There’s something about a fireplace that just feels like home.

It’s where stockings hang. Where pets curl up. Where people gather without even realizing they’re doing it.

Even in homes where the TV is technically the focal point, the fireplace is usually the emotional centre of the room.

But here’s the problem we see all the time.

The fireplace might still work perfectly…but visually? It’s stuck somewhere between 1987 and 2004.

Red brick.
Brass trim.
Chunky mantels.
Raised hearths.
Tile choices that made perfect sense once upon a time.

And suddenly the nicest room in your house feels dated.

The good news?

You usually do NOT need to replace the fireplace itself to completely transform how it looks.

At Multi-Trade Building Services, we almost never replace the actual gas unit. What we do instead is update everything around it to bring it into this decade.

Because most of the time, the problem isn't the fireplace.

It's the outfit it's wearing.

Let’s talk about what you can do.

Signs It Might Be Time To Update Your Fireplace

Sometimes homeowners ask:

"Is it even worth updating?"

Here are the signs we typically see:

• Orange or red brick dominating the room
• Brass or gold trim dating the space
• A raised hearth nobody actually uses
• No mantel or one that feels too heavy
• Tile that doesn't match anything anymore
• The fireplace wall feels flat or boring
• The room has been updated but the fireplace hasn't
• You avoid decorating it because nothing looks right

And my personal favourite sign:

"Everything else in the room looks great except… that thing."

If your eye always lands there for the wrong reason, it's probably time.

First Question We Always Ask Homeowners

Before we talk materials, we usually ask:

Do you want your fireplace to blend in… or become a feature?

Because those are two very different design directions.

Some homeowners want it calm and neutral. Others want drama. Both are great. The key is doing it intentionally.

Option 1: Painting Old Brick (The Biggest Transformation for the Least Disruption)

This is probably the most common update we do. And homeowners are often nervous about it.

"Can you paint brick?"

Yes.

"Will it look fake?"

Not if it’s done properly.

"Will I regret it?"

Almost nobody does once they see it finished.

Painting brick can instantly remove that heavy red/orange tone that makes rooms feel dated.

Popular colours we see homeowners choose:

• Warm whites
• Soft greiges
• Deep charcoal
• Matte black for modern contrast
• Soft taupe for transitional spaces

Done right, painted brick feels clean, intentional, and modern.

Done wrong?

It looks like someone grabbed a roller on a Saturday afternoon.

Prep matters. The right products matter. The finish matters.

This is not a "one coat and hope for the best" situation.

Option 2: Covering Brick Completely (When You Want a True Modern Look)

Sometimes homeowners don't just want to soften the brick.

They want it gone.

That's when we typically strap the surface and install a proper substrate like DensShield or drywall so we can create a clean, flat finish.

From there, the options open up dramatically:

• Smooth painted feature walls
• Large format tile
• Stone veneer
• Modern slab looks
• Microcement finishes
• Panel details

This approach lets us completely change the style of the room instead of just updating the colour.

Think of it like starting with a clean canvas instead of trying to work around the old brick.

Option 3: Adding a Mantel (Or Replacing an Outdated One)

A mantel can completely change the personality of a fireplace.

We often see:

No mantel at all
Which can make the fireplace feel unfinished.

Or…

Very heavy traditional mantels
That visually weigh down the room.

Simple modern mantels are extremely popular right now:

• Floating wood beams
• Clean painted shelves
• Minimalist profiles
• Reclaimed wood for warmth
• Painted mantels to match trim

The right mantel gives your eye a place to rest.

And it gives homeowners a place to decorate without wondering:

"Where do I even put anything?"

If you're starting to think your fireplace might be ready for an update but you're not sure what direction to take, sometimes a simple conversation is all it takes to turn ideas into a plan. If you'd like to explore what might work in your home, reach out and let's talk.

Let's talk

Option 4: Adding Tile for Texture and Interest

Tile is where fireplaces can really become showpieces.

Some popular approaches we see:

Full height tile feature walls
(very dramatic and very current)

Tile just around the opening
(simple and elegant)

Vertical stacked tile
(clean and modern)

Large format tile
(minimal grout lines, very upscale look)

Textured tile
(adds depth even in neutral colours)

One thing we always tell homeowners: Bring home samples. Hold them in your lighting.

Tile looks completely different under showroom lights versus your living room at 7pm.

Option 5: Adding Columns or Trim for Architectural Interest

Sometimes the fireplace just feels… flat. That's where adding trim details can make a huge difference.

We might add:

• Vertical columns
• Panel moulding
• Shaker style framing
• Box trim
• Transitional details

These details add structure without making the room feel busy.

It’s amazing how a little depth can make a fireplace feel custom instead of builder-basic.

Option 6: Painting the Fireplace Wall an Accent Colour

This is one of the simplest ideas and one of the most overlooked.

Instead of changing the fireplace…Change the wall around it.

We’ve seen beautiful results using:

• Deep navy
• Soft sage green
• Charcoal
• Warm mushroom tones
• Matte black feature walls

A darker wall can make the fireplace pop. A softer colour can make it blend beautifully.

Sometimes the update is as simple as changing the frame around the picture.

Option 7: Built-Ins Beside the Fireplace (One of the Most Requested Upgrades)

This is extremely popular right now. And for good reason.

Fireplaces can feel isolated in a big wall. Built-ins make the whole area feel intentional.

We commonly build:

• Floating shelves
• Lower cabinets with shelves above
• Symmetrical storage units
• Display shelving
• Media storage
• Combination cabinet and shelving designs

This does two important things:

It balances the wall visually. And it adds real storage which nobody ever complains about.

Homeowners often say afterward:

"It finally looks finished."

That’s usually the goal.

Option 8: Removing Raised Hearths (Especially for Aging in Place)

Raised hearths used to be very common.

Today?

Many homeowners prefer flush designs.

Reasons include:

• Cleaner modern look
• Trip hazard reduction
• Easier furniture placement
• Better accessibility
• Safer for grandchildren
• Better flow in the room

We frequently remove raised hearths and rebuild the area flush with the floor.

The difference can make the whole room feel bigger.

Don't Have a Fireplace? Here's an Easy Way to Add One

Electric fireplaces have come a long way. We're not talking about the old plug-in boxes anymore.

Modern electric fireplaces can be:

• Sleek and linear
• Wall mounted
• Built into feature walls
• Surrounded by tile or millwork
• Combined with built-ins
• Used as true design features

And the best part?

We can handle the electrical work, framing, mounting, and finishing so it looks intentional instead of added later.

Homeowners love this option because:

No venting required.

No gas line required.

No chimney required.

Just design possibilities.

It’s one of the easiest ways to add a focal point to a room that feels like it's missing something.

The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make When Updating a Fireplace

This is the part most people don't think about.

They choose materials individually instead of designing the whole wall.

Fireplaces look best when everything works together:

The mantel.
The tile.
The wall colour.
The built-ins.
The trim.
The flooring nearby.

When these are chosen separately, things can feel slightly off even if everything is nice on its own.

The best results happen when the fireplace is treated like part of the room design, not a separate project.

Another Mistake: Going Too Trendy

Trends are fun. But fireplaces are focal points. And focal points shouldn't feel dated in five years.

We usually suggest:

Choose a timeless base.
Add personality with décor.

That way you can change the styling later without renovating again.

How We Help Homeowners Decide

Most homeowners don’t come to us with a fully formed plan.

They usually say something like:

"I know I don't like it anymore but I don't know what I want."

That's completely normal.

We help by:

• Looking at the whole room
• Suggesting layout ideas
• Explaining what’s possible
• Showing material directions
• Discussing practical considerations
• Helping narrow options

Renovation decisions feel overwhelming when you're staring at 400 tile choices. They feel manageable when someone helps you narrow it to five good ones.

A Reality Check Most Contractors Won't Say

Updating a fireplace is rarely just about the fireplace. It's usually about how the room feels.

We often hear:

"I just don't love this room anymore."

After the update?

It becomes their favourite room again. Because fireplaces anchor the emotional feel of a space.

Change that…and everything changes.

If Your Fireplace Is Making Your Room Feel Dated, You Have Options

You don't have to live with outdated brick. You don't have to replace the entire unit. You don't have to figure it all out yourself.

Sometimes you just need someone to show you what's possible.

And that's where experience really helps.

After decades of renovations, we've learned something important. Homeowners rarely regret improving the spaces they use every day.

But they often regret waiting.

Thinking About Updating Your Fireplace?

If your fireplace feels like it's stuck in another decade, there are usually more options than you think.

Whether it's a simple refresh or a full feature wall transformation, the right update can completely change how your room feels.

If you're in Durham Region or Clarington and you're wondering what's possible in your space, we're always happy to have that conversation.

No pressure.

Just ideas.

Because sometimes all it takes is the right plan to make you fall back in love with your home again.

And honestly?

That's our favourite part of what we do.

If you're starting to think about updating other areas of your home too, these renovation blogs are a great place to gather ideas and see what’s possible.

Renovation Inspiration