Curl Up in the Warmth: How to Remodel a Fireplace

You’ve been staring at that fireplace for too long now. The dated mantel, the wrong colored tile, the dated brick. Any or all of these things act like nails on a chalkboard whenever you look at it. The good news? You’re not the only one. We’ve worked with many people who have wanted to know how to remodel a fireplace and over the years, we’ve picked up a few things that will help you through the process and make your new fireplace exceptional.

Identify what’s wrong with your fireplace

Is it the tile or rock or brick that surrounds it? Is it the placement in the room? Is it the mantel or lack of a mantel? Is it the built-in structure that surrounds it or the hearth? Or, maybe you’re doing a larger remodel project and you’re considering adding the fireplace to the project. Whatever your reason, depending on what you don’t like about your fireplace will ultimately guide your project and its cost.

Surrounding material and future options

A variety of materials can surround a fireplace. Sometimes, the surrounding material is attached to the wall and can be torn out. Then, the backing material can be replaced and a new material applied. Other times, the surrounding material is a part of the structure. No matter what your circumstance is, we can help you figure out the right solution. We work with experienced contractors who will help you determine what, if any, structural changes need to be made to your home.

Remember though, the great thing with a material change – and the most fun part – is figuring out the look you want. So many choices exist these days. You’ll be amazed what can be done with tile, brick veneer and ledgestone. And even if you have an idea in mind, we recommend you look at several of these options before deciding on one. You never know what may surprise you.

The placement

If you don’t like where your fireplace sits in the room, the level of complexity of the project increases, but don’t let that discourage you. We’ve helped many people move their fireplace. Just know, that moving a fireplace to another place in the room most likely will involve some sort of structural change internally and externally. For instance, do you know where your current fireplace is vented? Is it through a chimney that’s a part of the house? Or is it vented through a hidden pipe in the wall? Once again, we can help you find an experienced contractor to guide you through a fireplace move.

The mantel

The mantel, often the centerpiece of the fireplace, is definitely worth thinking through really well. What do you want it to look like? As with surrounding materials, you’ll have a lot of fun options to consider. And don’t forget to think about what you want the mantel’s purpose to be? Do you want to display framed pictures or decorative objects on top of it? If so, a groove in the top to help things stay in place may make sense. Are you thinking you might put a TV above it? If so, you’ll want to consider how high the TV will actually sit and where the power for the TV will come from. If the TV is too high, you may be craning your neck to watch your favorite shows. And if there’s no power in the area, you’ll need to add outlets to avoid unsightly wires.

The firebox

How old is your firebox? Does it look dated and out of place with your current style? Does it look beat up and used up? Does it have a blower? Many times, when someone remodels their fireplace, it makes sense to replace the firebox. Other times, a really good cleaning or even a refinishing with heat resistant paint may be all that is needed. We do see many fireboxes that were initially installed by the contractor and are quite inefficient or, they’re surrounded with brass trim or accents that just don’t cut it anymore. Don’t fret, though. If you choose to replace your firebox, there are a variety of options to consider.

Enjoy the process

As you can see, remodeling a fireplace offers a lot of things to think about. We do advise, based on the possible complexity of this project, that you speak with professionals who know how to remodel a fireplace and have experience doing so. If you’re like some people who visit us, it could be a matter of tearing out some old tile and redoing what was there. But, if you’re like others, it could mean tearing out walls, running electrical, and thinking through structural changes. No matter which project yours ends up being, have fun researching your options, embrace the process and know that we’re here to help.

Resolve…..The Greatest Home Office for Him

Be the first of your friends to start off the New Year with an organized home office to support your financial success for 2011. You can have the perfect office to inspire you to success.  
The hot new color at furniture market is Red, the new scale is oversized and ottomans of all types instead of tables are the rage.  You could also infuse a little animal print to enhance your wild side.  Why not make a statement in your office by going for it and living on the edge? 

Check out some of these options and take action to create a space that will inspire and motivate you to success.
You can even put an entertainment center in your office to keep you going into the wee hours of the morning while you work.
You might even be able to enroll your boss in allowing you to work at home and save some commuting dollars as well as being a little GREEN.  If you work for yourself, this will give you a fresh start for 2011.

Rosemary

” Rosemary” by Sherwin Williams (#6187)

This rich green is perfectly balanced by its grey undertones.  It would look stunning in a masculine office, offset by ochre colored accessories and cognac or tobacco leathers.

Rock Your Babe In Your Crib

Are you ready for week 3 of “Rock Your Babe In Your Crib”?  What did you discover from last week’s exercise?
This week we are going to continue the adventure of discovering your style with some other questions and exercises. 
Which of the below pictures do you gravitate to upon first glance?  You might want to print out a page and circle the ones that get your attention.  Try not to think about them.  Just go with your gut instinct at your very first glance. 
Which would you say best fits your lifestyle or the lifestyle you would like your living or live/work environment to support?

Which Bar Stools could you see in Your Crib? 


Which of the above single chairs could you see actually using?

Which bench or ottoman could you see yourself using as a ottoman to put your feet up, extra seating for special quests, a bench to put on your shoes or a place to fold down your bedding at night?

Which of these luxurious beds could you see yourself spending long hours catching up on your shut eye?

Which chair and ottoman could you see yourself sitting by the fire, reading or just relaxing in?
Which of these sofas would you spend time lounging, partying, sleeping or reading on? Which is your favorite and why?
Which cabinet could you see using for your flat screen and or entertainment center?  What size is our flat screen and specifically what components would you need to house in the unit?
Of the items you’ve circled, which five would you consider for yourself?

Just a few other things to think about…
What is your absolute favorite color?
What is your budget?
What is your timeline goal to have your project complete?
Would you like to do your complete Crib to Rock Your Babe all at once or do you want to stage the process?
What type of textures do you like?  Slick flat, soft, hard, contrasting etc…..
Do you like a lot of light or not very much?
As other items come to mind….. jot them down and have some FUN with this!
After you complete this small exercise and know what you would like to start implementing in your home give me a call, send me an email, or post a comment and let’s get started!

Rock Your Babe In Your Crib

Are you ready for week 2 of “Rock Your Babe In Your Crib”?  Did you do Step 1 and Step 2?
What did you discover in the process of getting organized and making notes in your notebook or journal?  What ideas did you come up with?
This week we are going to continue the adventure of discovering your style. 
Which of the below pictures do you gravitate to upon first glance?  You might want to print out a page and circle the ones that get your attention.  Try not to think about them.  Just go with your gut instinct at your very first glance. 
Which would you say best fits your lifestyle or the lifestyle you would like your living or live/work environment to support?

Which would you say best fits your lifestyle or the lifestyle you would like your living or live/work environment to support?

Make a one word note under each picture that you circled which describes what you like about it.

Look at the common thread which would summarize your style based on what stood out for you in the circled pictures.
Did you learn anything about yourself and what you like that you didn’t know? 
Is there anything you liked that surprised you?
Write out a sentence that will summarize your style and keep these pages for your notebook or leather journal you have purchased for your journey of creating a crib that will Rock Your Babe.