Idea for quick fireplace update

Question

This fireplace looks old and is an eye sore to the house. The stone is uneven and wraps around. I need quick and easy update ideas. Thanks, Julia

Donna · Answer

Personally, I'd leave the stone as is. I think the fireplace just needs a large mantle to give it an update. I'd run the mantle across the whole length of the fireplace. I think it could really look gorgeous!

Loretta Clark · Answer

I see what you are saying. It may be quicker and easier to cover it with sheet rock but it would still stick out and wrap around. Can you schedule a demolition? It doesn't cost a lot to tear down and haul out, but you may need to replace some sheet rock that may be damaged in the process. (or what about a pattern using reclaimed would). Anyway, you could re-size and re-tile it. On HGTV they use a concrete board over where new tile will go. Good luck on re-sizing and reviving your fireplace.

Kate Rice · Answer

We have an ugly lava rock wall around our fireplace that we need to deal with. The best option is to rip it out and drywall around. I've found several blogs online about how to do this. Otherwise you could try painting it all a lighter color. Make sure you use a good quality paint and prime first. Or use a paint with primer. Good luck!

Jea1141438 · Answer

What is wrong with that room is not the fireplace to me, unless of course you want to spend a lot of money removing it and replacing it. That white entertainment center is your problem, it should be painted the same color as the walls and then decorated with a splash of color pulled from the rooms fabrics.  The cabinet is most likely lacquered, I would have a cabinet company give me a price on changing the color. They can do it without to much of a mess and the lacquer dries fast. Let it cure and add your decorations.

Susan · Answer

I totally agree with jeanieharrison38. The built ins are what stands out. Paint them the beautiful wall color, and you will have a cohesive look to the room.

Pat · Answer

Amantle would update it, as Donna said.   I also agree that the white cabinetry is too much.msoten,the colors of the cabinetry and add a mantle and your look is much more up to date.  Also, a more up to date fireplace screen could dress it up.

Molly · Answer

I would put a nickel fireplace screen, cushions were the plant is a BIG nickel clock above the fireplace and yes paint the cabinet. Just sayin

Delyse Tomaselli · Answer

My daughter has a similar fireplace in their home. They found the stone overpowering, which it is. Their soulution worked well and looks really nice and I think your wall cabinet and the fireplace will harmonise after this treatment. Buy a bag of limewash, it is in powder form. Mix it wit water to a paint consistency, Paint it on, allow it to dry  and then with a cloth remove the excess until it looks the way you want it. Some of the stone shading will come through. It looks very attractive but you do need to be carefull with mixing and applying the lime, wear gloves. I have asked her to take a photo and will try to post it later.

Molly · Answer

maybe a white mantle, white cushions, white and nickel clock and nickel screen would balance the room better without painting the fireplace

Deeners · Answer

I actually like the fireplace as it is.

Jody · Answer

I would pull it out and put in a rocket stove. (check out Youtube:Rocket stove)

E. Platt · Answer

I think the rug is in competition with the stone fireplace.

Terry · Answer

I can see your trim is white and thus the built-in's color. My first inclination was to say paint it white, but I like the limestone treatment idea to get it a little lighter vs total coverage with paint. And add a simple wood mantle and silver-tone fireplace screen to finish it off. Otherwise, I love the rock fireplace surround.

Centrd · Answer

I totally agree with you about the stone being outdated and overwhelming the room. I really like Delyse's idea to whitewash the stone as a simple & inexpensive solution. I've seen it done beautifully and it's an age old tradition, just be sure you get a nice chalky finish, nothing shiny. You can go as thin or thick as you like. You could also add either a brighter white wrap-around or a wood mantle to tie in with the book case or your decor. I'm going to look for some pics of asymmetrical fire places that have been updated nicely, but for now, here are a few pics of the white wash look. For instructions, just do a search for 'how to whitewash stone' (or brick). One site I remember said it cost her $6 to do her fireplace.

Centrd · Answer

Here are a few asymmetrical fireplace re-dos for ideas. The plank wood in the first photo should be pretty easy & inexpensive. That one's from Design Sponge, I think. The second photo shows a more traditional wood panel look, that would work with your bookcase, and incorporate an asymmetrical mantel. I've also seen where they panel the lower or upper half of the fireplace and leave part of the stone. Or just adding a substantial white mantle could tie the whole thing together without changing your stone. I know I saw a corner fireplace exactly like yours somewhere that was redone beautifully, but I can't find the pic. Anyway, this can maybe at least get the ideas flowing.

N. Susan Hart · Answer

You could paint the fireplace, although I think it is lovely. The entertainment center needs to be a different color. Maybe the same as the walls. Add a mantle to the fireplace?

Marsharie M · Answer

If you're not looking to paint the cabinetry and trim a darker color then I would add some white to the fireplace area. Some white baskets on the hearth, a statement piece with lots of white in it hung above the fireplace to tie the room together.

Gail Hewitt · Answer

The rug is spoiling the look

Idea for quick fireplace update

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Idea for quick fireplace update

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