Let these designer favorite “before and after” transformations be your inspiration.
They say “a picture is worth a thousand words.” And they’re right – especially when it comes to home design. We pulled a few “before and after” photos from our files, classic examples of the difference a fireplace makes in a home, which are sure to provide inspiration for your next home remodel project.
Before and After
Many people don’t realize it, but it’s entirely possible to add a gas fireplace to a home that doesn’t currently have one – to dramatic effect. After 17 years in their Minnesota home, these owners were ready to give their living room a facelift and warm it up for chilly winters. As you can see, the transformation was incredible. They chose a direct vent gas Heat & Glo SL-750 as the focal point, adding cottage style accents and décor to the room. A simple mantel and surround were chosen to frame the fireplace and add interest. Originally blah and uninspiring, the room is now inviting and comfortable – and most importantly, warm!
Before and After
The owners of this home had recently sent their last child off to college and wanted to usher in their “empty nester” years with a new addition to their home – a gas fireplace. They chose a Heat & Glo SL-750TRS gas fireplace, a surround and hearth built of Chardonnay Southern Ledgestone, and a cast mantel and shelf. A fresh coat of paint and a furniture change completed the project. Their lower level, once filled with kids and chaos, is now a serene, warm and welcoming space – an excellent example of how adding a fireplace completes a home.
Before and After
After living there for 20+ years, the owners of this home were ready for a fresh update – and their fireplace was begging for help. It was a masonry-built wood-burning fireplace that was not only dated, but highly inefficient. You may have one just like it – there are literally hundreds of thousands of them in the U.S., exhausting up to 18,000 cubic feet of heated room air every hour they burn while drawing cold air into the home through windows and doors. As part of this project, the dated fireplace and tired stone surround were completely removed and replaced with a high efficiency Heat & Glo gas fireplace and updated surround, giving the room a totally new look. What you don’t see are the energy savings and the convenience of a gas fireplace. No more stacking and hauling cordwood, plus the new ability to start the fire with a remote control!
These photos really say it all: fireplaces are the hearts of our homes and make incredible focal points. Nothing compares to the cozy warmth of a fire – especially with the gales of November fast approaching!
Investigate all the styles and options for gas fireplaces here.