Contemporary Fireplace Remodeling Tips

Determine Your Budget

• Before you begin your fireplace remodeling project, set a budget. Contemporary fireplace designs are often more costly than traditional designs, so it is especially important to know your financial limitations. Going into a project without a budget often makes homeowners more likely to make impulsive decisions, and the fireplace remodel may wind up costing more than necessary. A budget may limit design options, but only because the sheer volume of contemporary remodel possibilities may overwhelm some homeowners.

Consider Paint

• If you are on a tight budget but want to give your brick fireplace a contemporary facelift, paint is a good option. Choosing a bold, colorful shade can immediately give a brick fireplace a modern feel. In addition, painting is a quick remodeling project that most homeowners can perform themselves.

Try New Materials for Your Mantle

• Instead of leaving your brick fireplace in place or covering it with a traditional wood mantle, consider using new materials to cover it. Granite is a good choice because it requires little maintenance and is fitted with a wide range of decorative edges and accent stones. Marble also offers durability and design versatility because it comes in an array of colors and is cut with many different decorative features as well. Brightly colored tiles can also give a fireplace a contemporary look. They come in a variety of materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, terracotta and glass. Glass tiles are especially good for a modern look. For homeowners who are looking for an extremely bold look, covering an old brick fireplace with sheet metal is an interesting option. Sheet metal comes in many textures and finishes and instantly gives a room a sleek, contemporary look.

Go for an Ultra Modern Design

• Even with a covering of new paint or materials, some homeowners may find that the look of a traditional, mantled fireplace is not contemporary enough for their design tastes. In that case, many companies make ultra-modern fireplaces in unusual shapes and styles. Many are free-standing; they are not affixed to a wall. Some feature cylindrical flues that connect to the ceiling, so they create a 360-degree glow in the room. Others are linear in design and are as thin as flat-screen televisions. These typically have heat-resistant glass doors that the fire burns behind. Many funky new design options are available, so homeowners should easily find one that fits their contemporary design plan.