Everything gets a makeover these days, and cable TV shows abound on how do-it-yourselfers can turn tired into trendy, albeit with some risk. But when it comes to the fireplace surround or the outdoor kitchen, some things are best left to the experts. Luckily, Howard County homeowners don’t have to go far to get the look they want, and the expertise to get it right, the first time.

“We’re really the one-stop shop for a fireplace makeover,” says Jay Doll, who runs Artistic Surrounds in Savage Mill. Doll and co-owner Frank McGrath opened a 4,000-square-foot showroom in the Cotton Shed last year after six years of manufacturing and selling their surrounds out of a warehouse.

Showroom walls feature tall stacked stone fireplaces, traditional wood-stained mantels and cast-stone surrounds that are a fraction of the weight, and cost, of the real limestone. Like rustic? There are ledge stone and shadow rock in a multitude of colors. Love the cool elegance of the look of limestone? Or the solid statement of a hefty wood beam in all of its grainy glory?

The folks at Artistic Surrounds can help customers not only select the fireplace surround that fits their style but can also help custom-design one if a homeowner is looking for something unique. They also can design and install an outdoor kitchen from the ground up, including helping with appliance selection.

Artistic Surrounds, 8600 Foundry St., Savage. 301-490-5747 or  www.artisticsurrounds.com.