As the chilly St. Louis winters set in, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a warm, inviting fireplace with family and friends. The fireplace is the heart of your home, a focal point that sets the tone for your entire living space. A cracked mantel or cloudy front can make the fireplace work less efficiently. Plus, these blemishes could be quite the eye-sore. Liven up your living space by updating your fireplace in St. Louis with these practical upgrades!
Considering a Fireplace Remodel? Here’s Where to Start
Ready to transform your fireplace into a stunning centerpiece? Before jumping into a fireplace remodel, you should do a thorough assessment so that you can make educated decisions about your upgrades.
Take note of its style. For instance, is your fireplace a traditional brick hearth, a sleek modern insert, or something in between?
Consider how its attributes fit within the broader context of your room. Pay attention to the surrounding decor and furniture layout. Taking these staples within your home into account will help you determine which elements you want to keep, change, or enhance. Lastly, examine your fireplace’s current condition. Determine if there are any structural issues in need of attention before making any cosmetic changes.
Once you have a clear understanding of your current fireplace, it’s time to define your design goals. Reflect on whether you’re drawn to modern aesthetics with clean lines or prefer a more traditional look with ornate details.
Consider how you envision the fireplace functioning in your space. Will it primarily provide warmth, or do you want it to serve as a decorative focal point? By clearly outlining your objectives, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions about materials and styles that align with your vision for the space.
Set the Tone with the Front of the Fireplace
The front of your fireplace sets the tone for the entire room, and updating its key elements can dramatically transform your space.
Start with considering the mantle as it’s one of the largest parts of a fireplace. The materials you use will dictate a lot of the aesthetics when redefining this space.
Popular materials for corbels include hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut for their durability and rich grain patterns, which add warmth to any space. For a more modern look, consider using engineered wood or metal options, such as wrought iron or steel. These rustic options can provide a sleek and contemporary aesthetic while still offering strength and support.
The surround frames the firebox and can be customized with materials like stone, tile, or wood. You can go with a cohesive look to the corbel or a contracting option to make a bold style statement.
The mantel serves as a focal point, providing a platform for decor while complementing the surround and corbels. These are often the same materials as the corbel but can be stained to achieve whatever look you desire.
Customize Stonework
Nothing says “fireplace” like beautiful stonework. Remodeling your fireplace means you have a clean slate to create whatever vibe you’d like to accomplish.
Adding or replacing stonework creates a more luxurious and natural appearance, turning your fireplace into a stunning focal point.
When considering stonework options, popular choices include:
- Granite: Offers durability and a wide range of colors and patterns
- Marble: Provides an elegant, classic look with distinctive veining
- Limestone: – Has a soft, natural appearance and warm tones
- Slate: Projects a rustic, textured look in earthy colors
- Travertine: Features a unique pitted surface and neutral tones
- Quartzite: Resembles marble but is more durable
- Soapstone: Contains a smooth, matte finish that darkens over time
Manufactured stone veneer is another option that can mimic the look of real stone at a lower cost. It’s a lightweight material that is easier to install than its natural counterpart.
When updating stonework, consider extending it beyond just the surround. A floor-to-ceiling stone accent wall can create a dramatic effect!
Extend the Hearth
Draw the eye into the line of fire by creating a dramatic runway by extending the hearth. Extending the hearth of your fireplace can create a more prominent focal point in the room, provide additional seating space, and offer extra protection for your flooring from heat and embers.
When selecting stone for the extended hearth, you have the option to either match or contrast with your existing stonework. For a cohesive look, choose the same material used in the surround, creating a seamless flow from the fireplace to the floor.
Alternatively, for visual interest, select a complementary stone that harmonizes with the existing stonework while adding a subtle contrast in color or texture. This approach can highlight the hearth as a distinct feature while still maintaining a unified design aesthetic.
Pair Stone with Woodwork
Pairing new stonework with upgraded wood elements can create a stunning and cohesive fireplace design. The combination of natural stone and warm wood not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds character and warmth to your living space.
For a classic look, pair light-colored stones like limestone or travertine with rich, dark woods such as walnut or mahogany. Granite’s varied colors work well with both light and dark woods, allowing for versatile design options.Trying to create a rustic aesthetic? Combine slate or fieldstone with reclaimed wood or a natural oak mantel. Marble’s elegant veining complements sleek, modern wood finishes for a sophisticated appearance.
When mixing materials, consider contrasting textures. Smooth, polished stone can be beautifully offset by rough-hewn wooden elements.
Install Built-In Lighting
Built-in lighting around a fireplace can create a magical ambiance. Soft, warm lighting accentuates the textures of the stonework and casts a cozy glow, making the fireplace area even more inviting. During festive seasons, this lighting can complement decorations, creating an enchanting focal point in your living space.
Recessed lighting in stonework around fireplaces has become increasingly popular. However, this beautiful feature requires meticulous work and precision cutting with specialized tools.
For the best results, it’s crucial to hire a professional stonemason who has the expertise to achieve clean, accurate cuts in the stone without compromising its integrity. Additionally, when installing the lighting, consulting with a licensed electrician is essential to ensure proper wiring and placement that complies with safety codes, especially given the proximity to a heat source.
Upgrade the Ventilation System
Upgrading the ventilation system is a crucial aspect of fireplace remodeling, particularly for gas fireplaces. It’s an opportune time to enhance both safety and efficiency while ensuring proper exhaust of combustion gases.
Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining clean air quality in your home. For gas fireplaces, it’s particularly critical as it:
- Removes harmful combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide
- Prevents moisture buildup that can lead to mold growth
- Ensures optimal fireplace performance and fuel efficiency
Have a professional inspect your chimney for any blockages or damage that could impair proper venting. If your chimney lacks a flue liner or has a damaged one, installing a new liner can significantly improve ventilation and safety.
Smart venting systems have become increasingly popular for fireplace remodels in St. Louis. Install modern venting systems with sensors that monitor air quality and adjust ventilation automatically.
By prioritizing ventilation upgrades during your fireplace remodel, you’re not only enhancing the aesthetics of your living space but also investing in your family’s health and safety. It’s an essential step that ensures your newly remodeled fireplace operates efficiently and safely for years to come.
Update Your St. Louis Fireplace
When it comes to executing your fireplace renovation in St. Louis, look no further than Mosby Building Arts. At Mosby, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Whether you’re looking for a complete fireplace overhaul or subtle updates to refresh your existing fireplace, we have the knowledge and resources to bring your vision to life. We’ll work closely with you to understand your style preferences, budget constraints, and functional needs, crafting a custom solution that perfectly complements your home.
Contact us today or call (314) 909-1800.