, folded, and stitched ivory cotton by The California Workshop, was suspended from the high ceiling. This ethereal and crisp fixture effectively fills the overhead space without overwhelming the scenic outdoor view. Furniture arrangement was also optimized to improve functionality and aesthetics. The existing leather sofa was repositioned to face the wall of windows, allowing occupants to enjoy the woodland vista. A module from the sofa was detached and used as a standalone chair to facilitate easier conversation within the seating area. A Kardiel molded plywood coffee table was introduced to refresh the look of the older furniture pieces, contributing to a modern and cohesive design. Finally, an understated hazy-blue rug with a crosshatch pattern was selected. This budget-friendly rug not only reinforced the clean design scheme but also added a subtle layer of color and texture to the room, completing the transformation from a heavy, outdated space into a bright, contemporary, and inviting family area. #HomeDesign #FamilyRoom #FireplaceRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #WhiteWalls #DecorTransformation #LightingDesign #FurnitureArrangement