How HGTV's Tarek El Moussa's Savvy Renovation Tip Can Save A Ton Of Cash

You don't have to break the bank to copy Tarek and Heather El Moussa's classy interior. In Season 1, Episode 5 of "The Flipping El Moussas," the duo turned a dilapidated home into an enviable modern property. So many stunning elements were custom designed to create a chic family home that echoed its mid-century modern roots. However, the couple was also mindful of the budget which forced them to get creative with certain decor. The modern fireplace was dubbed the statement piece of the entire renovation. What was once a dated, outdoor barbecue was transformed into a contemporary fireplace with one key adornment.

Tarek showed his mother the house and highlighted the fireplace, "I'm telling you it sounds crazy, but this is this is what's going to sell the house, like, this is such a unique feature." Heather explained their clever addition, "And then we added this wallpaper because it was just plain." This served as a much more affordable alternative to a fancy tile or stone surround. You can purchase this Haimin grasscloth wallpaper to create a similarly textured look. Heather and Tarek's genius hack is further proof that your new favorite mantel decor might actually be wallpaper!

While wallpaper around a fireplace can be totally safe, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before starting your install. First and foremost, make sure not to cover any ventilation ducks. You should also use a fireguard to keep the flames under control. This doesn't have to look like a tacky safety measure either. There are plenty of unique fireplace screens that can take your space from drab to fab. After you apply your wallpaper, ensure that all of the corners and edges are firmly flush with the wall to avoid any loose wallpaper that could catch fire.

If your fireplace isn't suitable for wallpaper because you don't have a flat surface or enough space to properly showcase the pattern, you can apply wallpaper in other surrounding areas. For example, you can try flanking the fireplace or chimney with wallpaper on each side. This will make your fireplace pop, especially if you choose a complementary paint color for your fireplace itself. If you'd rather stay away from wallpaper, there are more cash-saving ways to elevate a dated fireplace, including a quick DIY project of painting over the brick itself.