article

Five Easy Ways To Remake Your Fireplace

By Jaymi Naciri via Realty Times

bluehammer

It's chilly out there! You've probably got your heat cranked up and the fireplace on. And, chances are you're staring at that fireplace and thinking of all the things you'd like to change.

"A fireplace facelift can take your living space from ‘whatever' to ‘wow,'" said HGTV.

"Whether you're contemplating a full-on renovation or looking for an easy weekend upgrade," we've got some easy, impactful fixes for your fireplace woes.

1. Paint it

We always say that nothing transforms more quickly and easily than paint, and that goes for fireplaces, too. If you have outdated red brick on your fireplace, a couple of coats of white or black paint can create something that's a showstopper instead of an eyesore.

bluehammer pinterest.com

2. Whitewash it

A lighter touch than paint, whitewashing can lighten up a dark fireplace and give it new style. "Seems like just yesterday that the red brick in your family room looked perfect, but tastes change with time," said Bob Vila. "Now you think it's a little too dark and a little too red for the space. Your gut tells you it's time for a change, but you're intimidated by the thought of demolition and renovation. Rather than reach for the sledgehammer, grab a rag and a brush instead, and give your room a bright new look. While painting over brick with 100 percent latex paint will give the brick a solid, opaque color, whitewashing mutes the brick's natural color with a translucent finish. The technique preserves the bricks' natural, random variations, depending on how much paint is applied and how each individual brick absorbs it."

bluehammer pinterest.com

3. Cover it in stone

Yes, that sounds like a huge undertaking. But, you don't need to be a stone mason to get an incredible look for your fireplace. Airstone is an innovative product that gives you the look of real stone.

"Their product looks just like real stone, but is easy to cut with a saw at home," said Make Life Lovely. "You don't have to have fancy equipment, call in an expert, or pay a ton of money for expensive natural stone."

bluehammer makelifelovely.com

4. Faux it

This marble-look adhesive paper covered up what used to be some pretty dated yellow ceramic tile. This application couldn't be easier, but be sure to read the instructions and disclaimers carefully to make sure you're using fire-safe products if you actually use your fireplace and it's not just for show.

bluehammer hgtv.com

5. Start over completely

This typically involves some sort of demolition to create a smooth surface, and then the sky's the limit. The timeframe can vary depending on how extensive the project is, and it might require an expert unless your DIY skills are stellar.

"A standard drywall installation with mantel and surround can be completed in two days," said Forbes. "A custom mantel or more extensive ductwork or electrical installation can take five or six weeks."

bluehammer forbes.com

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Replacing Your Water Heater

Hot water is a luxury we all take for granted until it goes cold.

Replacing Your Kitchen Dishwasher

Mix water, moving parts and wear and tear and you get a dishwasher replacement project

10 Ways To Transform Your Trashy Old Furniture Into Standout Pieces

We know. That antique sideboard or set of chairs you got after your grandma died is sentimental, but also completely clashy with every other piece of furniture you own, not to mention out of touch with your general sense of style.

Things to Consider When Replacing Your Front Door

Your front door is one of the most functional, visible, and important elements in your home. If you're looking for a home improvement project that can boost curb appeal, improve security, and add style to your space, replacing your front door delivers an impressive return on investment.

8 Clever Ways To Zone Off Space In An Open Floor Plan

We've fallen for open-plan living in recent years. After all, not many of us have a formal room just for company anymore. And with modern building materials, we don't necessarily need every room to have four walls to keep it at a comfortable temperature. But although an open plan may bring the space, light, flow and garden views we desire, it can also feel problematic to organize into zones - and prove distracting to share. Enter the glass partition. It makes room division simple yet doesn't starve spaces of light or compromise the open feel. Decorative, at half or full height, framed or barely visible, a glass partition can work in every environment. Check out these designs.

Replacing Your Kitchen Refrigerator

Refrigerators are the most important appliance in the Kitchen.

Tips For Selecting An Interior Door

Take a minute to count the number of doors in your house. Surprising, right? Consider then, the impact that a little attention to the doors can have on the overall style and design of your home. Whether you're just moving in or staging for a sale, new doors are a simple way to dramatically update the space. The good news is that there are as many styles of doors as there are doors in your home. Making the decision is the toughest part.

Tips For Creating A Luxe Bedroom

Creating a relaxing, romantic retreat of a bedroom is the goal, but it's not as easy as just loading the furniture in and making the bed. Many people find that even with beautiful pieces and great space, their bedroom is still lacking that something special. A few tips and the right mix can make you feel more serene, help you sleep better, and even make you feel more amorous in your private sanctuary.

Easy Architectural Details You Can Add To Your Home

Newer homes, especially those geared toward first-time buyers, are often devoid of the level of architectural detail you would find in older or more expensive homes. If you're not a fan of the big, boring box look, you can easily add in some detail to up the charm factor. And, many of these projects can be done yourself with minimal skill and money.

Five Easy Ways To Remake Your Fireplace

It's chilly out there! You've probably got your heat cranked up and the fireplace on. And, chances are you're staring at that fireplace and thinking of all the things you'd like to change.

See More Articles