Upgrading Our Chimney: A Simple Yet Charming Transformation

One of my favorite parts of this renovation journey has been the small but impactful updates that bring charm and character to every corner of our home. Our chimney is a focal point in the living room, but I felt like it needed something more to align with the cozy, English-cottage feel we’re going for. A few easy changes later, and this cozy chimney upgrade completely transformed the space.
Here’s a picture of how the chimney and mantel area looked when I began this project. There’s nothing wrong with it, but I wanted a more cottage feel.

First, things first, we took the huge cabinet apart and moved it into the kitchen. We both love this piece, but it was overwhelming the small room and I was never happy with the look. Now situated in its new home, the cabinet has greater functionality and adds a dimension to the kitchen that was lacking. We moved the smaller Chinese style cabinet into that space, giving me a place to put the lamp with a pleated shade I made and add seasonal decor when I want. The area feels more open now and the chimney has taken centre stage.

Creating a Custom Frame for the TV

The next thing we addressed was our TV, which hangs above the fireplace. The Frame TV is designed to look like art on the wall with an ability to change the artwork whenever you want but it never looked right to me, even with artwork displayed. We explored the idea of buying a frame, as the tv is designed to add frames and personalize the look, but the cost was way beyond anything I was prepared to pay. So, rather than letting the TV continue to dominate the space with its stark, modern look, we made custom frame for it, turning it into more of a feature than a distraction. This process is simple.

We purchased two lengths of 2.4m timber trim and I gave it two coats of gold spray paint and a coat of gold Rub n Buff. Gavin measured the inside of the current frame, and cut the trim to fit using the mitre box. I glued the corners with liquid nails and as the glue began to set, added small L brackets to the corners for extra stability. Then, I filled the corner gaps, gave them a sand and covered with Rub n Buff. I used a removable command stripin each corner to attach the frame to the tv. That way I can take it down and change it out if I wish.

I love how this transformation. The soft, antique gold complements the warm tones of the room and gives it a touch of vintage elegance. And the pastoral landscape artwork echoes the colors of other art around the room.

Painting the Inside the Chimney

Another key part of this chimney upgrade was disguising the wood stove within the fireplace. While the electric wood heater adds wonderful warmth and character, its placement inside the chimney was a bit too harsh against the white brick. To soften this contrast, I painted the inside of the chimney a deep, matte black. The dark backdrop now makes the wood stove blend in more naturally, creating a cohesive, clean look that feels more intentional and less cluttered.

Elevating the Stove with Painted Handles

The easiest part of the chimney upgrade was something I hadn’t initially thought would have such an impact—painting the handles on the stove. They were originally cheap shiny chrome, but with a coat of gold paint, they now match the stove perfectly, adding a sleek and polished feel to the entire piece. It’s a small detail, but it elevates the overall look of the stove, making it feel more expensive than it really is..

The Finishing Touches

Finally, no update would be complete without some thoughtful decor to tie everything together. A couple of wicker baskets at the base of the hearth hold soft blankets, ready for cool evenings by the fire. The mantle is adorned with vintage treasures, candles, and seasonal greenery, making it the perfect place to style with the seasons.

All these small updates—the framed TV, the painted chimney, and the refinished stove handles—have transformed our fireplace into the perfect cozy centerpiece of the living room. It’s amazing how just a few simple changes can make such a big difference.

Have you tackled any chimney or fireplace upgrades lately? I’d love to hear how you’ve personalized your space!