The fireplace is the most dominant element in any room. Holidays, family photos and memories are created around the hearth. When the temperatures begin to drop, there is nothing better than snuggling up with a book and a blanket by the mantle. Fire creates mood and ambiance,  Naturally, you want this element, and all that borders it, to complement the rest of your home design. 

Replacing a fireplace wall is mostly an aesthetic choice, but an updated fireplace can also add resale value.

Wood burning fireplaces can be converted to electric by changing the insert. Old gas fireplaces can be updated for energy efficiency. We have noticed that older houses in northern Minnesota often have fireplaces with brick or redundant knotty pine walls.  What do you do? Cover it, paint it, rip it out? Here are some design ideas to get you started. 

Reclaimed Wood

The fireplace is a perfect area to connect with nature inside the house because you are near the element of fire. In order to make yours feel extra outdoorsy, try incorporating natural elements like stone or wood into your design. Reclaimed wood beams have a wide variety of tree species and are a reflection of local historic forests. The diversity of wood found in historic buildings is usually directly related to the diversity of the local historic forests they were built from.

Shiplap

A wood covered wall makes any room feel warmer. Shiplap has become one of the most popular home trends over the last decade. In part due to Joanna Gaines' common use of it on their HGTV show "Fixer Upper." Shiplap is notched fitted wood paneling that was commonly used for waterproof siding in old ships and homes. (Lake Area) The wooden planks used feature a special cut on the top and bottom, so that the planks can be easily pieced together, like a puzzle. Incorporating shiplap onto a fireplace wall helps create clean lines that bring structure to the space. White shiplap can also help brighten the area while black, makes the fireplace more dramatic. If you are going for a modern farmhouse or traditional look, shiplap can really be incorporated into any style. Shiplap also makes a great background for seasonal decor and family photos.

Millwork

If your style is refined, sophisticated or traditional, custom millwork could be for you. If going for more of a traditional look try using a wood stain, and if doing something more clean-cut try painting.

Tile

Tile fireplaces are perfect for the most creative and fashion-forward clients. You can get really specific to your color palette and dress up an otherwise traditional or mundane room. It also allows you to incorporate a pattern to add some dimension and depth to the space.

Indoor / Outdoor Fireplaces

If you really want a showstopper in your home... this ends up being a real show stopper. Makes your home stand out. It makes a space feel bigger. It is perfect if you have a nice lake view or an outdoor patio. To expand your entertaining area and makes it a place that people want to sit around.  See through fireplaces are the ultimate show stoppers.