During the stretch of months after the chill of winter has worn off and before the cold comes back in the fall, homeowners are presented with the perfect time to do some sprucing up to their fireplaces and surrounds. Using the summertime to remodel your fireplace surround is a smart idea because whatever kind of work you want to do will be a lot easier during the season when the unit is rarely if ever used.
When we say “remodel”, we’re assuming that the appliance itself is in good working order and your objective would be to create a better look and match with your current décor. With that in mind, there are four main areas to look at when giving the hearth area a facelift.
Modernize
Many fireplaces were original amenities in homes built in the 1960s or 1970s or earlier. They looked good then, but maybe your décor reflects more modern tastes. If that’s the case, you can upgrade your fireplace surround with a variety of surrounds and mantels with materials like granite, marble, exotic tile and a variety of elegant finishes.
Enlarge
Often increasing the overall size of the hearth area can be just the right touch to improving the décor of a room. Rough or smooth stones lend an element of size to a small hearth. You can build around the fireplace or buy pre-built facades with lovely stone patterns that really bring out the size and beauty of the area of the room where the fireplace is located.
Reduce
In other cases, the fireplace simply takes up too much of the wall. If a more intimate look is right for you, consider wall material to cover some of the current façade. Although the fireplace opening will stay the same size, a smaller impression will be made by reducing the size of the surround.
Proportional changes
You may find the perfect remodeling for your fireplace surround begins by focusing on proportion. Hearth areas that are too tall can be addressed by widening the mantel with pilasters or a skirt. Re-positioning the mantel can give a little height to a fireplace that appears too wide and low. A variety of pre-made surround styles can help you get the right proportional look and enhance the rest of the room’s design concept. Remember – with fireplace remodeling, almost anything is possible.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
Some fireplace surround remodeling such as mantel installation and some wall work can be done by the homeowner. But for extensive jobs, it’s best to hire a professional. Some companies specialize in complete fireplace construction, while other experts like stone masons and carpenters can perform excellent work for certain phases of remodeling. Call around, get quotes, check references.
Once you’ve got your fireplace and surround just the way you want it with a summer remodeling project, Chimney Solutions of Alpharetta, Ga., can make sure your system remains clean, safe and fully operational in the upcoming winter. We serve the greater Atlanta area with professional chimney cleaning, maintenance, inspection and repair services. Give us a call at 770-255-1300.
