Remodeling your fireplace can be fun. According to http://DoItYourself.com, changing the appearance of a fireplace can be one of the most gratifying modifications you can make to a room. While there is some expense involved, the payback is worth it. And, if you're somewhat handy with home improvement, it's work you can do yourself.



First you need to determine the style you're striving for: traditional, contemporary, or modern. Since you will be working with a combination of tile, wood, or stone, and maybe even sheet-rock and plaster, proceed only after you've done your homework. Many homes are in the traditional style, so we will use this style as the prototype. Many of these principles, however, still apply even if your home is modern or contemporary.

Look through home decor magazines that show homes similar in style to your own. This will help you identify details that will be useful in designing your own fireplace. After you have about 10 to 20 pictures, you will begin to see a consistency in the style.

Now you're ready to apply what you've learned and design your own fireplace surround. This is a project that requires a variety of tools and exact measurements for the end result to be perfect. If your own skills at cutting tile, using a hammer and saw, and spreading cement are somewhat limited, you should work with a good contractor or a handyman who can implement your design. Even pre-made mantels require some carpentry to ensure their stability and permanence.

Carefully go through your designs with the person who will be making it and make sure that he or she understands the end result you want. Order all your materials and wait for them to be delivered to your home before you start the work, so that you don't get stuck in the middle of the project because you are waiting for something. Once you have everything, the project should take you no more than a day or two to complete.

With this information in hand you should have everything you need to redesign your fireplace surround into a more appealing focal point for your home.