Update your fireplace with these trending ideas.
.png)
Your fireplace was once the crown jewel of your living room. Now? It's the one thing you avoid showing guests. That dated red brick, those brassy doors from the 1980s, the dark mortar that seemed elegant thirty years ago but now just makes the room feel heavy and outdated.
You're not alone. Thousands of Minneapolis homeowners are staring at the same problem, wondering if they need to demolish everything and start from scratch. The good news? Modern fireplace transformations don't require gutting your entire room or breaking the bank. The 2026 trends emerging across the Twin Cities prove that strategic updates can completely transform your fireplace from embarrassing eyesore to stunning focal point.
Here's what Twin Cities homeowners tell us at Fredrickson Masonry: they love the idea of gathering around a warm fireplace during Minnesota's brutal winters, but they can't stand looking at their outdated masonry. The fireplace that came with their 1990s home hasn't aged well. The orange-toned brick clashes with everything. The chunky mantel collects dust. The brass fireplace doors scream "we haven't updated since Clinton was president."
Every time you entertain, you notice guests' eyes drift to that fireplace—and not in a good way. You've considered painting it, but you're worried about ruining the brick. You've thought about a full renovation, but the quotes make your stomach drop. Meanwhile, you scroll through home design accounts on social media, seeing gorgeous modern fireplaces that make yours look even more dated by comparison.
Your home deserves better. More importantly, you deserve to love your living space without cringing every time you look at your fireplace.
At Fredrickson Masonry, we've spent over 15 years transforming outdated fireplaces throughout the Twin Cities. We understand Minnesota's unique challenges—not just the aesthetic concerns, but the technical requirements of maintaining safe, functional fireplaces that can withstand our harsh freeze-thaw cycles.
Our team has modernized hundreds of fireplaces using techniques that preserve structural integrity while delivering the contemporary look homeowners crave. Whether you're in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Edina, Bloomington, or Prior Lake, we combine craftsmanship that lasts for generations with designs that reflect current trends.
The fastest-growing trend we're seeing in 2026 is whitewashing and limewashing brick fireplaces. This technique lightens dated red or orange brick while maintaining texture and character—creating that modern farmhouse aesthetic that Minneapolis homeowners are requesting more than ever.
What's the difference? Whitewashing is a thinned-down paint mixture that allows some brick color to show through, creating a soft, muted look. Limewashing uses a traditional lime-based solution that actually breathes with the brick, making it ideal for Minnesota homes where moisture management is critical during our temperature swings.
Here's why Twin Cities homeowners love this approach: it completely transforms the fireplace's visual impact without the expense of replacing materials. A fireplace that once dominated the room with heavy, dark brick becomes a light, airy focal point that opens up the entire space.
Minnesota consideration: Our freeze-thaw cycles mean moisture can penetrate brick. Limewashing actually protects brick while creating a weathered, European aesthetic that's both trendy and functional. When we modernize your fireplace, we ensure any finishing technique we apply works with Minnesota's climate, not against it.
If you've been browsing design magazines or following home renovation accounts, you've seen German schmear everywhere in 2026. This technique involves applying a thin layer of wet mortar over brick and then partially removing it to create an old-world, textured appearance.
The result? Your fireplace looks like it belongs in a European cottage—sophisticated, unique, and absolutely nothing like every other fireplace in your neighborhood. The technique creates depth and visual interest while dramatically updating the color palette.
Twin Cities homeowners appreciate German schmear because it works beautifully with Minnesota's mix of traditional and contemporary home styles. It softens the harsh lines of dated brick while creating a custom, high-end look that's impossible to replicate with paint alone.
Expert insight: German schmear requires professional masonry knowledge. The mortar must be applied and manipulated at exactly the right consistency, and Minnesota's humidity levels affect drying times. Our masonry contractors understand how to achieve consistent results that last through decades of Minnesota weather.
For homeowners ready to move beyond brick entirely, stacked stone veneer is the 2026 trend delivering dramatic transformations throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. This involves installing thin stone panels directly over existing brick, creating a completely new look without the mess and expense of demolition.
We're seeing Minneapolis homeowners choose everything from sleek, linear stacked stone in charcoal gray to natural ledgestone with warm earth tones. The versatility is incredible—you can go ultra-modern with uniform, rectangular stones in monochromatic colors, or embrace a more organic aesthetic with varied stone sizes and natural color variations.
Why this trend is exploding in 2026: Stacked stone veneer installation is faster and less disruptive than full fireplace reconstruction. Most projects take just a few days, and the results are stunning. Your dated 1990s brick fireplace can be transformed into a show-stopping feature that looks like it belongs in a luxury home.
The bonus for Minnesota homeowners? Modern stacked stone products are engineered to handle our climate. When professionally installed by experienced masonry contractors, stacked stone veneer performs beautifully through our temperature extremes.
Read more about stacked stone fireplace options that are transforming Twin Cities homes.
While white and light colors dominated 2024 and 2025, we're seeing a strong counter-trend in 2026: dramatic, dark fireplaces that make powerful design statements. Charcoal mortar with dark gray or black brick creates striking contrast and contemporary elegance that works beautifully in both traditional and modern Minneapolis homes.
This trend works particularly well in open-concept floor plans where the fireplace needs to hold its own as a true focal point. The dark tones ground the space and create visual weight that anchors the room without overwhelming it.
Minneapolis homeowners are also embracing mixed materials—combining painted black brick with natural wood mantels, or pairing charcoal stone with warm metallic accents. The key is balance: the dark fireplace becomes the statement piece while other elements prevent the room from feeling heavy.
Minnesota climate consideration: Dark colors absorb heat, which can actually be beneficial during our long winters. A black brick surround will radiate warmth more effectively than light-colored materials, making your fireplace more efficient during those bitter January nights.
The 2026 trend toward minimalism means removing chunky mantels, dated hearth tiles, and elaborate surrounds in favor of clean lines and contemporary materials. Twin Cities homeowners are opting for:
This trend is about letting the fireplace itself be the star rather than surrounding it with distracting ornamentation. When you remove dated brass doors, bulky mantels, and busy tile work, suddenly the beautiful brick or stone can shine.
Why this works in Minnesota homes: Our relatively traditional housing stock means many homes have ornate fireplace surrounds that felt appropriate in 1985 but now just collect dust and date the space. Simplifying the surround modernizes the entire room while making maintenance easier—critical for busy Minneapolis families.
One of the most requested transformations we're completing in 2026 is extending fireplaces from their traditional stopping point around seven feet up to full ceiling height. This creates dramatic vertical impact that makes ceilings feel taller and rooms feel more luxurious.
Floor-to-ceiling stone works in various styles:
St. Paul and Edina homeowners particularly love this trend because it addresses the "fireplace stops awkwardly halfway up the wall" problem that plagues many 1980s and 1990s homes. Extending the material to the ceiling creates intentional design rather than leaving an awkward gap of blank wall.
With so many fireplace trends emerging in 2026, how do you choose what's right for your home? Consider these factors:
Your home's architectural style: A 1920s Tudor in Edina might call for different treatment than a 1990s two-story in Prior Lake. German schmear and limewashing complement traditional architecture beautifully, while stacked stone veneer and minimalist surrounds suit contemporary homes.
Your overall design aesthetic: If your home leans farmhouse, whitewashing and natural wood mantels make sense. If you're drawn to modern industrial looks, consider charcoal mortar and steel accents. The fireplace should feel integrated with your broader design vision, not like an isolated island of style.
Your budget and timeline: Surface treatments like whitewashing or limewashing are faster and more affordable than installing new stone veneer or extending materials to the ceiling. At Fredrickson Masonry, we're transparent about pricing and timelines so you can make informed decisions.
Minnesota's climate demands: This is non-negotiable. Any fireplace transformation must account for our freeze-thaw cycles, moisture management, and temperature extremes. Professional installation by experienced masonry contractors ensures your beautiful new fireplace won't develop problems when winter hits.
Here's what many homeowners don't realize until problems appear: fireplace transformations aren't just cosmetic projects. Your fireplace is part of a complex system involving heat, ventilation, moisture management, and structural integrity—all of which become more complicated in Minnesota's harsh climate.
Moisture management is critical. When we transform fireplaces, we're thinking about how moisture will move through materials during our freeze-thaw cycles. Improperly sealed stone or paint applied incorrectly can trap moisture, leading to spalling (flaking brick), cracking, and structural damage.
Proper ventilation must be maintained. Adding materials to your fireplace can't compromise the ventilation system that keeps dangerous gases like carbon monoxide out of your home. Our team ensures all transformations maintain proper clearances and don't interfere with safe operation.
Heat distribution matters. Different materials conduct and radiate heat differently. When we help you choose materials, we consider how they'll perform when your fireplace is actually being used during Minnesota winters, not just how they look.
Structural integrity is paramount. Some fireplace transformations require modifications to the existing structure. This demands masonry expertise and understanding of building codes—not something for DIY experimentation.
At Fredrickson Masonry, we've been transforming outdated fireplaces since 2010. Dylan Fredrickson started doing masonry work in high school, and that decades of hands-on experience means we understand both the aesthetic possibilities and the technical requirements of fireplace renovations in Minnesota's challenging climate.
Here's something many homeowners overlook: while you're modernizing your interior fireplace, your chimney might need attention too. The same dated brick that makes your indoor fireplace look tired is probably making your home's exterior look dated as well.
This is the perfect time to consider complementary updates:
Many Minneapolis homeowners discover during their fireplace transformation that their chimney needs repair work—cracked mortar, damaged chimney crowns, or deteriorating brick caused by years of Minnesota freeze-thaw cycles. Addressing both interior and exterior elements simultaneously makes logistical and financial sense.
We make fireplace transformations easy for Twin Cities homeowners. Here's what our process looks like:
Step 1 - Design Consultation: We visit your home, assess your existing fireplace, discuss your aesthetic goals, and explain which 2026 trends will work best for your specific situation. You'll see material samples, get timeline estimates, and receive transparent pricing—no surprises.
Step 2 - Expert Installation: Our experienced masons handle every detail, from protecting your floors and furniture to ensuring precise installation and finishing. Most fireplace transformations take just a few days, depending on complexity.
Step 3 - Final Walkthrough: We don't consider the job complete until you're thrilled with every detail. You'll receive care instructions and our quality guarantee that the craftsmanship will last for generations.
Throughout the process, we maintain excellent communication—one of the core values that sets Fredrickson Masonry apart. You'll always know what's happening, what comes next, and exactly when we'll be finished.
The homeowners we work with consistently tell us they wish they'd modernized their fireplaces years earlier. That dated brick they'd been living with? Transformed into a stunning focal point in just days. The fireplace they avoided showing guests? Now the first thing they want to photograph.
We've whitewashed brick fireplaces in Richfield that went from dark and oppressive to light and airy. We've installed dramatic floor-to-ceiling stacked stone in Bloomington that completely changed the feel of living rooms. We've created custom German schmear finishes in St. Paul that look like they belong in European design magazines.
Each transformation is unique because each homeowner's vision is unique. Whether you're drawn to the clean simplicity of modern minimalism or the textured character of old-world techniques, we bring your vision to life with craftsmanship that lasts.
Fireplace transformation costs vary significantly based on the scope of work. Surface treatments like whitewashing or limewashing are the most affordable options, often completed in a day or two. Stacked stone veneer installation or floor-to-ceiling extensions require more investment but deliver dramatic results.
During your design consultation, we provide detailed estimates that break down costs so you understand exactly what you're paying for. Our pricing is fair and transparent—no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Most fireplace modernization projects are completed within 2-7 days, depending on complexity. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily life while never compromising on quality. Your furniture is protected, your floors are covered, and we clean up completely before considering the job finished.
If you're reading this in early 2026, you have perfect timing. Spring is ideal for fireplace renovations because:
Weather cooperation: Moderate temperatures allow materials to cure properly without interference from extreme heat or cold.
Scheduling flexibility: Before the summer home improvement rush, masonry contractors have better availability and can dedicate focused attention to your project.
Enjoy results sooner: Complete your transformation in spring, and you'll have months to enjoy your beautiful new fireplace before gathering season truly begins in fall and winter.
Plan ahead for winter: Don't wait until October to realize your fireplace needs work. By tackling renovations now, you ensure everything is ready when you want to light that first fire in November.
Your outdated fireplace doesn't have to stay that way. The 2026 trends transforming Minneapolis and St. Paul homes prove that stunning modernization is possible without demolition, without breaking the bank, and without the stress you might be imagining.
At Fredrickson Masonry, we've built our reputation on delivering exceptional craftsmanship, fair pricing, and outstanding communication. When you work with our team, you're not just getting a fireplace update—you're getting over 15 years of masonry expertise, intimate knowledge of Minnesota's climate challenges, and commitment to your complete satisfaction.
Ready to stop cringing at your dated fireplace and start loving your living room again?
Contact Fredrickson Masonry or call 952-454-0127 to schedule your design consultation. We'll assess your existing fireplace, discuss which 2026 trends best match your vision, and provide transparent pricing so you can make an informed decision.
Your dream fireplace is closer than you think—and spring 2026 is the perfect time to make it happen.
Fredrickson Masonry & Chimney Repair serves Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Bloomington, Prior Lake, Richfield, and surrounding Twin Cities communities with expert masonry services including chimney repair, fireplace renovation, and exterior stone work. Excellence in craftsmanship, communication, and service since 2010.
