Cozy Up Your Living Space With A Beautiful Fireplace Remodel

Best Of Hometalk
by Best Of Hometalk

A beautiful fireplace is one of the most desirable amenities of a home. There is nothing more welcoming than a cozy fire during the cold winter months! In addition, a lovely and decorative fireplace can add style and character to any room.

Fireplace Remodel (Pixabay)

Many prospective home buyers will include a fireplace on their list of wants, and a fireplace often increases a property's resale value. While most older homes do have at least one fireplace, they are often outdated and in much need of some TLC.


Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity, paint, simple materials, and elbow grease to completely transform an outdated fireplace into a stunning showpiece. No fireplace? No problem! Today's homeowners are even using electric free-standing fireplaces and simple building materials to achieve the look and coziness of traditional built-in fireplaces. With some basic DIY skills, anyone can complete an easy fireplace remodel or makeover. Take a look at these 12 Amazing Fireplace Remodel Ideas on Hometalk!


Painted Fireplace Remodel Ideas

Never underestimate the power of paint! Of all the fireplace remodel ideas, paint is one of the fastest and most budget-friendly options. It is also a super easy way to completely transform the look of a fireplace in no time! If you have a ranch style home built anywhere from the late 1950's-1990's then you probably already have a fireplace with potential for an easy DIY fireplace remodel, facelift or makeover. Most of the time the only issue with the fireplaces in older homes is the outdated color of the brick or stone. When it comes to giving these types of fireplaces a DIY makeover, all you need is a little paint! Whether the fireplace is wood, brick or stone, a coat or two of paint can work wonders!

 

1. From 1970's Drab to Modern Fab Fireplace Remodel

Brick Fireplace Remodel (Jennifer Allwood)

See post: Jennifer Allwood|Painted Brick Fireplace


Hometalker Jennifer Allwood transformed a drab 1970’s fireplace simply by sponging on white chalk paint over the outdated brick on her client’s fireplace and hearth. Instead of directly painting onto the brick with a paintbrush for complete coverage, Jennifer applied the paint with a sponge to lighten the brick and bring out the texture. She also used the same white paint to create the look of "new grout" by applying the paint over the existing grout lines with a small paint brush. Then she painted the three cubby shelves white which brought out the details in the wood trim. Lastly, she removed the dated brass fireplace screen for another instant update. The end result is a fresh, light and airy modern fireplace remodel on a budget.

Fireplace Remodel Ideas (Jennifer Allwood)

See post: Jennifer Allwood|Painted Brick Fireplace


2. Easy Brick Fireplace Remodel: Just Add Water!

Fireplace Remodel DIY (Angela Hodges Lloyd)

See post: Angela Hodges Lloyd|Remodeled Fireplace Makeover


Hometalker Angela Hodges Lloyd updated her dark and dreary brick fireplace using a half and half mixture of white flat latex paint and water. Angela brushed on the watered down paint mixture with a paintbrush, then removed the excess with an old t-shirt. Using this application technique resulted in an old-world, whitewashed brick effect. Angela completed the quick and budget-friendly makeover in no time, but it looks like an expensive fireplace remodel with brand new brick. What a difference a little paint and water can make!

How to Remodel a Fireplace (Angela Hodges Lloyd)

See post: Angela Hodges Lloyd|Remodeled Fireplace Makeover


3. Beautiful Whitewashed Stone Fireplace Remodel

Stone Fireplace Remodel (CrazyDIYMom)

See post: CrazyDIYMom|Ugly Stone Fireplace Makeover


In less than two hours Jennifer from CrazyDIYMom gave her outdated fireplace from the stone age a modern, rustic, updated look with a coat of watered-down paint. First, she cleaned the fireplace with a damp cloth to remove any excess dirt and dust. Next, she applied a 50/50 mixture of white paint and water directly onto the stone with a paint brush. She also used a trowel to help smooth the paint down in between the cracks. Jennifer used an old towel to rub the paint into some of the stones and to remove excess paint on others for a deliberately uneven and more natural stone look.

Stone Fireplace Ideas (CrazyDIYMom)

See post: CrazyDIYMom|Ugly Stone Fireplace Makeover


This quick, easy and inexpensive whitewashed stone fireplace remodel completely transformed the fireplace which is now the focal point in her cozy and rustic family room.

DIY Stone Fireplace (CrazyDIYMom)

See post: CrazyDIYMom|Ugly Stone Fireplace Makeover


4. Lighten up! Easy Fireplace Remodel With White Paint and New Tile

How to Paint a Fireplace (Craftsman Finishes)

See post: Craftsman Finishes|Fireplace Makeovers Going White   

Jeremy Harnish of Craftsman Finishes completely transformed this elegant fireplace in less than two hours. Jeremy used two coats of white chalk paint to brighten up the fireplace and to bring out all of the details in the ornate carvings. He also replaced the black granite tile with lighter, neutral granite tile. With the combination of the updated granite tile and bright white paint, the fireplace now has a “new” classic look with modern sophistication.

White Painted Fireplace (Craftsman Finishes)

See post: Craftsman Finishes|Fireplace Makeovers Going White


5. It's All In The Details: An Historic Farmhouse Fireplace Gets A Modern Farmhouse Makeover

Farmhouse Fireplace Decor (Junque Cottage)

See post:   Junque Cottage|Antique Fireplace Mantel Before and After 


The beauty of old houses is often in the details. Laura Stewart of Junque cottage loved the original, unpainted wood fireplace in her 1908 farmhouse, but she wanted to brighten it up by highlighting the lovely details of the fireplace and mantel with paint.

 

First, Laura painted the brick part of the fireplace white. Then she painted the inside of the hearth with black paint in a flat finish. Next, the mantel was lightly painted with white milk paint. After the paint dried, Laura distressed the mantel a bit for age and character. For a more simplistic farmhouse look, she removed the mirror above the mantel and then styled the area with vintage farmhouse decor. Even though the fireplace remodel has a modern farmhouse style look, the overall vibe is still vintage and in keeping with the original architecture and style of the home.

 

Fireplace Mantel Ideas (Junque Cottage)

See post:   Junque Cottage|Antique Fireplace Mantel Before and After


All The Trimmings: Beautiful Fireplace Remodel Ideas Using Paint, Trim, and Shiplap

With the popularity of farmhouse style and home improvement shows like Fixer Upper, DIY'ers are embracing the idea of using shiplap, planked walls, beautiful trim, crown molding, and corbels to add character to their homes. Sometimes an older fireplace simply needs some new trimmings for a complete transformation.

 

6. Trendy Fireplace Remodel With Farmhouse Flair

Fireplace Remodel With Farmhouse (Simplicity In The South)

See post: Simplicity In The South|Farmhouse Fireplace Surround on a Budget


Tricia of Simplicity In The South loved having an original, historic fireplace in her bedroom, but the gas logs fireplace surround which was added in the 1980s was too outdated for her style. Tricia and her husband came up with a plan to give the fireplace a trendy, updated farmhouse style look on a budget. They began by building a new framework for the fireplace using 2X3's. Then they added quartz ledge air stone to the area around the opening of the fireplace.

Next, they installed wood trim, faux shiplap, and beautiful crown molding. The nail holes were filled with wood filler and gaps were filled with caulk. A coat of primer and two coats of white paint resulted in a magazine-worthy fireplace remodel with tons of charm and "historic" character. The fireplace remodel cost was only $264.00! What an amazing transformation!

 

Fireplace Ideas (Simplicity In The South)

See post: Simplicity In The South|Farmhouse Fireplace Surround on a Budget


7. Cozy Farmhouse-Cottage Style Fireplace Remodel

Fireplace Paint (The Painted Hinge)

See post: The Painted Hinge|Master Bedroom Fireplace Makeover


This cozy corner bedroom fireplace just needed a bit of TLC to make it seem even cozier and to give it an updated farmhouse-cottage style look. Michelle of The Painted Hinge

 

started by adding wood planks which were cut to fit around the alcove and the wall behind the fireplace. She attached the wood planks using Liquid Nails and a nail gun. Next Michelle stained, painted and distressed the planks. Lastly, she hung a simple wood plank and corbel mantel for the quintessential farmhouse-cottage style. The "new" fireplace is on trend and cozy!

 

Bedroom Fireplace Ideas (The Painted Hinge)

See post: The Painted Hinge|Master Bedroom Fireplace Makeover


8. Budget-Friendly Electric Fireplace Remodel Using Shiplap

Fireplace With Shiplap (Art Is Beauty)

See post: Art Is Beauty|Cheap and Easy Faux Shiplap Fireplace Makeover for Under $30


For only $30.00 Karin Chudy gave this thrifted, free-standing electric fireplace the look of an original, permanent built-in fireplace using paint and shiplap. First Karin painted the orange-toned wood with white paint. Even though painting the fireplace was an improvement, Karin still felt that the piece seemed disconnected from the room. By building a faux shiplap wall above the mantle extending to the ceiling, she gave the fireplace a bit of historic charm and permanence, making it hard to tell that the fireplace is not original to the home. For less than $30 this little fireplace now exudes big Fixer Upper style!

 

DIY Fireplace Makeover (Art Is Beauty)

See post: Art Is Beauty|Cheap and Easy Faux Shiplap Fireplace Makeover for Under $30


Marvelous Mantels

In addition to paint, trim and moldings, a beautiful new mantel can be the icing on the cake when it comes to a fireplace remodel. See how these creative Hometalkers used new mantels along with paint and other decorative changes to give their fireplaces stunning new looks.

 

9. Simple, Chic and Trendy Fireplace Remodel

Trendy Fireplace Remodel (Bliss at Home)

See post: Bliss at Home|DIY Fireplace Makeover Before and After Reveal


Designer Kristen Cadwallader’s outdated stone fireplace in her childhood home lacked a mantel, and it also lacked style!

Fireplace Makeover Before and After (Bliss at Home)

See post: Bliss at Home|DIY Fireplace Makeover Before and After Reveal


Instead of completely covering over the mantel with new stone, wood, or brick, Kristen simply chose to paint the existing stone with two coats of white paint.

Fireplace Remodel Before and After (Bliss at Home)

See post: Bliss at Home|DIY Fireplace Makeover Before and After Reveal


For added interest and texture, she installed chic Carrara subway tile around the fireplace opening. Then she removed the outdated brass fireplace screen and left the opening uncovered.

Fireplace Makeover Before and After(Bliss at Home)

See post: Bliss at Home|DIY Fireplace Makeover Before and After Reveal


Kristen gave the fireplace high-end Greek style by adding Greek key overlay trim to a plain, prefab mantel.

DIY Fireplace (Bliss at Home)

See post: Bliss at Home|DIY Fireplace Makeover Before and After Reveal


With some fresh paint, a classical style new mantel and sophisticated marble tile, Kristen completely transformed the fireplace into a chic and trendy stunner!

Fireplace Makeover Ideas (Bliss at Home)

See post: Bliss at Home|DIY Fireplace Makeover Before and After Reveal


10. Less is More Fireplace Remodel

Fireplace and Mantel Remodel (Blue Ribbon Kitchen)

See post: Blue Ribbon Kitchen|Fireplace and Mantel Makeover


This creative fireplace remodel proves that sometimes less is more in decor! Karri of Blue Ribbon Kitchen wanted to add updated style to her entire living room through a fireplace remodel. Using drywall and paint she gave a dark and dated 1970's brick fireplace a fresh new look by covering most of the floor-to-ceiling brick and adding a gorgeous new mantel.

 

Fireplace Mantel Decor (Blue Ribbon Kitchen)

See post: Blue Ribbon Kitchen|Fireplace and Mantel Makeover


Karri and her husband began the remodel by adding furring strips to the brick wall and hanging two sheets of drywall. Some of the original reclaimed brick fireplace was left exposed around the fireplace opening for character and beauty. Karri painted the new wall a neutral color, and then she painted the original built-in shelves on each side of the fireplace white. She purchased a beautiful new prefab fireplace mantel and surround from a hardware store and installed it around the fireplace to add character and beauty. This amazing fireplace remodel completely transformed the look of the room from having "outdated rustic cabin" style to a fresh, cozy, cottage living space.

 

(Blue Ribbon Kitchen)

See post: Blue Ribbon Kitchen|Fireplace and Mantel Makeover


11. Fake It 'Til Ya Make It: An Unbelievable Fireplace Remodel Using A DIY Faux Wood Mantel

Fireplace Remodel Using A DIY Faux Wood Mantel (Kammy’s Korner)

See post: Kammy’s Korner|Fireplace Facelift Beautiful Mantel Built With Scraps


After many years of struggling to decorate the space above her plain fireplace, Kammy of Kammy’s Korner decided it was time for an updated fireplace remodel. She completely transformed the fireplace on a budget using scrap materials from other home improvement projects and a faux wood mantel. Kammy made the large "wood" beam and side columns out of styrofoam! She also added a board and batten treatment using leftover wood from a previous home project. Then she updated the original, neutral granite tile by painting it with a heavy duty primer, followed by a coat of glossy white latex paint. With the exception of the faux beam mantel, Kammy painted the entire fireplace white. The previously plain fireplace now takes center stage as a bright and stylish showpiece in the family room. 

Fireplace Face lift (Kammy’s Korner)

See post: Kammy’s Korner|Fireplace Facelift Beautiful Mantel Built With Scraps


12. Everything Old Is New Again: Chic and Classic Fireplace Remodel

Classic Fireplace Remodel (My Repurposed Life)

See post: My Repurposed Life|New Look For An Old Fireplace


After living with this tired-looking fireplace for thirty years, Gail of My Repurposed Life decided it was finally time for a fireplace remodel. Gail gave the fireplace a chic and classic makeover with fresh paint, a new mantel, an updated hearth, and beautiful trim work. To begin, Gail covered the concrete mantel and hearth with wood boxes made from scrap pine pieces which were put together using Gorilla Wood Glue and a brad nailer. She also dressed up the new wood mantel by adding a simple piece of crown molding. Gail chose to paint the entire fireplace bright white and then painted the fireplace opening classic black. Next, she added plywood to the facade. Gail added character and details to the new fireplace facade by adding inexpensive 1x4" pine boards for the larger trim, small wood trim, and a decorative applique. She used Gorilla Glue and painter's tape to keep the trim in place until it dried. Finally, she painting the facade white. Gail’s old fireplace now has a chic and classic look!

DIY Fireplace Remodel (My Repurposed Life)

See post: My Repurposed Life|New Look For An Old Fireplace


Ready To Start On Your Fireplace Remodel?

A fireplace remodel doesn't have to be an extensive or elaborate project. With just a little free time, a small budget and some basic DIY skills you can give your fireplace a makeover or simple facelift in no time. If you have a fireplace that could use a makeover, why not try out some of the ideas shared in this article? As you can see there are so many different ways to easily give your existing fireplace a new look or even a complete fireplace remodel on a budget. Be sure to check out these 12 Amazing Fireplace Remodel Ideas on Hometalk for more details and inspiration!


Written for the Hometalk community by: Follow the Yellow Brick Home

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