I would like to update our stone fireplace can y uou give me any ideas

Appearance and function or both?

We updated our river rock firelace to make it more useful and energy efficient by placing a sealing chimney cap. The. crown was also sealed with a paint on product. We also purchaded a fireback and new glass doors.

Do you use your fireplace. I think firebacks are unique unexpected and interesting way to add personality to the firebox.

http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Fireplace-Accessories/Firebacks?state=24994&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8pbZsr3Q1wIV2IKzCh3jLQliEAAYAiAAEgLu5PD_BwE

I don't think it needs updating as much as it needs decorating.

Large picture which picks up your accent color over the fireplace. (They have hangers that won't deface the stone, they make them for brick as well). The bookcases need to be painted a darker color, which will go with your décor. White does not go with the tan stone. Replace the tile in front t of the fireplace with same color you use in the book cases. Put books in the book cases, and save your animals to place here and there as accents. The fireplace is "heavy" - you need the book case equally weighed down. But you are lacking some color - from this image, I cannot tell what your color scheme is - and it shod be evident. Also try to have objects on your hearth to pick up this color scheme.

You have a lovely home!

1. For a more contemporary look, paint out the black fireplace in a light grey. Tone down the browns in the stone with a watered down white or grey. Add very long chrome handles on the cabinets. Purchase cut glass and spray with mirror spray and insert between bookshelves.
2. For mid-century, embrace the browns and use cream on the bookcase and dark brown between the bookshelves. Put a piece of slate on the hearth.
3. For traditional, add crown mouldings, tile the hearth and paint the bookcases a color that will complement the rest of the room.

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/painted-stone-fireplace/?lp=true

This is a nice fireplace. Trade you my brick one? If the stone was still available I'd want to exit the shelves and continue stone on both sides to the adjoining wall and add a rough timber mantle. A fireplace needs a mantle. Where do you hang your stockings? Hope at least that it has a nice hearth.

Thanks for the idea.

Skim coat. If those are surface mounted, remove them and retile.

One possibility is you can stain the fireplace. If you have any extra pieces or can purchase a few similar, try on that first and see how you like it.

I really like the stone. Lisa S. said almost the same as I would have. Keep the stone as is....work with it :) Think about a redo to the bookshelves instead.

If its a real rock 70s fireplace, I would whitewash it. If its the 70s rock veneer, I would rip it off. and either tile it or plaster/stucco it.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/73746512623904639/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOYJa1nFLtY

My husband did our fireplace in flagstone from South Carolina where I m from ,then got a local cedar tree cut it in half,where it's round on the bottom then the flat piece is top of mantel ,he scraped all the bark off then lightly stained it and put a coat of Polly on it and drilled heavy duty bolts. And attached it to the fireplace..it appears to be floating..its beautiful ,,he's worked very hard on this house

You could Board the top half and add a heavy Mantel shelf, or Paint it or Shelve across the top half or add a Large Mirror or Picture etc.