Transforming a fire will be as simple as adding a tile surround, a fire screen or door, or a mantel. In this focal fireplace by architect Jim Rill, Pennsylvania flagstone distinguishes the fireside encompass and floor, and the mantel and trim are manufactured from clear fir to enrich the mission-style furniture and exposed beam ceiling beautifully. And whereas a yearly inspection for creosote buildup is necessary, a more thorough take a look at the whole structure of the fireplace will hold you and your private home protected from avoidable fires.

The fireside is often the most commanding component in any room it’s in. Dimension and abundance of material are often factors, but as renovation specialist Ron Parko factors out, our eyes are naturally drawn to the darkest object in a room anyway. First step: Determine what sort of fire you need by shopping pictures of different fireplace styles and saving your favorites Then contact a professional to get going.

Designer Maria Killam, CMG, used vivid orange paint around and over the fireplace here, for a daring look you may simply replicate with any favourite hue. Maybe one among our most drastic transformations, the previous wall was removed and a modern …