BHG
We’re thrilled to have two fireplaces in our home — one on the main level and one in the basement. The lower-level fireplace is brick and already painted white by the previous owner; I shared a post about the basement recently (shown below).
The Inspired Room
The upper-level fireplace is stone, as you can see above.
I’m still deciding what to do with the main-level fireplace. Stone can be beautiful, but in this case it doesn’t feel quite right to me. I’m weighing several options: paint or whitewash the stone, add trim and built-ins, or redesign the surround to change its size and shape. There are many possibilities, limited mainly by our budget and how much we want to alter the existing structure.
I’ve been gathering inspiration and thought it would be fun to share some fireplace ideas. Some of these concepts might suit our home, while others may not, but they all offer different approaches to updating a hearth.
My last home (see the before and after)
Carpenter and MacNeille
Beneath My Heart
Magnolia Market
Ballard Designs
Julie Blanner
Crisp Architects
Emily Henderson
BHG
Whether you prefer a painted brick look, crisp built-ins, a midcentury feel, or a full structural overhaul, these examples show how a fireplace can become a central design feature. When planning your own update, consider the room’s style, your budget, and whether you want the fireplace to blend in or stand out as a focal point. Small changes like a fresh coat of paint and a new mantel can modernize the space, while built-ins or a complete redesign can add storage and architectural interest.
I’ll continue exploring ideas and sharing progress as we decide what to do with our fireplaces. If you’re considering a fireplace makeover, use these images as a starting point to find a direction that fits your home and lifestyle.