When I inherited my grandmother’s 1960s ranch home, the big brick fireplace dominated the living room with its antiquated orange-red color and clunky construction. Initially, I pondered tearing down the entire building to make more open floor space for modern furniture configurations. However, after investigating restoration alternatives and talking with …
When I originally considered renovating our living room fireplace, the previous brick hearth felt archaic and inadequate for our growing family. The tiny expansion barely protected against sparks, and the red brick clashed with our modern design. After investigating various materials and architectural techniques, I was drawn to the timeless …
My obsession with enormous outdoor fireplaces originated during a camping trip in Colorado, where I was drawn to a massive stone fire pit surrounded by friends sharing stories under the stars. That event inspired me to establish a similar gathering spot in my backyard, transforming a previously unused lawn area …
My experience with gas fireplace chimneys began when I opted to convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas for convenience and efficiency in my 1980s colonial home. I figured the existing brick chimney would function wonderfully with only minor alterations, but I immediately discovered that gas appliances have unique venting needs …
My obsession with mid-century modern tile fireplaces began when I bought a 1962 split-level house that had been poorly remodeled in the 1990s. The original fireplace had been covered with cheap beige tiles, destroying the home’s architectural character. After peeling back layers of mistaken revisions, I discovered fragments of the …
My foray into modern fireplace surround design began when I inherited my grandmother’s 1960s ranch house, which featured an outmoded brick fireplace that dominated the living room. The hefty red brickwork and heavy oak mantel felt oppressive and archaic, in stark contrast to my modern furniture and minimalist design. I …
My obsession with fireplace screen designs began one winter evening as I sat staring at my boring, generic black mesh screen. The fire flared behind this boring barrier, and I couldn’t help but reflect on all the squandered opportunities to make something beautiful and effective. That moment spurred my search …
Last fall, I rebuilt my ancient brick fireplace mantel with elegant natural stone, taking our living room from antiquated to contemporary in a single weekend job. The antique red brick clashed with our modern furniture, making the area feel confined despite its spacious size. Choosing limestone with crisp horizontal lines …
I built my first flat fireplace insert two years ago, when our traditional wood-burning fireplace became more of a chore than a pleasure. The continuous cleaning, smoke problems, and inadequate heating prompted me to explore modern options. Electric flat inserts piqued my interest with their sleek designs and instant ambiance, …
I never anticipated a simple fireplace screen to completely transform my living room, but that is exactly what occurred when I discovered sliding barn door fireplace screens. Three years ago, my standard mesh screen was practical but very dull. It served the objective of containing sparks, but it did little …
My first experience with electric fireplace stoves came during a very hard winter, when my ancient gas furnace failed to heat my entire home adequately. I discovered these creative heating solutions when looking for supplemental heating choices that didn’t involve expensive installs or upgrades. The concept of having realistic flames …
When I chose to turn my uncomfortable corner space into a practical focal point, installing corner fireplace built-ins was my most rewarding home renovation job. The unused nook had always felt like a waste of space, collecting dust and acting as a catch-all for miscellaneous stuff. Following months of planning …
When I first saw my ideal home, the towering white brick fireplace drew attention from every angle of the living room. Standing nearly ten feet tall, this amazing building extended from floor to ceiling, its spotless white bricks capturing and reflecting light all day. The fireplace was more than simply …
During a hiking trip in Ireland, I accidentally discovered the old method of dry stone masonry. Watching native craftsmen lay stones without mortar to build walls that had survived for centuries triggered something deep within me. Their technique appeared deceptively simple, but I could detect the skill necessary. When I …
I never saw myself building outdoor fireplaces, but three years later, I’m still captivated by the roaring flames in my garden. It all began when my wife recommended we add something to make our patio more welcoming. After spending several evenings at home during the pandemic, we sought a chance …
My love with outdoor gas fireplace kits began three summers ago, when I discovered my backyard lacked a primary meeting area for family and friends. After exploring numerous options and making several pricey mistakes, I realized that selecting the proper kit can transform any outdoor space into a year-round entertainment …
When I first started refurbishing my living room, I had no idea how dramatically the fireplace tiles would change the entire space. After years of working with homeowners and experimenting with various materials in my own house, I’ve realized that selecting the appropriate fireplace tiles can radically affect a room’s …
I’ve always believed that an electric fireplace without a proper surround feels incomplete, like wearing a beautiful dress without accessories. When I first installed my electric fireplace insert, the bare opening looked so stark against my living room wall. That’s when I discovered the magic of creating custom surrounds that …
When I initially moved into my century-old house, the huge stone fireplace dominated the living room like an ancient altar. The previous owners had left behind a rusted, twisted screen that appeared to have withstood several home fires. I knew right away that choosing the perfect modern fireplace screen would …
When I first started planning my living room renovation, I didn’t realize how important mantel width was to the entire beauty and use of my fireplace. I assumed that any appealing mantel would work well, focusing on design and substance rather than specific measurements. After installing a mantel that appeared …