Fireplaces turn houses into homes. There’s truly nothing cozier than watching the warm glow and listening to the crackling logs. It’s pure bliss.
With stunning fireplace remodel ideas up your sleeve, you can help your clients fall in love with their spaces. You can transform the ordinary into something spectacular. Fireplaces can create a welcoming gathering point that will set the scene for family memories for years to come.
A fireplace remodel is a lower-cost, higher-impact choice for your clients. Better yet, it’s a smart business move. They require less labor and materials than other jobs. Plus, fireplace makeovers are an excellent add-on or stand-alone service.
In this article, we’ll explain why updating fireplaces is a wise investment. We’ll explore a variety of design inspirations and discuss the best materials and finishes to use.
You’ll see how the right accessories can complete the look and gain practical tips to help communicate these ideas to your clients.
Why a Fireplace Remodel Is a Good Investment
A fireplace remodel means updating or changing an existing fireplace. You might enhance its look, improve the way it works, or change its structure.
The goal? To make the fireplace a striking architectural feature. At the same time, the finished piece fits the home’s style and meets the client’s practical needs.
Suggesting a fireplace update can be a clever move. Here’s why it’s a great idea for your clients:
- Upgrading a fireplace can turn it from just a heat source to the focal point of a room. Swap old bricks for sleek stone. Add a stylish mantel. Small changes can make a big difference.
- A fireplace is often the heart of a home. Remodeling it makes the whole living area more welcoming and cozy. This is great for homes where the fireplace is a key feature.
- For homebuyers, a feature fireplace is a drawcard. By giving it a fresh look and ensuring it works well, you lift the home’s value. This is a big plus if your clients are thinking of selling.
- Instead of pulling out an old fireplace, giving it a new look can save money and keep the home’s original charm.
- For homeowners, these changes make their space more inviting, comfortable, and cohesive.
They can enjoy all of these benefits for a relatively low cost.
The average fireplace remodel costs $1,200. Price will vary between $400 and $2,000-plus, depending on the scope and materials.
FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: How to Start a Home Renovation Business
Design Inspirations for Fireplace Remodel Projects
Let’s explore the different styles of fireplaces. With this insight, you can guide your clients in making the best choice for their homes.
Fireplace Styles to Consider
There is no shortage of fireplace remodel ideas. From chic and cool to classic and even maximalist designs, you’ll find a style solution for every home.
Here are some style categories you can suggest to help your clients make a decision:
- Modern: Modern fireplaces are sleek and stylish. They feature clean lines and minimal decoration. They use materials like glass, stainless steel, or polished wood. Perfect for contemporary homes, they focus on simplicity and elegance.
- Traditional: Traditional fireplaces are classic. Sometimes, they have ornate details like carved mantels and decorative tiles. They’re usually made from brick or stone. They add a warm, nostalgic feel to any room.
- Minimalist: Minimalist fireplaces strip things down to the basics. This style favors a simple, uncluttered design. Colors are neutral, and there’s a focus on functionality instead of decoration. This style is perfect for clients who want a refined and practical solution.
- Rustic: Rustic fireplaces are all about comfort and charm. They use rough stone or reclaimed wood to add texture. These fireplaces feel cozy and welcoming. They fit in well in country homes or cabins.
- Industrial: Industrial style is bold and commands attention. It uses materials like exposed metal and wood. These fireplaces have a raw, unfinished look. They are suited to loft or warehouse-style homes.
How to Help Clients Choose Their Style
Some clients know exactly what they want. Others need a little guidance.
Use these pointers to help indecisive homeowners choose a finish they’ll adore:
- Advise them on a fireplace style that complements their existing interior design. A modern fireplace may look out of place in a traditionally decorated home, for example. Show them photos of different styles. Seeing examples can help them visualize what works best in their space.
- Encourage clients to reflect on their personal style. What atmosphere do they want to create? Say a client loves the idea of a cozy family room. They also have rustic home decor. You might suggest a stone fireplace with a hearty wooden mantel.
- Make sure your clients understand how different materials and designs impact cost. For example, brick veneers cost between $3 and $10 per square foot. Quartz and granite cost about $60 per square foot. Marble tiles can be as much as $350 per square foot. Help them balance aesthetics and budget.
- Discuss what they want from their fireplace. Will it be used for heating? Or will it primarily be a decorative element? Some materials and designs are better suited for frequent use than others.
- Before progressing, check if the fireplace is suitable for a remodel. In some cases, it may need to be removed and rebuilt. This can be much more expensive—about $2,400 to $8,000.
RELATED ARTICLE: The Ins and Outs of Remodeling Project Management
Unique Fireplace Materials and Finishes
There are many innovative products on the market today. Selecting the right materials and finishes can make your projects stand out. It also lets you customize spaces just for your clients.
Let’s take a look at some of the options available.
Stacked Stone
Stacked stone brings natural beauty and texture to a fireplace. It creates a strong, rustic look.
Pros:
- Aesthetic appeal: Stone offers a high-end, classic appearance. It can complement various decor styles.
- Good durability: It’s extremely durable and can withstand high temperatures.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Stone is generally more expensive than other materials because of the stone’s quality and installation requirements.
- Heavy weight: Stones are heavy, which may require extra structural support.
Brick
Brick has been a traditional choice for fireplaces for centuries. It’s affordable, classic, and highly durable.
Pros:
- Timeless style: Fits well in both traditional and contemporary homes.
- Excellent heat resistance: It’s excellent at distributing heat evenly throughout the room.
Cons:
- More maintenance: Brick requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance, especially if it’s a lighter color.
- Less customization: Color and finish options can be limited.
Tile
Tile offers incredible versatility and creativity in fireplace design. It comes in various colors, textures, and materials, ranging from ceramic and porcelain to glass and stone.
Pros:
- Greater variety of styles: It can mimic materials like stone or wood, providing endless design options.
- Good heat resistance: Tiles are generally good at handling heat.
- Easy maintenance: Tile is simple to clean and maintain. It’s also resistant to stains and scratches if glazed.
Cons:
- Installation complexity: Depending on the design complexity and material, tile installation can be intricate and time-consuming.
- Higher cost: While basic tiles can be affordable, high-end or custom designs can become quite expensive.
- Potential fragility: Some tiles crack under sudden temperature changes or if hit hard.
Wood Mantels
Wood mantels add warmth and elegance to a fireplace. They are versatile, too. You can tailor them to fit any design aesthetic, from ornate to minimalist.
Pros:
- Very customizable: Wood mantels are available in various woods, profiles, and finishes.
- Cost-effective: Generally more budget-friendly than stone options.
Cons:
- Higher maintenance: Wood needs regular treatment to protect from heat and potential burns.
- Less durability: Less durable than stone or brick, wood may be susceptible to splintering and fading over time.
FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: The Top Remodeling Trends and How Remodelers Can Market Themselves
Enhancing Your Remodel with Fireplace Accessories
Design is all in the details. Adding accessories elevates fireplace remodels. It also adds character and personality.
A classic vase can transform a pared-back fireplace into an elegant statement. An array of candles can bring extra warmth to a rustic fireplace, especially during the summer months. Just remember to ensure any décor near the functioning area of the fireplace follows common safety suggestions.
We’ve compiled some fireplace accessory ideas below that you can share with your clients.
Mantel Decor
From family photos to fresh bouquets, travel souvenirs, and artwork, the mantel is the perfect spot for decor.
Pros:
- Visual appeal: Décor enhances the fireplace’s look. Consider a mantel topped with vintage clocks or a series of small potted plants.
- Seasonal flexibility: Decorate with festive garlands during the holidays or vibrant fresh flowers in the spring.
Cons:
- Space limitations: Your mantel might not accommodate larger art pieces or sculptures.
- Dust accumulation: Décor collects dust, requiring frequent cleaning.
Fireplace Doors
Fireplace doors combine utility with aesthetics. They are available in many styles, from modern glass to intricate metalwork.
Pros:
- Improved safety: Doors provide a barrier that keeps kids and pets from getting too close to the fire. They also prevent embers from rolling out of the fireplace and causing a fire.
- Energy efficiency: They help retain heat during colder months, reducing heating bills.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Quality doors are an investment.
- Installation demands: They require accurate measurements and professional installation to ensure safety and proper function.
Screens and Tools
A beautifully designed screen and matching tools can complement the architectural details of the fireplace.
Pros:
- Enhanced safety: Like doors, metal screens can stop flying sparks and embers. Fireplace tools also allow the safe handling of wood, ashes, and embers.
- Style integration: Choose from Victorian filigree designs or sleek, contemporary metal finishes.
Cons:
- More maintenance: Metal may require regular cleaning and polishing to maintain luster.
- Larger footprint: Tools need a rack that can take up floor space near the hearth.
Hearth Decor
Items like ceramic logs or a basket of pinecones can enhance the visual appeal of the hearth.
Pros:
- Personal touch: Ceramic logs add a cozy, rustic look without the mess of real wood.
- Highly flexible: It’s easy to swap out decor, like seasonal decorations, for a customized look.
Cons:
- Safety considerations: All materials must be non-flammable if the fireplace is functioning.
- Cleaning needs: Items like artificial flowers or fabric decorations need to be dusted regularly.
FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: 9 Home Improvement Industry Trends
Top Takeaway Tips to Share Fireplace Remodel Ideas with Your Clients
Here are three quick tips you can use to share fireplace remodel ideas with your clients:
- Collect photos. Start by collecting pictures of different fireplace styles. Pinterest and Houzz are great starting points. Show these to your clients to help them see what they like.
- Be conscious of their budget. Always think about how much your clients want to spend. Suggest materials and designs that look great but won’t blow their budget.
- Walk through maintenance requirements. Let your clients know how much care each type of fireplace will need. Tell them that materials like brick might need more cleaning, but they’re also very durable and can handle a lot of heat.