Updating Your Brick Fireplace from Traditional to Trendy

Why Modernizing a Brick Fireplace?

A brick fireplace can be a defining focal point in any living space, but older brick fireplaces tend to feel outdated over time. Modernizing your brick fireplace is a relatively straightforward way to refresh its aesthetic and give your room a new look and feel. Rather than a complete overhaul, modernizing allows you to work with and enhance the natural beauty of the existing brick.

Complete Overhauling Vs. Modernizing

When contemplating a brick fireplace makeover, it’s important to understand that modernizing does not necessarily mean a total transformation. The goal is to update certain elements like the mantel, surround, hearth or brick itself in order to promote a more contemporary style while retaining the character and integrity of the original brickwork. Common modernizing techniques include painting or whitewashing the brick, installing a new mantel, adding decorative tile and refacing the existing surround. With some inexpensive updating ideas, it’s possible to significantly change the appearance of your brick fireplace without completely rebuilding it.

Benefits of Modernizing an Old Brick Fireplace

• Beyond preserving the historic brick, modernizing provides an affordable way to dramatically change the aesthetic of a focal living space feature.
• Updating the fireplace allows you to tailor its style to your desired design motif while maintaining the charm of natural materials like brick.
• Rather than a complete overhaul, targeted brick fireplace makeovers are generally lower in cost and less disruptive than full replacements.
• It allows you to maximize your living space while achieving a refreshed contemporary look suited to today’s interiors.

Evaluating Your Fireplace for Resurfacing

When determining if and how to modernize, carefully evaluate the condition of your existing brick fireplace. Inspect the mortar joints for cracks or crumbling which may need repair prior to beginning surface treatments. Check the structural integrity of the brickwork itself – if severely damaged or loose, refacing may be preferable to surface refinishing. Assess the surround and mantel for signs of wear. A deteriorated mantel may warrant replacement rather than incorporation into a modernized design. Understanding the existing condition will help establish a realistic scope and appropriate modernizing approach.

Options for Modernizing Brick Fireplace

Painting

One of the simplest and most effective ways to update a brick fireplace is with a fresh coat of paint. Painting brick allows for complete customization to suit any style. Some benefits of this option include:

• Painted brick comes in countless color options to complement different design motifs from traditional to contemporary. White is a versatile choice but grays and creams also work well.
• Paint adheres directly to clean, dry brick surfaces without the need for priming in most cases for a quick and low-cost transformation.
• The brick’s natural details like texture remain visible under paint for a balanced customized look that retains character.

Whitewashing or Limewashing

There is a subtle distinction between whitewashing and limewashing when it comes to modernizing a brick fireplace.

Whitewashing involves taking a water-based lime paint and diluting it with water before applying it to the brick surface with a brush. This results in a very faded, pale-colored wash that gives the brick an antique appearance.

Limewashing uses hydrated lime mixed with water to create a lime plaster or wash. It leaves a more opaque, matte white appearance. However, it does not completely cover up the brick, enhancing natural tones without making it a solid white. The overall effect is a subtly whitewashed look that updates an older brick fireplace to a more modern, light-filled aesthetic.

Refacing

Refacing a brick fireplace is a technique that involves installing a new surface over the existing brick facade to dramatically change its aesthetics and texture. A non-permanent thin veneer of stone, brick or tile is adhered directly to the front of the fireplace.

The pros and cons of refacing a brick fireplace:

• Pros: Allows complete design freedom, preserves the original brick, and offers easier installation than rebuilding.
• Cons: Permanently alters the appearance of the brick facade, and incurs additional material and installation costs.

Adding or Updating Existing Mantel

Adding a mantel to a brick fireplace or updating an existing one provides aesthetic and functional benefits. A mantel helps define the fireplace opening, giving it a finished look and adding a display surface.

Options for materials include natural stone for an elegant accent or reclaimed wood for a rustic flair, both complementing various modernized brick finishes.

Tiling Over Brick

Tiling over an existing brick fireplace facade provides a sleek, contemporary look. Ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles transform a traditional appearance into a glossy refined surface.

Pros and cons of tiling include:

• Pros: Durable, low-maintenance finish, highly customizable designs, and modern look.
• Cons: Permanent alteration, requires professional installation, and involves a semi-permanent change to the facade.

Tips for Maintaining Safety While Modernizing

• Use only non-combustible, heat-resistant materials near the firebox.
• Ensure adequate clearance between any decor and the flame area as per code.
• Inspect fireplace operation and have the chimney cleaned/inspected prior to use.

When to Call a Professional?

Any work involving the firebox structure, damper or direct flame path, such as refacing or tiling, warrants consultation with a certified masonry contractor. This ensures modifications comply with fire codes and safety standards.

Tips on Budgeting for the Modernization Project

• Compare costs of modernizing versus replacement where possible.
• Consider DIY options like painting to save on labor costs.
• Set a budget before choosing an approach and expand strategically if needed.
• Shop for deals on supplies and negotiate rates with contractors.

Maintaining Your Modernized Fireplace

• Follow cure times for new surface coatings before use.
• Regularly vacuum brick and mantel to prevent dirt buildup.
• Schedule annual chimney maintenance to keep it safe.
• Reapply treatments every 3-5 years as the finish weathers.

Interior Fireplace Design and Installation Services in Fredericton

Atlantic Brick and Stone is a top-rated masonry contractor that offers full design/build services for both functional and aesthetic interior fireplaces. Our team of experienced professionals can complete any project from concept to installation. Common services include fireplace remodeling, building wood-burning/gas inserts, and designing custom mantels/surrounds using brick, stone and tile. We guarantee high-quality workmanship and are licensed and insured.

What is a brick fireplace makeover?

A brick fireplace makeover involves updating the appearance of a traditional, often red brick fireplace to align with modern design trends and personal preferences.

Can we update a non-working fireplace with a brick makeover?

Yes, you can update a non-working fireplace with a brick makeover to convert it into a decorative focal point using techniques like whitewashing, adding a faux firebox, or simply painting the bricks for a fresh and modern look.

What is a mortar wash in the context of a brick fireplace makeover?

A mortar wash involves applying a mixture of water and mortar to the bricks to create a whitewashed or textured effect, offering a unique way to transform your fireplace without fully painting it.

How can I update the brick surround of my fireplace without a major renovation?

Without a major renovation, you can update the brick surround of your fireplace by using techniques like painting, adding a mantel, installing new tile, or incorporating architectural elements like shiplap for a refreshed appearance.

What are some design considerations when transforming a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace?

When transforming a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, consider factors like the room’s overall design style, the desired focal point, the use of complementary colors, and potential additions such as built-ins or decorative accents to achieve a cohesive and impactful result.