Things You'll Need:
- A fireplace ready for a facelift
- Faux stones/rocks
- Paint
- Decorative accessories
-
Step 1
Add faux stones. When you think of a rustic fireplace, you probably envision something crafted from rock or stone. You don’t have to rebuild your existing fireplace to get a rustic look. Instead, create a stone look with faux stones. This lightweight building product is sometimes called stone veneer. A variety of styles and colors are available, but best of all, these stones are easy on the back, making it perfect for a do-it-yourself project.
-
Step 2
Paint it. Not all rustic fireplaces need to be stone. Color can add a big impact, especially if you stick with a natural palette. Brick, paneled wood and stucco fireplaces can easily be painted, just make sure to follow nature’s cue to achieve a rustic look. Think woody shades of brown and gold, but also shades of stone gray or moss green. .
-
Step 3
Reface the mantel. Fireplaces are all about the mantels—massive, hand-hewn pieces of wood that make a statement. If your current mantel is on the wimpy side, beef it up with additional pieces or wood. Try to find wood that has a hand-hewn look. Look for old barn beams to cut and attach to the mantel. If real wood beams are impractical, consider faux wood beams.
-
Step 4
Accessorize it. Even if you can’t change the overall appearance of your fireplace, you can achieve a rustic look by adding accessories to the mantle. Add collectibles and antiques. Don’t forget candles or other types of lighting, like oil lanterns.
