Is your fireplace outdated—or is the entire fireplace wall the problem?

Maybe your existing fireplace no longer fits the room. Maybe you want more heat. Maybe you are considering a gas fireplace, an insert, or an electric option but are not sure what is possible in your home.

Before you start choosing a fireplace, there is one question worth answering first:

What do you want your fireplace to do better?

Beautiful homes don’t happen by accident. They’re Designed.

And successful fireplace projects Start With a Plan.

What should you decide before choosing a fireplace?

Start with the space—not the fireplace.

Ask:

• Am I replacing an existing fireplace or adding a new one?
• Do I want more heat, a better appearance, or both?
• How will the fireplace be used?
• What type of fuel makes sense for my home?
• How should the fireplace fit into the room?

These answers should guide the project.

A fireplace should not simply be selected as an individual product.

It should work with the room around it.

What type of fireplace is right for my home?

The right choice depends on your home, your existing space, and what you want the fireplace to accomplish.

Options may include:

• Gas fireplaces
• Gas fireplace inserts
• Electric fireplaces
• Other fireplace solutions depending on the space and project

Each option has different considerations related to installation, heat, appearance, operation, and the existing structure of the home.

The best choice is not necessarily the most popular option.

It is the one that fits your home and how you want to use the space.

Can I update an existing fireplace?

Often, the fireplace itself is not the only problem.

The surround, hearth, mantel, wall, or overall design may be what makes the fireplace feel dated.

Updating the fireplace area can involve:

• Replacing an existing fireplace
• Adding a fireplace insert
• Updating the surround
• Changing the tile or stone
• Improving the overall design of the fireplace wall

The goal is to understand the complete space before deciding what needs to change.

Sometimes the right solution is a new fireplace.

Sometimes the greatest impact comes from updating how the entire fireplace area looks and functions.

How do you choose the right fireplace surround?

The fireplace is often a focal point of the room.

The materials surrounding it can significantly affect the overall appearance.

The right combination may involve:

• Stone
• Tile
• A mantel
• A hearth
• Wood or other architectural details

The surround should work with the fireplace, the room, and the overall style of the home.

Choosing the fireplace first and trying to figure out the rest later can make the process more difficult.

The complete fireplace design should be considered together.

How much does a fireplace project cost?

There is no single price for adding or replacing a fireplace.

The investment depends on the type of fireplace, the existing space, installation requirements, the surround materials, and the scope of the project.

Replacing an existing unit is different from adding a completely new fireplace.

Updating a fireplace surround is different from changing the fireplace itself.

Understanding the scope of the project early helps you make decisions that fit both your goals and your home.

What are the biggest fireplace remodeling mistakes?

Common mistakes include:

• Choosing a fireplace before understanding the space
• Focusing only on the appearance of the unit
• Ignoring the fireplace surround
• Waiting until the end to think about the complete design
• Choosing based only on the lowest price

The goal is not simply to install a fireplace.

The goal is to create a fireplace that works with the room and contributes to how your home feels.

Why is KBL the right place to begin?

You do not need to know exactly which fireplace you want before visiting KBL.

You can start with an outdated fireplace.

You can start with a room that needs a focal point.

You can start with questions about gas, inserts, electric options, heat, appearance, or what may be possible in your existing space.

Bring photos of your existing fireplace or room if you have them. Start by talking through what you have and what you want to change.

At KBL Design Center, you can explore fireplace options and the materials that help create the finished look while talking through how the fireplace fits into the larger room.

You can compare options, ask questions, and begin to understand the possibilities before deciding what makes sense for your home.

Whether you are replacing an existing fireplace, updating an outdated fireplace, or considering adding one to your home, you can start where you are.

Beautiful homes don’t happen by accident. They’re Designed.

Start With a Plan.

If you are thinking about updating or adding a fireplace, visit KBL Design Center in Peoria to explore your options and begin the conversation about what could work best for your home.