Whether you’re looking for coziness, warmth or style, a fireplace can enhance nearly any room in the house. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, 85 percent of people buying homes prefer to have at least one fireplace in it. A fireplace is an important part of a Boston area home remodel, and can create warmth, beauty and function.

Restoration

• If you’re thinking about upgrading or modernizing, consider changes to the hearth and mantel, as well as the chimney.
• One of the hottest trends in home remodeling with fireplaces is a single see-through unit on a dividing wall that opens up to hearths in two separate places. For example, one side opens to the living room, and the opposite side opens to the patio.
• Give the surrounding area of your fireplace front a fresh new look with brick, glass mosaic tiles, faux stacked limestone or carved stone.

Additions  

Adding a wood-burning fireplace with an open hearth is most traditional. It can enhance a room that’s being remodeled for a cozier look and feel. Brick and natural stone are still the favorite materials for fireplaces and chimneys.

Conversions  

If you have a wood-burning fireplace that you rarely use, it can be converted into a gas fireplace. Today’s models offer more natural-looking log sets, some with glowing ember beds. They also have decorative fronts in stone, faux wood and marble.