Heartwarming hearth reno

Shelf life Collections displayed on the twin built-ins are kept simple and streamlined. When styling a pair of bookcases on either side of a mantel, step back every so often to survey your progress and ensure your arrangement has balance.

6 options for a hearth you can warm up to
One of these makeover ideas may give your tired fireplace the spark it needs. In all cases, be sure your work is done to code, says Eileen.

1 Paint over existing brick.

2 Cover brick with drywall, then paint.

3 Cover with wood or MDF panelling, then stain.

4 Ditch the mantel altogether and build a cantilevered hearth that doubles as seating.

5 Think tile: oversize, glass, tumbled stone or even metal.

6 Clad the fireplace in natural stone, provided it will be able to support the weight.

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