In addition to their inherent warmth, fireplaces add a timeless aesthetic appeal. While it might seem as if these classics never go out of style, as trends shift, the appearance of your fireplace may begin to leave you cold. 

If your fireplace could benefit from a facelift, remodeling may be simpler than you’d think. From an array of material options to statement-making mantels and accessories, you can quickly transform your fireplace’s appearance. Take a look at some popular ways to modernize your fireplace and see if they spark inspiration.

Create sense of balance

If you long for the classic look of built-ins and could benefit from additional storage, consider flanking your fireplace with shelving and cabinetry. Wood surrounds can hide outdated and tired brick while creating a cohesive look. Add window seats or floor-to-ceiling open shelving where you can display books, framed photos, and treasured mementos. If you’ve had bricks you’ve been afraid to paint, enclosing them in wood allows you to choose the perfect hue and change the look of the whole room.

Evoke a rustic yet refined ambiance 

If you’re interested in swapping brick or tile for stone, you don't have to break the bank. Natural stone veneer panels are ideal choice as they’re cost effective and easy to install. Man-made limestone is another affordable option. Available in a variety of hues, choose the stone that enhances the look of your room. Soapstone is another natural material that costs less than polished marble and features unique markings that add to visual appeal.

Embrace the ease of an eco-friendly fireplace 

If you’ve craved the cozy comfort of a fireplace but don’t have a hearth, consider an easy-to-install EcoSmart Fire. Without the need for a flue or pipe connection, EcoSmart Fires are an attractive, vent-free option. Designed to be extremely flexible, these sleek and modern systems can be incorporated at any stage of your interior decorating, renovating or building works.

Include accessories that enhance the overall look

From simple to sophisticated, mantels crown your fireplace. Opt for understated with a reclaimed barn beam. Or, choose polished stone to complement your newly-renovated fireplace. When adorning your mantle, decorators encourage homeowners to adopt a “less is more” mentality to not overwhelm the eye.

If you’ve grown tired of looking at gas logs, fire glass offers a shimmery, sparkle to your fireplace. Fire glass offers a decorative way to hide gas jets with pebbles and crystals that increase heat radiation by up to four times while upping the wow factor of your fireplace. Fire glass pebbles are available in a variety of shapes and colors that create a glowing focal point.

Renovating an outdated fireplace offers the same return on investment as updating a kitchen or bathroom, but at significantly less expense, experts agree. Because your fireplace is often the focal point of the room, make sure all eyes are looking in that direction for the right reasons.