Homes with fireplaces offer warmth and appeal, but dated details can put a damper on the overall aesthetic. Consider what decorative pieces on the mantel you can update. Look at the tile or brick ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: TK Images. Design: Kyle Dutton Homes There are certain areas and features of our home ...

Clean brick fireplaces with a vinegar-and-water mix, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage porous brick. Vacuum, scrub gently in small sections, and finish with a brick sealer once dry. Keep it ...

Q: I plan to set up a gas stove in a fireplace built in 1800. But the floor of the fireplace has an ugly black area, I think from creosote that washed down the chimney when it rained. How do I remove ...

Q: How can I remove wood ash from fireplace brick? Gaithersburg, Md. A: From the picture you sent, it looks as if you’re dealing with ash, soot and a little charcoal — ash being the white and gray ...

I just got off the phone with my wife, she was hysterical. Apparently a squirrel fell down the chimney in our house and is now trapped in the fireplace. I told her to barricade the doors so it could ...