Traditional Meets Modern: Make Existing Fireplace Contemporary

• This free-standing fireplace adds presence--and storage.
  
  If you already have a fireplace but would like to give it a more contemporary look, there's no need to start from scratch. It's often much easier and less expensive to rework your existing fireplace than it is to have it rebuilt.
  
  If your fireplace is in good repair, simply replacing an ornate mantle with a more streamlined version, or even doing away with the mantel completely, is the best place to start.
  
  If you'd like to change the look of the brick or other materials, you have more options to consider. While painting the brick or other fireplace material is the quickest, least expensive fix, paint is also difficult to remove if you ever want to redecorate.
  
  Brick and fireplace refurbishment kits are available that will allow you to redo a brick or stone fireplace while preserving the brick-and-mortar appearance. This option is a bit more expensive than paint.
  
  

Thinking Outside the Firebox

• The ultimate in modern fireplace design.
  
  For those who do not have a fireplace, the possibilities for a modern one are endless, whether you want a traditional built-in or a freestanding style.
  
  Those looking for the traditional built-in fireplace with a contemporary feel will find that it's all in the materials. Modern fireplace designs often feature smooth-tiled, concrete or even wood fascias.They have either a minimalistic mantle or no mantle at all. The hearth is also a non-issue: Many modern fireplace designs locate the firebox higher up on the wall, eschewing the hearth altogether.
  
  The more adventurous may want to consider one of the many free-standing fireplace units available now. These units take modern fireplaces where they've never been before--the middle of the room, suspended from the ceiling, hanging on the wall.
  
  Free-standing fireplaces vent out the roof like the traditional fireplace, but instead of a chimney they often have a smaller flue.
  
  Another modern fireplace idea is the plug-and-play variety: the electric fireplace. While it will not give you the warmth or ambiance of a fuel fireplace, an electric fireplace can go in any room in the house, requires little to no maintenance and is available in a variety of styles.
  
  

Modern Fireplace, Modern Fuel

• Whether you're remodeling a fireplace or installing a new one, one of the questions that will inevitably arise is fuel for your fire.
  
  Many new fireplace designs have abandoned the old wood-burning model and have replaced it with wood pellets, gas and gel fuel. All of these are much cleaner and easier than to use than wood, especially if you live in the city or just find it difficult to cut firewood.
  
  For existing fireplaces, inserts are available to convert your wood-burner to pellet, gas or gel fuel. If you are installing a new fireplace, consider which fuel you'd prefer when deciding on the model you install.
  
  A word of advice about installing a new fireplace or a new insert : Unless you are a professional, this is a job best left to the professional, especially if your fireplace installation involves cutting ventilation holes in the walls or roof.