Embracing the Fireplace Facelift
Let’s be honest, fireplaces can make or break a living room. They’re the unsung heroes that either elevate a space or leave it feeling a bit lackluster. And if you’re like me, you’ve stared at your dated brick or marble hearth for years, dreaming of a fireplace makeover that would transform it into the showstopper it deserves to be.
Well, friend, your wish is my command. I’m here to walk you through the process of updating your classic fireplace into a modern marvel, complete with all the insider tips and tricks I’ve gathered along the way. Get ready to turn heads the next time someone steps into your newly revamped living room.
From Dull to Dazzling
When we first moved into our home, the built-in shelves and 80s-era brick fireplace immediately caught my eye. Not necessarily in a good way, mind you. The dark brown marble and traditional white mantel just didn’t seem to fit the vibe I was going for. It felt like the fireplace was competing for attention instead of effortlessly anchoring the space.
As the experts at Better Homes & Gardens explain, a fireplace makeover can be just the thing to transform a lackluster hearth into the centerpiece of a room. And that’s exactly what I had in mind for our living room.
The first step? Deciding on the overall aesthetic I wanted to achieve. After poring over inspiration photos, I knew I was craving a clean, modern look that would seamlessly blend with the rest of our ABC Home renovation. But I also wanted to preserve the original charm of the home, which meant finding the perfect balance between old and new.
Striking the Right Balance
As I dove deeper into my research, I discovered that the key to a successful fireplace facelift often lies in striking the right balance between classic and contemporary. Interior designer Kyla Herbes of House of Hipsters shared her own experience with tackling a dated brick fireplace, and her advice really resonated with me.
“Thankfully for me, the brick was brown, unlike the red brick fireplace my parents had in their home (and yes, they also had wood paneling.)” Kyla explained. “My mom painted her fireplace in a cream color to match the white walls, and 20-plus years later, the paint still looks great.”
Painting the brick was certainly an option, but I wanted to take it a step further and create a truly custom look. That’s when I discovered the magic of stone veneers. Interior design expert Maria Killam emphasizes the importance of choosing a fireplace style that complements the overall architectural aesthetic of your home.
“Transitional Style embraces the comfort and layering of Traditional Style (timeless and liveable), but pulls in the best features of Contemporary and Modern Styles,” Maria explains. “Those features are clean lines and a fresh, uncluttered look.”
With that in mind, I set my sights on a Riviera Beige Limestone surround, which would infuse my living room with a touch of timeless elegance while still feeling effortlessly modern.
A Measured Approach
Now, I know what you’re thinking – tackling a fireplace renovation sounds like a daunting task. But with the right team and a measured approach, it can actually be a surprisingly smooth process. Kyla’s experience is a perfect example of how to pull off a fireplace facelift with finesse.
“Material Bespoke Stone and Tile, and they conveniently had a showroom located in Chicago,” Kyla shares. “What seemed like an overwhelming project turned out to be smooth sailing.”
The key? Partnering with the right professionals who can handle the technical aspects while you focus on the design. Kyla’s team came in, took precise measurements of the existing fireplace, and then worked with her to create a custom CAD design. Once the stone pieces were fabricated and delivered, the installation was a breeze – though Kyla wisely left that part to the experts.
“Can you see why we did not DIY this?” she quips. “Each piece is labeled with a number corresponding to a map of the fireplace. You’re basically putting together a heavy jigsaw puzzle.”
Avoiding Rookie Mistakes
Of course, as with any renovation project, there’s always the potential for a few hiccups along the way. But with the right guidance, you can sidestep the most common pitfalls. Interior designer Emily Henderson warns against the all-too-common mistake of installing a contemporary linear fireplace in a traditionally styled home.
“If you are not immersed in the language of interior design, it’s too easy to equate ‘modern’ or ‘contemporary’ with ‘new’,” Emily cautions. “And easy to think ‘new’ is better. Instead of asking the very important question, does this style of fireplace relate to the architectural style of our home?”
In my case, I was laser-focused on creating a cohesive look that flowed seamlessly from the kitchen to the living room. By taking Maria Killam’s advice to heart and opting for a transitional style fireplace surround, I was able to avoid that potential pitfall and achieve the perfect balance of old and new.
Putting it All Together
With the custom stone surround in place, the next step was addressing the mantel. I wanted something that would complement the clean lines of the limestone without feeling too austere. After perusing Kring’s Hearth & Home’s selection of fireplace design ideas, I landed on a simple, rustic wood beam that added just the right touch of warmth.
The finishing touches were where I really got to have some fun. I brought in a mix of modern and vintage accessories, layering in pops of color and texture to create a space that felt both curated and inviting. And of course, I couldn’t resist adding a unique piece of artwork above the mantel – a hand-embroidered linen piece that adds a playful, unexpected element to the otherwise clean-lined design.
The Reveal
So, are you ready for the big reveal? I have to admit, even after months of planning and deliberation, I was utterly blown away by the final result. Gone is the dated, competing fireplace, replaced by a stunning focal point that seamlessly ties the entire living room together.
The Riviera Beige Limestone instantly elevates the space, casting a warm, elegant glow that makes the room feel both sophisticated and cozy. And the rustic wood mantel perfectly balances out the clean lines, creating a harmonious interplay of old and new.
But perhaps the best part? I can now enjoy my fireplace without constantly feeling the need to avert my gaze. It’s become the true heart of the living room, drawing the eye in and inviting you to curl up and soak in the ambiance. Mission accomplished, if I do say so myself.
So, if you’ve been eyeing that tired, outdated fireplace in your own home, take it from me – a little creativity and the right team of professionals can work wonders. With some careful planning and a strategic approach, you too can transform your classic fireplace into a modern masterpiece that will impress guests and delight your senses for years to come.
