Keep the Fire. Rethink the Space.
Fireplace makeover ideas: transforming existing indoor and outdoor fireplaces without replacing the fire.
The fire still heats the room beautifully. It's everything around it that feels stuck in another decade.
A fireplace is often one of the most defining architectural features of a home, but the mantel, hearth and surrounding finishes can date long before the fire itself stops performing.
When that happens, many homeowners assume the only option is to start again.
Often, it isn't.
Redesigning the space around an existing fireplace can completely transform its appearance, often with less cost, less demolition and less waste than a full replacement.
At Designs for Fires, we're independent fireplace designers. We're not tied to any manufacturer, so our advice starts with what's right for your home, rather than a product to sell.
Sometimes that means a new fireplace. Often, it means keeping the one you already have and rethinking everything around it.
Is Your Fire Worth Keeping?
If your existing fireplace is in good condition, performs well and suits your heating requirements, there's every reason to explore retaining it.
Many fireplaces are perfectly functional but surrounded by dated materials, oversized mantels, tired hearths or cabinetry that no longer complements the home.
Of course, not every fireplace is worth keeping. Older wood burners may face local emissions restrictions, gas fireplaces can become difficult to service, and sometimes a fireplace simply isn't positioned correctly for a new layout.
As independent fireplace designers, we can assess the existing installation and advise whether retaining or replacing the fire makes the most sense.
Indoor Fireplaces: Small Changes, Big Difference
Some of the most striking fireplace transformations come from changing just one or two elements.
Rethink the Mantel and Hearth
Bespoke Mantel, Hearth & Joinery Design
A contemporary fireplace surround brings together a beautifully detailed stone mantel and hearth with complementary finishes and bespoke cabinetry.
The combination of natural stone, timber joinery and carefully considered proportions creates a cohesive architectural feature, demonstrating how the elements surrounding a fireplace can be just as important as the fire itself.
An oversized timber mantel can dominate a room. Replacing it with a slim stone shelf, or removing it altogether, can make the same fireplace look instantly more contemporary.
A new hearth in natural stone, porcelain or architectural concrete can have an equally dramatic effect.
The materials are important, but it's the detailing that makes the difference. Thickness, projection, proportions and the way each element meets the surrounding wall all contribute to a beautifully resolved design.
A carefully considered mantel or hearth can transform an ordinary fireplace into an architectural feature.
Introduce Bespoke Joinery and Storage
Designing Beyond the Fireplace
A considered fireplace design goes well beyond the fire itself. This architectural elevation illustrates how bespoke joinery, integrated wood storage, stone finishes and carefully proportioned shelving can be brought together to create a cohesive fireplace wall.
Every detail is considered, from material selection and dimensions through to the technical requirements of the fireplace.
A fireplace wall offers an ideal opportunity for custom-designed cabinetry.
Built-in bookshelves, concealed cupboards, integrated firewood storage and display shelving can turn a simple fireplace into the centrepiece of a living space.
The key is creating a cohesive design rather than simply adding cabinetry around an existing fire.
Proportions, shelf spacing, material selection and the relationship between the fireplace and surrounding joinery all need careful consideration.
Natural timber can introduce warmth and texture, while painted cabinetry, steel and stone create a more contemporary architectural aesthetic.
Bringing the Design to Life
The completed design concept brings together warm timber shelving, Dekton stone, concealed cabinetry and integrated firewood storage, creating a contemporary architectural feature.
Featuring a Stovax Studio 3 wood fireplace, this project demonstrates how thoughtful design of the surrounding space can be just as important as the fireplace itself.
Transform the Surrounding Wall
Sometimes the fireplace and hearth can remain exactly as they are.
A new plaster finish, natural stone cladding, brickwork or custom steel panelling can completely change the character of the space.
Even a subtle change in texture or colour can give an existing fireplace a fresh architectural identity.
The aim isn't necessarily to make the fireplace more prominent, but to create a balanced relationship between the fire, the surrounding materials and the architecture of the room.
Outdoor Fireplaces: Bring Them Back Into Step
Outdoor fireplaces often become permanent fixtures within a landscape, even as the surrounding architecture, decking and entertaining areas evolve.
An existing masonry fireplace may still function perfectly well, but its appearance no longer reflects the home or outdoor environment.
Rather than demolishing and replacing it, thoughtful design can give the existing structure an entirely new character.
Refresh the Materials and Finishes
Changing the exterior finish can have an extraordinary impact.
A new plaster render, natural stone, brick facing or carefully selected architectural finish can connect an existing outdoor fireplace with the materials used elsewhere in the home.
The result can be a more cohesive outdoor entertaining space, where the fireplace feels intentionally designed rather than simply added.
Add Architectural Detail
A new hearth, mantel or custom steel capping can significantly alter the proportions and appearance of an existing outdoor fireplace.
A raised or extended hearth introduces a strong horizontal element that visually anchors the structure.
A slim steel capping can create a crisp contemporary finish, while carefully detailed stonework can introduce texture and permanence.
Custom Steel Capping – The Detail Makes the Difference
A carefully designed steel capping can transform the appearance of an existing outdoor fireplace, introducing clean architectural lines and a contemporary finish.
This close-up highlights how the junction between steel and masonry creates a refined, purposeful detail. It's these finishing touches that can make a significant difference to the overall design, without replacing the fireplace itself.
These elements need to be designed with consideration for heat, weather exposure, drainage and the technical requirements of the existing fireplace.
Make Wood Storage Part of the Design
Firewood storage doesn't have to be an afterthought.
An integrated log store, recessed wood compartment or independent steel wood box can become an architectural feature in its own right.
The position, proportions and materials can be designed to complement the fireplace and surrounding outdoor space.
For some projects, an independent wood storage unit provides greater design flexibility than incorporating storage within the existing fireplace structure.
Outdoor Fireplace Design – Exploring the Possibilities
Three design concepts demonstrate how an existing outdoor fireplace can be transformed without replacing the fire itself.
By exploring different firewood storage arrangements, brick detailing and architectural features, each concept creates a distinct look while retaining the original fireplace structure.
From integrated wood storage to a separate architectural feature, these drawings highlight how thoughtful design can enhance both the appearance and functionality of an outdoor entertaining space.
The fire stays. The design evolves.
Project Spotlight: An Outdoor Fireplace Transformation
BEFORE | An Opportunity to Rethink
The existing outdoor Jetmaster fireplace was functional, but its dark finishes and surrounding structure no longer complemented the outdoor entertaining space.
The opportunity was to retain the existing fire while completely reimagining its architectural appearance.
An existing outdoor Jetmaster fireplace demonstrates just how dramatically a space can change without replacing the fire.
By rethinking the surrounding structure, finishes and architectural detailing, the fireplace has been transformed into a contemporary focal point for outdoor entertaining.
AFTER | A Contemporary Transformation
A fresh white plaster finish, refined architectural detailing and integrated seating and storage have given the existing fireplace an entirely new identity.
The lighter finishes create a more inviting outdoor entertaining area, transforming the fireplace into a striking focal point without replacing the fire itself.
The before-and-after photographs tell the story beautifully, demonstrating how considered design can give an existing fireplace an entirely new identity.
It's a perfect example of why replacing the fireplace itself isn't always necessary.
The Details That Make the Difference
Retaining an existing fireplace doesn't mean the technical requirements can be overlooked.
Changes to a mantel, hearth, surrounding wall or cabinetry must respect the manufacturer's installation requirements, ventilation provisions and clearances to combustible materials.
These considerations can have a significant influence on the final design.
A timber mantel may need to be positioned higher than anticipated. A television installed above a fireplace may require additional consideration of heat exposure. New hearth materials must be appropriate for the temperatures and conditions they will experience.
Outdoor fireplaces introduce further considerations, including weatherproofing, drainage, thermal movement and the condition of the existing structure.
Depending on the proposed alterations, building consent or other approvals may also be required.
This is where specialist knowledge becomes particularly valuable.
At Designs for Fires, we combine architectural and interior design expertise with extensive technical knowledge of fireplaces, ensuring that the finished design is not only beautiful but practical and achievable.
More Than Fireplace Selection
Fireplace design extends well beyond choosing the fire itself.
At Designs for Fires, we provide bespoke design services for both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, including:
Custom stone, steel and timber mantels
Hearth design and material selection
Bespoke cabinetry, shelving and integrated storage
Architectural steel panelling and fireplace surrounds
Outdoor fireplace finishes, cappings and detailing
Integrated and independent firewood storage
Fireplace wall and surrounding space redesign
Concept development, detailed drawings and specialist trade coordination
Whether the project involves a simple new mantel or a complete redesign of the surrounding space, the objective remains the same: creating a considered design that complements the architecture of your home.
How We Work
Every fireplace and every home is different.
Sometimes a new mantel or hearth is all it takes. Other times, redesigning an entire fireplace wall or outdoor structure provides a much better result.
We begin by understanding your existing fireplace, the surrounding architecture and what you'd like to achieve.
From there, we can develop design concepts, explore suitable materials and finishes, prepare detailed drawings and coordinate with specialist trades where required.
Our independent approach means we're free to recommend the solution that best suits your home, whether that involves retaining the existing fireplace, modifying its surroundings or considering a replacement.
Keep the Fire. Rethink the Space.
You may already have the perfect fireplace. It could simply need a fresh perspective.
Whether it's a beautifully detailed stone hearth, a contemporary mantel, bespoke joinery or a complete outdoor fireplace transformation, thoughtful design can make an extraordinary difference without necessarily replacing the fire.
Have an existing fireplace you'd love to transform?
Send us a photograph and tell us what you'd like to change. We'd be happy to discuss how Designs for Fires could help.
Designs for Fires | Independent fireplace design consultancy | New Zealand-wide