A fireplace adds ambiance to your living space even when it isn’t lit. These fire-proof architectural features are also decorative accents that can be updated to suit your style.
Paint is the easiest way to update a fireplace and can cover many sins if you’ve inherited an ugly one. It’s also a great solution for updating a brick fireplace.
Tiled Chimney Breast
Brick chimney breasts have a classic charm that can be enhanced with a range of cladding options. For a modern update, use a herringbone or chevron tile pattern to frame your fireplace. It’s an easy way to make the space look longer and taller, while also making it a focal point for the room.
Alternatively, paint your chimney breast a bold color that contrasts with your walls. This creates a dramatic feature wall that can be complemented with richly colored decor to add character and warmth.
If you’re not sure about a bold color, try a subtler option such as hand-painted tile. This cladding has the added benefit of being much easier to keep clean than bare brick, meaning you can still enjoy a cozy fire without worrying about smoke and ash ruining the look of your home.
It’s not only chimney breasts that can benefit from tile cladding, if you have an old fireplace surround with ornate tiles, preserving them is a great idea. Using natural stone or marble tile is a timeless option that can make a statement while staying in tune with current design trends. If you want to experiment with a more contemporary style, try using a contrasting grout for a striking finish.
You don’t have to clad the entire chimney breast to create a stunning feature. For example, this 19th century Cornish cottage’s original chimney breast was rendered in cloudy grey concrete rather than removed entirely. Helen Bainbridge then used a patterned tile to frame the existing fireplace, and painted the alcoves to add extra flair.
Whether you choose a small patterned tile or a large format one, geometric patterns are a hot trend that can be adapted to your fireplace cladding. The repetition of shapes can help to enclose the space and make it feel more unified.
Don’t be afraid to use a dark tile if you don’t have a lot of light in the room. Darker tile can actually make a small space feel bigger and more cosy, helping to create the illusion of a larger room. You could even match the color of your tiles to other elements in the space, such as a matching sofa or carpet, to pull the whole look together.
Contrast
A fireplace is a focal point that brings together a room and provides the perfect spot to snuggle up for the day or night. Often times a fireplace has become more than just a cozy place to sit, it is also a way for designers and homeowners to showcase their storied collections and create a space that looks like a piece of art.
If your fireplace surround is starting to look tired and outdated there are a few simple changes you can make to give it new life. Painting the surround a fresh coat of paint is one easy update that can instantly refresh your living space. You can choose a color that coordinates with your existing decor or opt for a dramatic contrast to instantly elevate the appearance of your fireplace.
Another simple change you can make to your fireplace is to add a bold accent wall behind the grate. This creates a unique and interesting focal point that will draw the eye without taking away from the elegance of the surround or mantel decorations. Choosing a rich color such as this burgundy toned fireplace wall packs a punch that adds warmth to the space while still allowing the surrounding walls to take center stage.
In more contemporary spaces it is common to see fireplaces that are completely open with no masonry at all. This style can be extremely modern and clean if you keep the surrounding walls a crisp white and use minimal decor for a polished finish. It can also work well for traditional homes if you balance the sleek look with natural materials such as stone or marble.
Adding a more rustic element to a contemporary space is easy with the right selection of fireplace materials and design features. You can use the space to create a natural vibe with wood accents or go even more farmhouse with shiplap extending up the sides and ceiling of your fireplace. This design feature is a popular option in our model homes and really makes a statement that is both classic and timeless.
Geometric
For a bold look that elicits intrigue, try incorporating geometric fireplace designs into your home. These clean lines and angular shapes are a perfect way to add a contemporary focal point to your living space, while still providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you opt for a solid color for an allover impactful design or create contrast with different tile sizes and colors, the geometric pattern will draw the eye and instantly make your fireplace the focus of the room.
Another simple but effective way to update your fireplace is to give it a fresh coat of paint. If you are working with a dark brick fireplace, painting it a lighter neutral will instantly brighten the space and highlight its details. For a more subtle touch, try adding dimension to your brick fireplace wall by using a faux smear technique that mimics the look of aged and distressed mortar.
If you are looking to add a modern and sleek feel to your fireplace, consider experimenting with concrete or other nontraditional building materials. Concrete is a great choice for modern fireplaces because it’s available in a wide variety of textures and finishes, while still providing a warm and comfortable feeling. Concrete also requires very little maintenance and will last a long time, making it one of the most cost-effective options for your new fireplace design.
Marble herringbone tiles are a classic option for a luxurious and elegant fireplace design. The interlocking V-shaped design of this herringbone pattern creates a dynamic and eye-catching display that adds depth and texture to your living space. Marble herringbone tiles are versatile and work well with a wide range of design styles, including both traditional and contemporary.
A beautiful alternative to marble herringbone tiles is a tile mosaic. These tiles can be arranged in a multitude of patterns and layouts, ranging from straight horizontal and vertical rows to more intricate diagonal and circular designs. When paired with a complementary grout color, these tiles can create a monochromatic effect for a seamless and uniform look or be used to create contrast by creating a mix of colors that create an organic and unique focal point.
Mirror
A mirror is a classic decor element that can create a jaw-dropping focal point over your fireplace. When paired with the soothing serenity of a sage green backdrop, it creates an enchanting and mesmerizing ambiance that is sure to impress your guests and loved ones. Not only will this elegant accent draw attention to your fireplace, but it will also elevate any decor items you may have on display, including vases filled with flowers, art in frames, and more.
To maximize the impact of your mirrored fireplace, choose a frame style that coordinates with the rest of your mantel and decor. A sleek and contemporary frame works well with modern spaces, while ornate gilded frames can elevate traditional spaces. In addition, the positioning of the mirror is important. You want to ensure that it is centered above the fireplace and positioned at an appropriate height for your space.
Another tip for creating a gorgeous mirror fireplace is to layer it with different shapes and sizes of decor elements. This can add a sense of dimension to your room and highlight the features of your fireplace and mantel. Try pairing a round mirror with a rectangular mantel for a balanced look or go with an unexpected shape like an octagon to make a statement.
The final tip for creating a stunning mirror fireplace is to hang it vertically. This will draw the eye up and make the ceiling appear taller, which can be a great solution for small rooms. Additionally, the vertical placement of the mirror can help to create a more open and airy feel in your home.
Adding a mirror to your fireplace is a simple way to enhance the appearance of your home without making any major renovations or redecorating. With these simple tips, you can transform your fireplace into a jaw-dropping focal point that will be the talk of the town. So go ahead and give your fireplace a facelift, you won’t regret it! You’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable and inviting your home will feel.