Before You Begin Your Stone Fireplace Makeover

Usually our construction design is busier than ever ever as the fireplace conversation is one I have a lot to do with my clients!

Many people simply assume that the next upgrade to a plain, yet dated brick fireplace is to add ledge stone. I’m here (as usual) to tell you that you’re simply turning your current bossy coloured fireplace into another bossy one.

You still have to decorate around the colours in the fireplace if you want the room to look the best.

Choosing classic work instead of stone

It takes a designer eye to create a beautiful stone fireplace. So, unless you have a decorating plan to go with it, you’re much better off to install the classic look instead. You’ll be happier with it in the long term.

The photo below shows what a common stone fireplace makeover or upgrade looks like. Compare the above photo to the after one here. It’s easy to see which one is prettier. And way more timeless.

This I know to be true. How? Because this example (above) is WAY MORE COMMON than the beautifully designed stone fireplace. You know, the carefully chosen fireplace where the decor and style of home is kept at the forefront of each (and every) decision.

There’s nothing wrong with a stone fireplace, but it needs to be designed thoughtfully just like anything else that will be such a big feature in your home.

For example, does your fireplace in the great room relate to your kitchen?

Painting the brick fireplace white (like in the photo below) would have been much prettier makeover. It would neutralize the orange and keep it classic looking, and makes it easy to decorate around, year after year.

Should you paint your brick fireplace black?

Black fireplaces are definitely trending – just like black windows, doors and  black tile. However, notice how much styling is happening around this black fireplace example to make it look amazing!

Did you know that black can look really good on an exterior in a very green landscape setting because kelly green is so pretty with black? The same holds true here, with all the ferns hanging out of this one.

Again, if you paint your fireplace black, you’ll need to repeat it in your decorating. However, in this case, it’s easy to change back to white if you don’t love it. So, if you are ok with black being part of your decorating plan, this might be a good option for you.

Rarely do people keep their rooms exactly the same for more than 7-10 years. Therefore, if you stick to classic finishes in your fireplace, you won’t need to get rid of EVERYTHING when you do embark on a stone fireplace makeover.