BHG
WWe’re thrilled to have two fireplaces in our home — one on the main floor and one in the basement. The lower-level fireplace is brick and was already painted white by the previous owner. You can see it in the post I shared recently (shown below).
The Inspired Room
The upper-level fireplace is stone, visible in the photo above. I like the look of stone, but in this space it doesn’t feel quite right, so I’m weighing several options. Painting or whitewashing the stone could soften it; adding trim and built-in cabinets would create a more tailored look; or we could redesign the opening and surround entirely. Each route offers different aesthetics and costs, so we’re balancing style preferences with budget and what’s practical to change.
I’ve been collecting fireplace ideas to help decide what to do, and I thought you might enjoy a selection of inspiring makeovers and designs. Some ideas would suit our house perfectly, while others are less practical — but each shows a creative solution worth considering.
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 clean painted brick look, a dramatic stone surround, or built-in storage that frames the hearth, these examples highlight how a fireplace can become the focal point of a room. Whitewashing or full paint brightens and modernizes masonry; adding a mantel and trim gives a timeless, polished feel; built-ins balance form and function by providing storage and display. Midcentury and contemporary designs use simpler lines and materials for a sleeker profile, while traditional transformations often include paneled surrounds and classic mantels.
We’ll continue to explore these directions as we decide what fits our home best. For now, gathering images and ideas helps narrow the vision: do we want something crisp and modern, warm and traditional, or a tailored built-in solution that adds both storage and style? Each option will influence how the room feels and functions, so the choice is as much practical as it is aesthetic.
If you’re planning a fireplace update, consider scale, material, and how the surround will coordinate with existing finishes. Small changes like a fresh coat of paint or a new mantel can have big impact; larger renovations like reshaping the opening or adding custom cabinetry require more investment but can completely transform the space. Use inspiration images to define the look you love, then adapt ideas to your budget and the architecture of your home.