Fancy Fireplace Upgrade
If you have a fireplace, you need to keep reading! We LOVE fireplaces. I’m not sure I’d ever want to own a home without one. There’s something nostalgic about the warm crackle, soft glow, and beauty that a fireplace brings to your home. Most of the homes we renovate have at least one—if not two or three—fireplaces. Every time, I love imagining how to bring these features back to life.
In today’s blog, I’m showcasing some of the fireplace designs we’ve done in the older homes we’ve renovated!
The Jones House Fireplaces
The Jones house had THREE fireplaces (yes, count them—three!). All three were originally coal burners, which typically have very small boxes. Some even still had their original coal-burning grates. While these are beautiful, they’re not functional as working fireplaces and can only be used decoratively.
For this project, we converted two of the fireplaces into gas-burning fireplaces!
Step 1: Demo the old interior brick.
Step 2: Run new gas lines.
Step 3: Install new firebrick and mortar.
Step 4: Add the inserts!
(Quick disclaimer: Fireplace codes have changed rapidly in recent years, so what was allowed just a few years ago might not meet today’s standards. Be sure to hire a reputable chimney company to ensure your fireplace is up to code!)
To finish the look, we built out striking surrounds that embraced the original brick while adding a wood build-out and custom mantels. The mantels, crafted from specialty white oak from our favorite Nashville wood shop (shoutout to Good Wood!), were the perfect touch.
Each fireplace was given its own unique look while maintaining a “sibling” feel:
Two were painted white for a classic look.
One was left dark and moody for a bold statement.
We LOVE how these turned out!
The Benson House Fireplace
This fireplace was a BEAST—absolutely massive. With just a few simple updates, we knew it could be stunning, and we were right!
The brick was in good shape, so we knocked off the old cement mantel.
We replaced it with a gorgeous, custom white oak mantel that wrapped around the entire fireplace.
Then, we painted the brick a bold black (Sherwin Williams Black Magic in Satin)—GORGEOUS!
The result? A decorative fireplace that tied perfectly into the black fixtures throughout the home.
The Stratford House Fireplace
This project was simple yet impactful.
The entire fireplace was painted head-to-toe in white trim paint.
We demoed the old, yucky hearth brick and replaced it with beautiful hexagon marble mosaic tile.
That’s it! This decorative fireplace was left as-is, but it looks absolutely perfect.
The Stockell House Fireplaces
This charming craftsman home had two fireplaces: one in the front living room and one in a bedroom.
Both were left as decorative features (though the living room fireplace could potentially be transitioned to a working unit). These fireplaces only needed a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into them. Sometimes, simple is best!
3 Tips for Refreshing Your Fireplace
Complimenting Design
Choose a cohesive design that enhances and updates your fireplace without taking away from its original charm. Let your home tell a story where each room flows naturally into the next.Complimenting Colors
Pick colors that work with the rest of your home. Neutrals are a classic choice, but don’t shy away from adding a pop of color! Just make sure it’s tied into other elements in your home for a cohesive look.Don’t Do It Alone!
Renovating a fireplace can be tricky. Hire a professional for guidance, and gather inspiration from Pinterest to avoid costly mistakes you might regret later.
With love, Home Made
We’d love to see your fireplace transformations! Share your photos below. 😊