Brick is the most common fireplace material, but that doesn’t mean yours needs to be boring and ordinary. If your fireplace isn’t in working condition it can mean masonry or electrical work if you have a gas fireplace. Tiles provide a beautiful fireplace transformation from worn and outdated to contemporary and luxurious. If no, adding one could be the perfect home improvement project to take you fireplace to the next level!

Clearance information is sometimes detailed on a tag or sticker attached to the fireplace itself. Kristina Striukova used acrylic paint to transform the interior of the formerly all-white fireplace into an engaging scene – with decorative mural work above. In this focal fireplace by architect Jim Rill, Pennsylvania flagstone distinguishes the fireplace surround and floor, and the mantel and trim are made of clear fir to complement the mission-style furniture and exposed beam ceiling beautifully.

With a freestanding fireplace you will have the warmth and beauty of a regular fireplace without all the hassles that go with it. These units look just like the real thing and can even be moved around. One of my pet peeves is the TV remodelers who show their audience how easy it is to just add a new mantel or facial wall finish to a fireplace without talking about codes and clearances to combustible materials.

We know that figuring out where to start can be the hardest part of a home decor update or remodel. Because of this, a beautiful updated fireplace can add significant value to your home. Other than brick, you could take a look at a stone fireplace design or even a limestone fireplace as well.

We are in the process of redoing our old brick fireplace and, like you, have sort of framed our existing brick with wood to create a flush surface for the stone veneer. There’s no need to feel uncomfortable with a no-vent fireplace — think of it as a gas appliance, like a stove.