If you're tired of looking at your old and outdated fireplace, it's time to update. Believe me, it's not worth it to keep something you don't LOVE! A fireplace can be a focal point in any room, but an outdated one can also be an eyesore. But don't worry, updating your fireplace doesn't have to be a costly and time-consuming project. With a few simple changes, you can give your fireplace a modern and stylish update that will elevate the entire room. This blog post will share my top tips and tricks for revamping your old fireplace. From paint colors to tile options, we'll guide you through the process of updating your fireplace, so you can create a warm and inviting space that you'll love.
4 Tips for Updating your Brick Fireplace
1. Paint - Painting your brick fireplace is a great way to give it a fresh and modern update. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive option compared to other fireplace remodeling options like tile or stone. With the right paint and technique, you can completely change the look of your fireplace, giving it a new and updated look. When painting a brick fireplace, it is important to use high-quality paint specifically designed for masonry surfaces and to properly prepare the surface before applying the paint. This includes cleaning the brick, filling in any cracks or gaps, and applying a primer. By following these steps and using top-quality paint, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come. Painting your brick fireplace can also give you an opportunity to change the color of your brick to match your interior design style and make your room more cohesive. You can also hire a professional to do this, it's a relatively inexpensive job!
2. Balance it - When it comes to updating your fireplace, it's important to consider the overall look and feel of the room. A fireplace can be a beautiful focal point, but it can also look out of place if not properly balanced with the rest of the room. One way to balance out the look of your fireplace is by paying attention to the proportion of the fireplace in relation to the room. If your fireplace is too large or too small compared to the room, it can look out of place. Another way to balance out the look of your fireplace is by considering the style and design of your room. A traditional fireplace will inherently look and feel unsettling if your room has a modern aesthetic. So, it's important to update your fireplace's style to match the room's overall design. But also, if the fireplace itself is not centered in the mantle surround, it can set the whole room off balance. Don't be afraid to get creative with decor or shelving to balance out the visual weight of the fireplace.
3. Revamp your Mantle - This has the potential to have the biggest impact on your fireplace transformation. Here are a few ideas when it comes to updating your mantle:
Painting or staining: One of the easiest ways to update your fireplace mantle is by painting or staining it a different color. This can give it a fresh and modern look and can also help to match the mantle with the overall color scheme of the room. It sometimes requires a little bit of patience, depending on the current state of your mantle.
Replacing the mantle: Another way to update your fireplace mantle is to replace it with a new one. This can give your fireplace a whole new look and feel. You can choose from various materials such as wood, stone, or even metal.
Cover the mantle: We recently did this for a client, and it worked out beautifully. This is a super simple job for a contractor and generally pretty economical based on the material you choose. Our client went with pine to match the shelves we put in, and our contractor built a box around the current mantle to hide it.
4. Add the RIGHT decor - Choosing the right decor for your fireplace mantle is an important step in creating a cohesive and stylish look for your room. When selecting decor items, it's important to consider the overall design of the room, as well as the size and proportion of the mantle. Start by selecting a focal point. It could be a mirror, art, sculpture, etc. This focal point should be the largest piece on the mantle. Then, use smaller decor items, such as candles, vases, books, plants, etc., to complement the focal point and create a balanced look. It's also important to consider the color and texture of the decor items, making sure they complement the mantle and the room. Remember to keep the decor items symmetrical and leave some negative space to avoid a cluttered look. By considering style, size, and proportion, you can create a beautiful and cohesive look that will make your fireplace mantle an inviting focal point.
**TRICK - use Pinterest to find some inspiration and then find similar sizes/shapes/colors in decor to add to your own mantle. Type in "fireplace mantle decor," and if you have a particular style ("modern fireplace mantle decor"), throw that in there too!