Give Your Fireplace a Facelift on a Budget

A comfortable room with a crackling fireplace can be the coziest space in a house. Even for southern homes, a fireplace can enhance the aesthetic of a room, captivating your attention as the focal point of a room. A neglected fireplace, however, can be an eyesore. Fireplaces are a desirable feature for many buyers; showcasing one in a presentable way can also increase the value of your home depending on your location.

Does your fireplace need a facelift? Don't put this home improvement project off any longer. Whether you're getting ready to list your home or plan on staying put for a few more years, give your family the coziness that comes with a renovated fireplace. Here are a couple of ideas to fan the flames of your creativity.

• Make its Presence Powerful
  A fireplace is not meant to smolder — let it shine brightly as the centerpiece of your room. Rearrange furniture so that it naturally surrounds the fireplace. To make it stand out as a focal point, you have a few options, including simple adjustments like changes to décor or full home improvement projects like putting up molding or tile. Draw the eyes with a large painting or centerpiece hung above the fireplace. Décor needn't be extravagant or expensive to create a powerful presentation.
• Blend it into the Wall
  Looking for a minimalist design? Instead of making the fireplace a dominant focus, make it appear strong yet subtle by blending it into the wall. Use tile, paint, or porcelain to unite the wall and fireplace. A little white paint and a few hours of work can create a calm, cohesive space.
• Incorporate a New Texture
  Although brick is a desirable material, there are plenty of other ways you can use texture to make your fireplace come alive. Other stonework, even faux stone, can transform your fireplace without breaking the bank.
• Paint Over Problems
  If you'd rather not integrate tile, porcelain, or stone into the space, you could paint over the exposed bricks. A fresh coat of white paint will brighten the area while still keeping it neutral. However, we suggest using one bold color and one subtle complementary color on the fireplace and adjoining wall to create depth.  
• Enhance it with a Stunning Mantle & Hearth
  Think beyond the fireplace by enhancing the hearth and mantle. A mantle not only introduces a new element but also gives you a space to display photographs or décor. The hearth, or area directly in front of the fireplace, is another space you can update affordably with a few attractive tiles.
• Accessorize with Décor
  Keep in mind that your fireplace is only one element of the room's décor. If you're going to integrate any other furnishings into the space, you'll need to accessorize it with the fireplace. Use similar color schemes, don't mix diverse materials, and create symmetry on either side of the fireplace to keep it as the focal point.

Not all home improvement projects need to cost an arm and a leg, especially a fireplace facelift. With a little creativity, patience, and effort, you can use a spark of design to reignite your fireplace's aesthetic and watch it rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

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