Fireplaces are one of many architectural designs that can really transform your space. They bring in a warm, homey feeling that invites you into the space and instantly brings relief.
A common practice through many cultures has been to sit around a fire (or fireplace) and spend time with loved ones. Sharing stories, meals, laughs, and forming a deeper connection to be passed down through generations. This may provoke a memory of summertime, grilling in the back and making s’mores with your family, or a cool fall day, sharing stories around the campfire while enjoying the beautiful views. That sense of connection through this tradition continues to play a role in our current lives.
Plan Your Fireplace Refresh
For those who want this cozy, warm feature in their daily lives, a fireplace is a perfect option. The look of each fireplace can vary drastically. This is an extension of your design style, (or your interior designer’s design style) and the feel you’re going for as well. If you have a fireplace, you know it’s an integral part of your living room’s design, and one of the first things your guests (and you) will notice.
That being said, fireplaces can look dull and neglected if there isn’t décor highlighting it. If you think it’s time to turn the heat up on your fireplace decor but you’re unsure how to go about it, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn how you can refresh your home’s fireplace decor easily without breaking the bank.
Accent your fireplace
Unfortunately, once a fireplace is already built, there’s only so much you can do with its architecture. Fortunately, the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing decor and other interior design aspects that you can make use of surrounding the fireplace.
Accent your walls
One way to spruce up your fireplace decor is to use accents. A sure bet is to use the space behind and around the fireplace as an accent wall. You can paint this area any shade you’d like, as long as it stands out from the rest of the room’s walls. If you want to be a bit more creative and unique, give patterned wallpaper a go. Alternatively, faux shiplap, concrete panels, or layered stones are fabulous ways to revitalize your fireplace decor.
Other accent options…
Bookshelves around a fireplace also create a bold statement. It’ll also give you more space for decorative ornaments and trinkets once your fireplace’s mantel is full (more on this later). If you want to take a modern, Feng Shui approach, play around with the idea of surrounding the fireplace and mantel with a large mirror. It will lend the space an air of fashion-forward style and luxury.
If it is a possibility, you can also turn the wall behind your fireplace into an entertainment center by using cabinets to house a TV screen, DVD player, gaming console, and other pieces of tech. If you’re artistically inclined, hanging a beautiful and striking piece of abstract, impressionist, or expressionist artwork above the fireplace is a great way to create an accent feature. You can also do this with a beautiful, proportionate, framed photograph as well.
Featured Fireplace Design
Now that you’ve got your fireplace’s overall design down, it’s time to decorate the mantel! When it comes to mantel decor, the only limit is your imagination.
Add candles
Candles are the go-to for many homemakers and with good reason! The glow of a lit candle perfectly complements that of a roaring fireplace. If you’re a fan of fragrance, choose some beautifully scented pillar candles to place atop your mantel to create a welcoming atmosphere in your living room.
You can choose a scent that perfectly complements your living room’s aesthetic, such as a cinnamon or pumpkin flavor for cozier designs, or clean linen and cotton for a more modern and chic interior. If you like an eclectic look, opt for plenty of candles in a number of different shapes, sizes, and even colors. Or if you prefer a more minimalist, uniform feel, select a couple of the same candles.
If you want the look of candles but don’t want the real flame, there are also plenty of faux candle options out there. There is also the option of buying ones that run off the same remote, creating an easy, beautiful design.
Vases and flowers
A fresh bouquet is always a welcome addition to any room, especially one in which you’ll entertain guests and loved ones. Again, the type of vase and flowers you pick will depend on your preferences and the living room’s style. We suggest classic transparent glass vases and flowers like roses for a living room with a polished, high-end aesthetic. By contrast, go wild with fun and funky blooms like daisies as fireplace decor in a more laid-back, down-to-earth room. If you have a more rustic feel, try some pampas grass in a beautiful vase to bring some height and texture without the maintenance.
And remember, your flora doesn’t have to end with just flowers: Feel at liberty to select other kinds of greenery like potted plants or even a garland, such as a Christmas wreath, when the season calls for it! If you weren’t born with a green thumb, you can opt for hardy succulents (or even artificial flowers or preserved roses if you really struggle to keep plants alive). And, if you were blessed with a knack for caring for plants, you can even choose a bonsai tree.
Refreshing Your Older Fireplace
Depending on your home’s age, your fireplace might be a little outdated by now. As we mentioned, once the fireplace is built, there’s only so much you can do about its physical design. However, with a little bit of DIY, you can welcome it into the 21st century.
Renovation and repairs
You’ll want to start with cleaning it off, making sure there isn’t any leftover grease, flaking pieces of paint, etc… Follow the deep clean with a new coat of paint, whether that be black to keep it as a focal, yet subtle, tone-on-tone look where your fireplace is just a shade or two different from your wall color, or a whitewash look for ones with brick.
A simple whitewash highlights engraved details beautifully.
You can also consider retiling the space around and behind it. You can choose to use this area as an accent feature or keep it simple to blend in with the walls and mantel. Given your level of commitment and desire for the fireplace refresh, you can also tile the fireplace’s interior with materials designed to withstand a fire’s heat. This is an unconventional but stunning way of adding some pizzazz to a fireplace that might otherwise appear a bit drab or dilapidated.
Adding a stylish new fireplace screen can also give your fireplace new life. As always, select one that complements your living room and home decor design. For the fireplace itself, fireballs (ceramic balls that can be used in place of gas logs) are a fantastic contemporary touch.
Contact Room Reimagined Design
If you’re not sure where to start or are in need of some help with your interior design or fireplace refresh, contact the Interior Designers at Room Reimagined Design in Lino Lakes, MN at (651) 387-3861. Set up a consultation to determine your personal needs and project requirements. We look forward to working with you!
