Faux Fireplace, on the Cheap!

Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you miss the basic element of fire to warm those long nights? Unfortunately, your home's builder wasn't the romantic you are, and you have no fireplace. Never fear, The Budget Decorator is here! Ok, so that's corny, but this project sure isn't!

The first thing to do is to determine what element you want your fireplace to be made of. A lot of this depends on the formality of your room, and the style of fireplace you choose to make. Paint, tiles, faux bricks, wood molding and plywood, scrap beadboard, it goes on as far as your creativity.

Next, you'll need to determine how much labor you want to put into the construction. The options range from a flat front "tromp loeil" style fireplace, to a wooden construction of an actual fireplace box and mantle.

Suggestions to get you started:

Faux stone fireplace

Mask off the entire area of the fireplace, and paint it a background color-this will be your grout color. Mask off an area that will be the firebox, paint it a matte black color. Take an ordinary household sponge and tear it into several different size irregular pieces, simulating pieces of rock or stone. In a paper plate, pour three earth tone colors of craft paint. Dab the sponge into the paint colors, dont worry about them mixing some, dab off the extra paint so it doesn't run, then "stamp"stones onto the fireplace background. Continue to alternate sponge sizes, leaving some space between stones for a natural masonry look. Alternatively, if you have access to many smaller stones, how about glueing the stones right to the painted background! Add a mantle;a simple pine shelf will do.Be sure to accessorize the mantle with personal photos, and most importantly, candles! Candles give the impression of fire, and the mantle and firebox complete the illusion. This would be a great choice for an informal rustic space.

Faux tile fireplace

Seen those cool contemporary ceramic or stone tiled fireplaces? Easy to do. Same concept as above, except slightly more formal. You could either mask off the tiles with ¼ inch masking tape,and paint them, or if you can get some castoff tiles, you can glue on the real thing. I did mine with leftover faux marble self stick tiles from a floor project, and plain white ceramic tiles are pretty cheap.Hint: If you use self stick tiles, reinforce the adhesive with a glue gun! A flooring store might even have some discontinued tiles they would let you have for free. Looseends.com sells paper mache stones and brick, although I don't find them particularly cheap, they are excellent quality, and might be worth it. Or, you could try your hand at making your own. Finish off the fireplace edge and firebox with some cheap wood molding, even lathing strip, and add a mantle!

Classic Faux Fireplace

For the labor loving decorator, you could even construct an actual wood box, the most realistic of the choices! Since I don't pretend to be even a weekend woodworker, try the plans on discovery daytime (www.discovery.com) from The Christopher Lowell Show.

So, now, I know what I'm doing for the cold nights this coming winter!

Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist, and editor of The Budget Decorator. For hundreds of free budget decorating ideas and to sign up for her free newsletter and ebook, visit her at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com

---

5 Reasons to Make Early Spring Firewood Time at Your Home

As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds... Read More

Planning Your In-Wall Speaker System

So you've finally decided to get your favorite music throughout... Read More

Allow Me to Introduce You to the Fungus Family

What exactly is mold? There are over 100,000 different kinds... Read More

Is It Time For Solar Energy to Get Hot?

Solar energy has been around for quite a while and... Read More

Designing Your Log Home: Tips To Keep You Out of Trouble

Nearly every log home is a custom design, whether you... Read More

How to Layout Recessed Lighting

One of the most important principles to understand when designing... Read More

The $27,000 Toilet Seat - Funny DIY Story

This story was told to me by a plumber I... Read More

Basement Waterproofing Advice

Basements need to be waterproofed for many reasons. Cracks in... Read More

Lighting and your Kitchen - How to Design a Lighting Plan that Cooks!

Your kitchen, more than any other room in your home,... Read More

Bamboo Flooring Is Taking The Design World By Storm

Are you looking for something different for your house? Maybe... Read More

Where?s the Care Label for my New Bedspread?

I love bedspreads, don't you? A comforter can be used... Read More

Unique and Imaginative Wall Storage Ideas

Everyone can use more organization in their lives (except those... Read More

Easy Ways to Increase Your Houses Value

Before getting your house valuated think about the list below... Read More

Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself

After years of use, your floor will need to be... Read More

Chairs, Rocking Chairs and Other Comfortable Places To Park It!

A chair is one of the best inventions ever made.... Read More

Building Wood Stairs

Building a set of wood stairs is not nearly as... Read More

Kitchen Remodel - How to Survive

You have decided to make the plunge and begin to... Read More

3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence.... Read More

Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide

Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a... Read More

Choosing A New Floor

Is it time to give that tired kitchen floor a... Read More

Buyers Guide For Modern Mailboxes

Modern mailboxes are made predominately from cast aluminum or stainless... Read More

Why Should You Need Tools for Everyday Living

How often you have used tools for your everyday living?... Read More

Mahoganys Beauty and Durability Makes it Ideal for Deck Construction

A couple of years ago I had the chance to... Read More

Garage Doors

You may think choosing garage doors is straight forward, however... Read More

Pool Decks ? Add Ambiance to Your Above Ground Pool

Above ground pools are beloved by many and have gained... Read More

Installing Drywall: Mudding and Taping

Installing Drywall, or hanging drywall as the professionals usually refer... Read More

Home Remodeling: Colors and Temperature Perception

Colors contain underlying psychological meanings and evoke particular feelings when... Read More

About Lighting Your Home

Lighting is such a critical part of any home improvement... Read More

How to Select Exterior Shutters

Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add... Read More

Conservatory Planning Permission in the UK

It is quite unusual in the UK for a new... Read More

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards

A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is... Read More

The Next Revolution in Home Entertainment - IP Based Multi-Room Distribution

The Holy Grail of distributed audio; unlimited zones and unlimited... Read More

Electrical Savings System; Save up to 40% on Your Electric Bill Every Month

Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the... Read More