What can I do to my fireplace?

Linda Shires
by Linda Shires

i need a little inspiration for my fireplace. I will remove the mantel and tile and add a gas insert likely with wide black trim. This was an old brick fireplace that was plastered over so I may have to take the whole thing down as it likely won’t hold tile at the top. I’ve removed the trim piece from the top of the hearth. I’m painting the walls a soft creamy yellow colour to brighten up the room. My 40 yr. old split level house is a sort of West Coast style so trying to stay contemporary? Any ideas?

  10 answers
  • Sally Wiese Sally Wiese on Mar 14, 2019

    That was probably a beautiful wooden mantel and sides. People always wreck them with paint. Take off the paint and see what wood is underneath it. Did you add the tile or is it original? Stain the wood and see how it looks. That's not a big deal.The yellow paint makes the fireplace stand-out too much. Doesn't look good!! The other color would be fabulous with a stained wood. Put the trim piece back on the hearth too. don't use The yellow. The other color matches the tile and is softer. Bring in the light thru the windows. Good luck. Let us see what you did.


  • Pjo26908388 Pjo26908388 on Mar 14, 2019

    With the style you are describing it sounds like the wood trim should come off. If the surface is fairly level it can be tiled over with a stone or a nice handmade tile or marble that keeps the style simple and clean. The right mortar will accommodate the varied thickness of prior installations.


    Use a thick 2" or so by 8" or more depth by the length of salvage barn wood for mantle and replicate the wood look to encase the built up base of the hearth. Find some corbels for under that compliment the look or leave the wood mantle in its own.


    If the firebox permits consider removing the base to be level with the floor to create a sleeker appearance.


    Another possibility for the base if it needs to remain the current height is to clean off the surface and hope that it is a brick structure underneath. (Or build a drystack base of rustic brick.)


    Making a fireplace your own is a very rewarding project that will become a much loved feature. I find much of what I use at salvage yards like habitat for humanity, tile seconds or on craigslist.

  • Emily Emily on Mar 14, 2019

    It's a pretty mantel piece as is. If you want something more appropriate to the style/decor of your home; we need to see what that is. The mantelpiece in picture looks just fine.

  • Jody B Nash Jody B Nash on Mar 14, 2019

    The prettiest contemporary fireplace remodels I've seen were done by the Property Brothers on HGTV. You might want to take a look at some of their projects for inspiration. I hope it turns out fabulous!

  • Linda Shires Linda Shires on Mar 15, 2019

    Thanks so much to all of you for your help! You have given me lots of things to think about.

  • Cyn Cyn on Mar 16, 2019

    Don’t change it. Put a Modern Art picture over it.

  • Dee Dee on Mar 16, 2019

    I would paint the tiles with a lighter color. or I would take them off and use the tiles that come on the netting and replace. They make some really nice grays and whites. Go to Floor and Decor, Lowes of Home Depot and see what you like. I would also tile that space between the molding and the floor. If you want to do some sweat equity, use citrastrip to remove the white paint from the mantle and stain. But that is not going to be an easy job.

  • Cathy Cathy on Mar 16, 2019

    Gold or silver accents right below on the white with your choice of design will brighten it up with new rustic modern look with tall flower vases on each side

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Mar 16, 2019

    Contemporary to me is sleek & futuristic...I'd remove it all and use black marble from one edge of wall to the other edge(where it comes out away from wall)across the whole wall and up(can't see top in picture)then also on hearth and add slim sleek stainless steel mantle. "Contemporary design" doesn't refer to a specific period of time, it's constantly changing to reflect the popular styles of present day design.Contemporary interior design styles, on the other hand, have a bold starkness in them, such as monochromatic black and white, although it may also swing from one extreme to the other on the color wheel. Metals, such as nickel, stainless steel, and chrome are also popular among furniture pieces boasting a contemporary style concept.So what is contemporary design? By definition, contemporary refers to “living or occurring at present.” Contemporary, at its core, refers to “of the moment,” which illustrates that contemporary interior design styles refer to current design trends while paying homage to the past. Dating back to the 1970’s, contemporary style is truly unique as it borrows elements from several other design styles. With contemporary style, you’re certain to see modern elements along with traditional Art-Deco inspired notes, and futuristic design flourishes.Another important aspect of contemporary interior design styles is that they’re constantly evolving. Unlike other styles that are usually devoted to a particular look, time, and spirit, contemporary style refers to the styles gaining traction today. When looking at contemporary interior design styles of today, you’ll notice neutral palettes, curved lines, and prominent minimalism."