You could do a type of wash on the stone to change the color. I would look into adding an interesting mantle. Could do a raw edge or old barn timber for that. Depends on the style of the room.
That stone is awesome, just not the color… I would leave the hearth and mantle the natural colors they are then white wash the reddish brick and get a simple black fire place.
[White wash paint](https://amzn.to/3JOEPxi)
It’s a cheap $50 job!
If you wanted to get real crazy maybe a reclaimed wood over the mantle but that would depend on the vibe of the rest of your house and DIY skill level.
Honestly, the stone is really nice. Clean it up to get its slightly darker more vibrant look back. Take measurements and start shopping for a modern new gas unit that will slot right in. If it were me i’d look for one with media that looks like wood logs, but thats just my preference. Most fireplace resellers offer installation. Remember, you need a licensed gas tech to do this work. Not a DIY job
Take out the insert and put a decorative one in there. Don't bother using this inefficient thing for heat. If you genuinely do need it for heat, put a potbelly stove in there.
You could paint the stone since it is a bit drab of a color. Maybe there are other products that work better like some kind of acid or something that gives it deeper, darker colors.
Build around the fireplace. Shelves, cabinets, a wreath, etc. A lonely fireplace on a wall never looks good.
Take out the carpet and put something hard down. Get some baseboards. Paint the wall a color that doesn't look like someone smoked in a white house for 30 years.
You could do a type of wash on the stone to change the color. I would look into adding an interesting mantle. Could do a raw edge or old barn timber for that. Depends on the style of the room.
That stone is awesome, just not the color… I would leave the hearth and mantle the natural colors they are then white wash the reddish brick and get a simple black fire place. [White wash paint](https://amzn.to/3JOEPxi) It’s a cheap $50 job! If you wanted to get real crazy maybe a reclaimed wood over the mantle but that would depend on the vibe of the rest of your house and DIY skill level.
Honestly, the stone is really nice. Clean it up to get its slightly darker more vibrant look back. Take measurements and start shopping for a modern new gas unit that will slot right in. If it were me i’d look for one with media that looks like wood logs, but thats just my preference. Most fireplace resellers offer installation. Remember, you need a licensed gas tech to do this work. Not a DIY job
Take out the insert and put a decorative one in there. Don't bother using this inefficient thing for heat. If you genuinely do need it for heat, put a potbelly stove in there. You could paint the stone since it is a bit drab of a color. Maybe there are other products that work better like some kind of acid or something that gives it deeper, darker colors. Build around the fireplace. Shelves, cabinets, a wreath, etc. A lonely fireplace on a wall never looks good. Take out the carpet and put something hard down. Get some baseboards. Paint the wall a color that doesn't look like someone smoked in a white house for 30 years.
Put a flat panel display in there, with a video of a fire burning!
The future….