Your fireplace is one of the first things people notice when they walk into your living room. Whether it is a traditional brick hearth that has seen decades of use or a builder-grade insert that never quite matched your taste, a well-planned fireplace remodel can completely change the look and feel of your home. The right design choices can turn an outdated feature into a stunning focal point while also improving heating efficiency and even boosting your property value.
At On Duty Chimney, Masonry, Stove, we have helped homeowners throughout Leominster and Central Massachusetts bring their fireplace visions to life. With over a decade of hands-on experience in chimney and masonry work, we understand how to combine aesthetics with structural integrity so your remodel is built to last. Here are some of the best fireplace remodel ideas to consider for your next home improvement project.
Why Remodel Your Fireplace?
A fireplace remodel is about more than just appearances. Many older fireplaces in Central Massachusetts homes were built during the mid-twentieth century, and the materials and designs of that era do not always hold up to modern standards of efficiency, safety, or style. Cracked mortar, outdated tile work, damaged fireboxes, and poorly functioning dampers are all common issues that a remodel can address.
Beyond repairs, a remodel gives you the opportunity to update your home to reflect current design trends, improve heating performance with a modern insert, and create a space that genuinely feels like yours. Whether you are planning a full renovation or a cosmetic refresh, understanding your options is the first step.
Top Fireplace Remodel Ideas for Every Style
Floor-to-Ceiling Surrounds
One of the most impactful changes you can make is extending the fireplace surround from the mantel all the way up to the ceiling. This creates a dramatic feature wall that draws the eye upward and makes the entire room feel taller and more open. You can achieve this look with stacked stone, large-format porcelain tile, shiplap, or even a smooth plaster finish depending on whether you want rustic warmth or modern minimalism.
This approach works particularly well in homes with standard eight-foot ceilings because it adds visual height without requiring structural changes. The key is choosing a material that complements the rest of the room rather than competing with it.
Mixed Material Combinations
Combining two or more materials in your fireplace design adds depth, texture, and visual interest that a single-material approach cannot match. A popular combination is natural stone on the surround paired with a thick wood mantel and painted shiplap above. Another option is pairing sleek quartz or marble around the firebox with warm wood paneling extending to the ceiling.
This mix-and-match approach allows you to tie together different finishes already present in your home, such as flooring, cabinetry, or furniture materials, creating a cohesive look that feels intentional and curated.
Gas Insert Conversions
If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace that you rarely use because of the hassle of hauling firewood, cleaning ash, and managing smoke, converting to a gas insert might be the best remodel decision you can make. Modern gas inserts provide reliable, efficient heat at the push of a button while eliminating the mess and maintenance of wood burning.
Gas inserts are also significantly more energy efficient than open wood-burning fireplaces. While a traditional fireplace can actually pull warm air out of your home through the chimney, a gas insert with a sealed combustion system delivers heat directly into the room. For homeowners in Massachusetts who are looking to reduce heating costs during long winters, this is a practical upgrade that pays for itself over time.
Modern Stone with Clean Lines
Natural stone remains one of the most popular choices for fireplace surrounds, but the trend has shifted away from the heavy, rustic stacked-stone look of the past two decades. Today, homeowners are gravitating toward smoother cuts, thinner profiles, and cleaner silhouettes. Limestone, honed marble, and large-format slate tiles create a sophisticated, contemporary look while still offering the natural warmth that only real stone can provide.
For a truly modern effect, consider extending a smooth stone slab from floor to ceiling with minimal grout lines and no mantel shelf. The result is a sleek, gallery-like wall that lets the stone itself take center stage.
Built-In Storage and Functional Features
Your fireplace wall does not have to be purely decorative. Building custom shelving, wood storage compartments, or even a window-seat-style bench into the area surrounding your fireplace makes better use of the wall space and adds everyday functionality. This is especially valuable in smaller living rooms, condos, and open-plan layouts where every square foot counts.
Built-in cabinetry flanking the fireplace is another popular option that creates a balanced, symmetrical look while providing storage for books, electronics, and decorative items. Depending on the materials and finish you choose, this approach can work with both traditional and contemporary styles.
Tile and Mosaic Accents
Decorative tile is making a strong comeback in fireplace design, and the options go far beyond the standard ceramic tiles of the past. Handmade cement tiles, geometric patterns, Moroccan-inspired zellige tiles, and metallic mosaic accents can all bring personality and color to your fireplace surround. Even a small section of patterned tile around the firebox opening can create a striking contrast against a neutral wall.
Tile is also a practical choice because it is heat-resistant, easy to clean, and available at a wide range of price points. This makes it a great option for homeowners who want a high-impact visual change without the cost of a full stone installation.
Double-Sided and See-Through Fireplaces
If your floor plan allows for it, a double-sided or see-through fireplace adds ambiance to two rooms at once. These installations are particularly popular between living rooms and dining rooms or between a master bedroom and bathroom. A see-through gas fireplace with glass fronts on both sides creates a visual connection between spaces while still providing a sense of separation.
This type of remodel requires professional assessment of your existing chimney structure, wall framing, and ventilation, so it is not a simple weekend project. But for homeowners looking to make a major design statement, few remodeling options deliver the same wow factor.
Planning Your Fireplace Remodel
Setting a Budget
Working with Professionals
While some cosmetic changes like painting a brick surround can be handled as a DIY project, anything involving the firebox, flue, gas lines, or structural masonry should be handled by a professional. Improper modifications to a fireplace can create serious safety hazards including chimney fires, carbon monoxide exposure, and structural damage.
At On Duty Chimney, Masonry, Stove, our team brings the masonry expertise and chimney knowledge needed to handle both the aesthetic and structural sides of a fireplace remodel. We serve homeowners throughout Leominster, Fitchburg, Worcester, and the surrounding communities in Central Massachusetts.
Fireplace Remodel Ideas That Add Home Value
A well-executed fireplace remodel is one of the few home improvement projects that consistently delivers a strong return on investment. Real estate professionals regularly cite an updated fireplace as a selling point that attracts buyers and can increase a home’s perceived value. The key is choosing timeless materials and designs that will still look great five to ten years from now rather than chasing the trendiest option available today.
Neutral stone, clean lines, and high-quality gas inserts tend to appeal to the widest range of buyers. If you are remodeling with resale in mind, focus on upgrades that improve both appearance and function rather than purely decorative changes.
Ready to transform your fireplace? Contact On Duty Chimney, Masonry, Stove at (978) 696-7933 to schedule a consultation. We help homeowners throughout Leominster and Central Massachusetts design and build fireplace remodels that are safe, beautiful, and built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Remodeling
Costs vary widely depending on the scope of work. A cosmetic refresh such as new paint or tile might run a few hundred dollars, while a complete remodel with a new surround, mantel, and gas insert can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule an in-home consultation so we can assess your existing fireplace and discuss your goals.
Yes, most wood-burning fireplaces can be converted to gas with the installation of a gas insert. This involves fitting a sealed gas unit into your existing firebox and connecting it to a gas line. A chimney inspection is recommended first to ensure the flue and firebox are in suitable condition for the conversion.
It depends on the scope of the work. Cosmetic changes generally do not require a permit, but any modification involving gas lines, structural changes, or new venting typically does. Your contractor should be familiar with local building codes and can help you determine what permits are needed.
A simple surround replacement or cosmetic update can often be completed in one to two days. More complex projects involving gas insert installation, structural masonry work, or custom built-ins may take one to two weeks depending on the scope and materials involved.
The best material depends on your design goals and budget. Natural stone offers timeless beauty and durability. Porcelain tile provides versatility at a lower price point. Marble and quartz create a high-end contemporary look. Each material has different heat resistance, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic characteristics, so choosing one that fits your lifestyle and design vision is important.
In most cases, yes. An updated fireplace is consistently listed among the home features that buyers find most appealing. Upgrades that combine visual improvement with functional benefits, such as a gas insert conversion or improved energy efficiency, tend to deliver the strongest return on investment.