With the long winters here in Edmonton, fireplaces are an essential part of a home. A well-planned renovation can turn the fireplace into a show-stopping centrepiece and completely elevate the feel of your home. Here’s what you need to know before you renovate.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to think beyond basic tile and builder-grade mantels. You’ll see how different finishes, layout changes, built-ins, and lighting details can turn your fireplace into a true focal point. Whether you’re reworking the space entirely or just refreshing the existing fireplace, these real-life project tips will help you get the most out of your Edmonton living room renovation.
Fireplace Finish Options Beyond Tile and Stone
Tile and stone are classic choices for a fireplace finish, but they’re far from your only options.
In this Henderson Estates project, our team created a visually rich fireplace design using a mix of shiplap and plaster.
Here’s how to think beyond the basics in your own living room:
Mix textures for impact. Smooth plaster and wood grain shiplap can create contrast while keeping the look clean and contemporary.
Tie in surrounding elements. In the Henderson Estates project, the stained mantel matches the floating shelves and upper cabinetry, bringing cohesion to the full accent wall.
Accent with cabinetry colour. A rich base cabinet tone can add a pop of personality and balance.
So, before you default to tile for your fireplace, consider how alternate finishes might complement the style of the rest of your space.
Check out the Henderson Estates project on our Portfolio, or watch the video below for more details!
How to Decide Between a Gas, Electric, And Wood-Burning Fireplace
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are a popular choice for modern homes. They’re easy to install, don’t require a gas line or venting, and offer flexible placement in almost any room. They don’t provide the same level of heat as gas or wood-burning fireplaces, but they’re ideal for supplemental warmth and ambience. The maintenance is minimal, and many models come with customizable flame effects that let you control the mood.
I have an electric fireplace in my home – it is contemporary, elegant, and sets the tone for the living room’s design. This style works beautifully with the TV above it, offering a seamless and balanced focal point in the room.
Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are still a go-to choice for homeowners who want the best of both worlds: consistent heat and the look of a real flame. They can produce significantly more heat than electric models, which make them a practical option in cold climates. While installation and maintenance costs are higher, gas fireplaces add long-term value and give off the cozy atmosphere so many people are after.
In terms of style, gas fireplaces are incredibly versatile. You can choose from traditional designs with logs and glowing embers or go for a sleek linear model with glass beads or modern finishes. They also pair well with built-ins or media walls!
Check out this remarkable gas fireplace from the Oleskiw main floor renovation!
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
There’s nothing quite like the crackle of a real fire. A wood-burning fireplace creates warmth, ambiance, and a design element that never goes out of style. That said, they do come with a little more maintenance, like chimney cleaning and ash disposal, and they produce more emissions than gas or electric fireplaces.
In our Greenfield main-floor transformation and sunroom addition, we installed a wood-burning stove, pine floor, and vaulted ceilings in the sunroom, which made for a truly cozy, cabin vibe.
Last year, I refreshed my basement and added a second fireplace to the home. It’s a Pacific Energy Super LE wood-burning stove that’s beautiful and functional. It heats the whole house and adds a warm, classic feel that’s perfect for those chilly winter nights here in Edmonton. Even our dog loves it!
If you want a closer look, I walk you through how I built and installed it in this video.
How to Get Creative with the Space Around Your Fireplace
Don’t overlook the built-ins and floating shelves beside your fireplace. This space is perfect for elevating the living room and making the wall a focal point for the home.
In this Henderson Estates home, we went for a custom, asymmetrical layout with offset floating shelves and a glass cabinet for displaying crystalware. We made the space cozy and warm by integrating puck lighting under the shelves.
Here are a few key tips to consider when planning your own layout:
Think display space, not just storage space. Use this area to showcase the items you love to look at everyday and want to show off to guests.
Break the symmetry. An off-centre design can add visual interest and give your accent wall a modern edge.
Layer in lighting. Accent lighting elevates the look and makes your fireplace wall feel more dynamic. In this Henderson Estates renovation, we installed RGBK puck lights, which let the homeowner customize the colour for any mood or occasion.
Start by thinking about what you’d like to display or store, and let that guide your cabinetry layout. We’ve got a past blog with more tips on how to get creative with the space around your fireplace, check it out!
Take a look at the Henderson Estates project on our Portfolio, or watch the video below for more details!
Plan Far in Advance for a Fireplace Rebuild
If your existing fireplace layout no longer works for you, especially if you want to add a TV or shift to a more modern aesthetic, you might need a complete rebuild.
In this Sturgeon County transformation, the entire chase was reframed to accommodate a linear gas fireplace and a new wall-mounted TV. From large-format tile to asymmetrical cabinetry and a slat feature wall, we designed every element to enhance the scale and symmetry of the room.
Here’s what to keep in mind when planning to rebuild your fireplace:
Rebuilding opens up design potential. You’re not limited by the old structure, if you’re ready for a full transformation, you can completely reframe it.
Think big with finishes. Large-format tile makes a bold impact and minimizes grout lines.
Design with balance. In this renovation, we designed a linear fireplace and asymmetrical shelving to bring visual interest without overwhelming the space. It resulted in a remarkable, clean space for the homeowner to relax after a long day.
Rebuilding your fireplace wall is a bigger investment, but it’s often what’s needed to create a show-stopping result.
Check out the Sturgeon County project on our Portfolio, or watch the video below for more details!
Modernize Your Existing Fireplace
A full replacement isn’t always necessary to make your fireplace look and feel modern. Perhaps you love the layout of your existing fireplace, but you’d love to modernize it to fit the rest of your renovated home. With the right updates, even an older unit can become a standout feature in your living room.
Here’s what to consider when upgrading your dated fireplace:
Rebuild the chase. Instead of removing the fireplace, we reconfigured the chase to create a more grounded look. Moving the unit closer to floor level gave the fireplace better proportions and a more modern presence.
Update the surround. We added a new tile finish and a raised hearth for visual weight and balance to the wall. This creates a natural break between the fireplace and TV above, which is something to consider if you’re integrating both. We added new tile around the fireplace in our Ironwood Point transformation, take a look!
Keep the wiring clean. A hidden raceway can be added to conceal the cables behind the wall for a seamless look. It’s a simple detail that makes a huge difference.
Add a personal touch. In The Grange project, the homeowner built their own custom wood mantel. Whether you build your own mantel or pick out your favourite display items to go on top, adding a custom touch will elevate the entire design.
If your current fireplace isn’t modern enough for you, you don’t necessarily need to start from scratch. Smart updates can completely transform the space.
Check out The Grange project on our Portfolio, or watch the video below for more details!
Need a little professional advice as you plan your dream renovation?
We have much more to share! Send us an email at info@contactrenovations.ca – we’d love to help you make your dream Edmonton (& surrounding area) home a reality.
Don’t miss out on more advice from Paul and his fellow industry experts. Subscribe to our YouTube channel where you’ll find a deep dive into the process behind our remarkable renovations through our weekly videos.
Sign up to our monthly newsletter to receive high quality renovation content straight to your inbox, crafted to help you make confident, informed decisions for your home.