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Everyone loves a fireplace. Perhaps not everyone wants the work and expense that goes along with one, but surely we can all agree that there is nothing like watching the dance of a good fire as it warms out toes and spirits. Whether we choose a wood-burning fireplace, gas, electric or even a woodstove, fireplaces are becoming expected commodities in newly built homes and a great consolation prize in that older home that needs lots of TLC. Depending on where you live (from a climate perspective), they are good sources of heat to help offset the burden of high electricity or oil bills. For those of you who inherited a fireplace from the 60's 0r 70's and don't love the look of red brick and a skimpy mantel (or just someone else's bad design decisions), you may be interested in giving your fireplace a facelift! There are quite a few options at your fingertips for sprucing it up. You are limited only by your imagination, budget, and a few basic safety restrictions (what you choose must meet safety standards/combustion guidelines).
One option is to resurface your fireplace surround. There are many materials you can choose and again, let your budget and tastes reign. I love the option of resurfacing a fireplace with a thin facing stone, otherwise known as cultured stone. Cultured stone is 1/4 the weight of full 
thickness stone and can be cemented directly on top of the brick. Slate tiles can also be applied in a similar fashion and can provide a more con
temporary look depending on the mantel choice, or look more traditional if you add a wooden surround as well. A word of caution, though. Before resurfacing your fireplace, have a chimney specialist or mason inspect and clean the chimney before you do any work. This allows for a proper inspection of any cracks or damage that might get covered up by the new fireplace facade.
thickness stone and can be cemented directly on top of the brick. Slate tiles can also be applied in a similar fashion and can provide a more con
temporary look depending on the mantel choice, or look more traditional if you add a wooden surround as well. A word of caution, though. Before resurfacing your fireplace, have a chimney specialist or mason inspect and clean the chimney before you do any work. This allows for a proper inspection of any cracks or damage that might get covered up by the new fireplace facade.Another option for "slipcovering" your fireplace, is to 
have a wooden facade built in the style you like. It can be painted to complement your room or stained to show off the wood. The least expensive option, and often a great fix, is to paint the fireplace and add a beefier mantel if needed. Be forewarned though, painting the brick is permanent. Brick is very porous and therefore absorbs the paint. Once you start painting, there is no going back! My sister, Wendy, painted her fireplace (left photo) with great results. It brightened the room and works great with her decor. Labour intensive, yes, but a very satisfying end result and if she wants to make a more permanent change at a later date (i.e. tiling or adding a wood facade) she can do so with no problems. In the meantime, she can enjoy her fireplace and take her time deciding what she wants as a permanent change.
have a wooden facade built in the style you like. It can be painted to complement your room or stained to show off the wood. The least expensive option, and often a great fix, is to paint the fireplace and add a beefier mantel if needed. Be forewarned though, painting the brick is permanent. Brick is very porous and therefore absorbs the paint. Once you start painting, there is no going back! My sister, Wendy, painted her fireplace (left photo) with great results. It brightened the room and works great with her decor. Labour intensive, yes, but a very satisfying end result and if she wants to make a more permanent change at a later date (i.e. tiling or adding a wood facade) she can do so with no problems. In the meantime, she can enjoy her fireplace and take her time deciding what she wants as a permanent change. 
So go ahead... take the plunge! Have fun with this wonderful focal point of your home. Make it beautiful to you and let it warm not only your home, but your heart!!
