Not too long ago, we created The Essential Guide To Remodeling Your Home + it’s been a HUGE hit over at our Free Resource Library. However, one of the most common large scale renovations we do includes upgrading an old, outdated fireplace. One that if left untouched, truly dates the era of the home.

And so, I’m guessing since you’re reading this you are considering embarking on a fireplace remodel yourself. 

Sometimes remodeling your fireplace is a part of a major renovation you’re doing because it’s open to a lot of different areas in your home + other times less invasive changes can transform your fireplace into a cozy haven. 

In either case, with over a decade of experience, we know that it can be an overwhelming process determining exactly what design considerations you should be thinking about + really trying to make sure you’ve carefully thought out all the options.

So, without further ado — let’s take a deep dive into how we go about designing a beautiful fireplace remodel.

Take A Moment To Assess 

Before you have your contractor start ripping stone, brick, or millwork off your walls you want to take some time to assess what you want from this fireplace remodel? 

And sometimes, that can be as simple as “it's old, it's outdated. I want something I feel good having as a focal point in my home.” Which, if that’s the case, is totally acceptable. 

But it’s not always that simple. 

On the surface, you may want something that is updated + certainly more aesthetically pleasing but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll uncover some other necessities for remodeling. 

So, ask yourself: 

• What are the challenges with what we currently have?

• What don’t we like? Why don’t we like it?

• What would make our fireplace remodel worth investing in?

Having answered some of these questions you’re ensuring that any decisions you make are beyond what you see in pictures online or in magazines but rather from a more foundational reasoning for remodeling your fireplace.

Now the question becomes what are a handful of things you should carefully consider changing when undergoing a fireplace remodel?

Is The Fireplace A Focal Point

As an interior design firm, we’re always focused on the focal point of a room. And oftentimes, when it’s a space with a fireplace — it’s the focal point. But that’s not always true. 

So, the first question to ask yourself + consider before really digging into a fireplace remodel is — is our fireplace the unequivocal focal point of the room? If so, you’re going to love this blog: Why A Focal Point In Design Is Important.

For now, a fireplace that’s the focal point will dominate a space. It will elicit an emotional response so you want to be conscientious that the design decisions you make to the fireplace draw upon the feelings you want to create.

• Do you want a fireplace that looks + feels like it’s been there forever? Something that subtly falls into the background allowing the mantel or what’s on either side of the fireplace to command attention? 

• Do you want a fireplace that draws you in + steals the show in a fun, poppy and very specific way?

• Do you want a fireplace that feels timeless?

Determining your focal point will help you decide some of the design considerations below :)

Change The Mantel

There’s no perfect mantel — there’s the mantel that works perfectly for you. 

And there are tons of options from stone mantels and live edge mantels to custom-built mantels. 

In general, what you want to think about when deciding on a new fireplace mantel is what will sit on your mantel? When? And, for how long?

• Will you have a mirror, picture, soundbar, decorative accents, or vases with faux greenery? 

• How about during the holidays? Will you have a wreath, stocking holder, candles, garland?

• Will you have a TV over the fireplace? If so, check out this blog: how to decorate around a TV.

If you’re going to go the distance of changing the existing mantel — make it fit what you need. In other words, make it… functional *wink*

When we designed this mantel we had it custom built onsite to mimic a similar shape from the kitchen (which is open to the living room). For this client in particular, with so much storage and decorative opportunities on either side of the fireplace, the only thing that needed to fit on the mantel was the soundbar.

Redo The Surround

Another option when undergoing a fireplace remodel is to redo the entire surround + the accompanied hearth (not just the mantel). 

Really the big decision to be made around remodeling the fireplace surround is what material makes sense?

Things to consider when changing the fireplace surround:

• What types of stone or tile already exist in your home? Could it make sense to repeat one or more of those materials?

• What patterns, if any, are already present (and not being changed) in the space? 

• Does adding (or keeping) millwork around the fireplace opening create visual interest?

• Psst… what’s the focal point?

Update The Fireplace Insert

Now, this is a bit more specific but one thing to keep in mind is that updating the insert (or adding an insert) can really bring to life a fireplace. Certainly, that’s not an option if you have + are keeping a wood-burning fireplace. 

In this case, what you’d want to consider is having it cleaned or refacing the interior stone of the fireplace.

On the other hand, modern fireplace inserts have really come a long way. From remote operated gas + electric fireplaces to three-sided inserts the architectural changes that a new insert can have on your fireplace remodel are quite drastic.

Colors, shapes, stones, finishes, glass, and even screens are all a part of updating the fireplace insert.

Make Changes To What's Around The Fireplace

When undergoing a larger scale renovation, changing the fireplace can often expand beyond simply the mantel, surround, and fireplace insert to what’s on either side of the fireplace or the floor coverings leading up to the hearth. 

From adding millwork detail on the walls to expanding a living space by knocking down a wall to bringing in new bookcases that helps balance and create symmetry around the fireplace.

Changing what’s around the fireplace can increase the grandeur of the focal point in your home.

Well, there you have it… a handful of design considerations that are sure to create a beautiful fireplace remodel.

And while it might feel a bit overwhelming trying to figure out exactly what’s right for you — you want to take time. Don’t rush through the process of creating a home where you’re simply after trying to replicate what you see online or in your news feed. 

Each design consideration that you make, I promise you is going to make your home feel truly unique to you. It will be everything you need + nothing more ;)

And don’t forget, if you’re in the preliminary planning stages of your next project, let’s chat. 

P.S. If you loved this article then you’re going to really enjoy the4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home.