So I thought now would be as good a time as any to make a decision on our new fireplace, as I think it will set the tone for our entire living room. As a reminder, here it is in its current state.
Whaddya think? Keep it? Paint it? Ditch it altogether and get a fancy mantle? I've included some options below and I welcome any and all suggestions. As I mentioned, this one's gonna take a village.
I do love a painted brick.
Do I go even darker?
S'more inspiration of the marble variety. Love these stags, btw...
And speaking of S'mores, baby needs a hot cocoa. Weigh in. Stay warm. Peace.
Like you didn't know.
43 comments:
I have two words for you: architectural salvage.
I have to agree with Jennifer, but I really like the first photo. I am a bit of a rustic at heart, and although your brick isn't exactly the same, white paint would definitely help. Could you find a fabulous salvaged mantle to top it off?
Good luck!
Paint it white...
Ohh sounds fun - I'm down with Pic 1 and the last picture. I LOVE the idea of painting the brick white. A quick, affordable and pretty solution. I wouldn't go darker...I feel like you should lighten up the room. I also love the white mantle in the bottom picture - simple and classic - it can be dressed up or down. Good luck - let us know!
Yup, I agree with architectural salvage and I vote for painting it white. I just had some hot ginger tea. I wish I had a fireplace in my apartment... jealous. Oh, and congratulations on purchasing your first home!!!
I love the white, but my fear would be - what if I hate it later? That would be pretty hard to take back to natural...
I tend to like the rustic look of the red brick. Surrounded with the right decor, it might be perfect. And maybe paint the mantle?
(P.S. Love your blog, and congrats on the new home!)
You guys are so helpful, thank you! But I feel like an idiot...can someone please explain what you mean by "architectural salvage"?
I sent you an email!
White... it will look fabulous! Wow it's cold and snowing over your way. We are having the most vicious summer storms here night after night. Our town has been declared a natural disaster zone... and it's so hot!!!!I would love to be snuggled up in front of a fire somewhere. A-M xx
Replace the mantle first and clean up the brick a bit. If that doens't float your boat, you could paint it. But I prefer the look of the darker paint to white.
Stay warm! Z
The second to last photo is my favorite! I just wish we had a fireplace :)
I vote paint it white. Clean and simple with lots of texture always wins with me. Love the first photo and the one with the blue painting makes my heart skip.
i say scrub it down and get it real clean and paint it white.. i think it would really stand out next to your walls and your white woodwork. yay i can't wait to see pics....i love home remodeling
Paint that sucker. Easiest on the wallet, yields a clean + chic result. Make the paint color same as trim in room. Or same as wall color, only a different finish.
Can't wait to see your home's progression. Fun fun!
I completely agree with Seleta, great look and easy on the pocketbook. A simple change that can yeild big results. If you get the urge later to change it you can tackle it after you've gotten your must haves done for your home.
I really like the first picture, but also think it will look pretty leaving it. It will retain the charm and character of the house. Whatever you decide to do will be beautiful!
paint it.
done.
I'm a big believer in the magic of paint. I say paint it and give it a new life. Live with it for a bit an decide if you need to completely give it an overhaul, or if the paint is all it needed. Spend your money on other "musts".
I do love a nice, white painted fireplace, but I also like leaving the bricks in their natural state. I don't think I'd go with black, although it'll hide the soot pretty well. Definitely share what you end up doing!
the white bricks are pretty, the second last picture, i love!!!grand, that's what it is :)
I know these photos...I think I've finally met another human being you LOVES...correction...is as OBSESSED...with Domino as I am. I know that brick fireplace from that summer house in one of the summer issues. I LOVED it. I think I might have mentioned it in a previous comment. I ripped it out and it's now in my "folder" - it keeps getting fatter and fatter. I love the idea of the painted fireplace. It's fresh but still maintains the original charm. I also love the contrast of the white bricks with a dark floor. Maybe some white limestone or something on the mantel rather than the standard painted wood. I also just happen to love any exposed brick...I like that urban feeling.
I love that yellow lamp with the red chair...that's in this month's issue, right?
Okay, I will stop now.
ps--candles on top of a mantel are not a good idea. if you leave them on for too long, the wick and the smoke ends up ruining your wall. I speak from experience:( It's not fun to have to repaint the entire wall again bc one spot over the fireplace has black stains on it. boo. The photo is gorge and I love the idea but...
paint it...I love painted brick ....it keeps the original feel but updates the look. ...glossy is probably better though ...you can wash the soot off.
Thank you guys so much for your suggestions! I'm lucky to have so many designer friends out there:) Now I just have to convince Pablo that painting the brick is the way to go. It's what I wanted, as well, but he seems to love the dark brick. I'm hoping I win this one.
I love all the options you've showcased. I think painting it white would look really incredible and probably be the easiest as well. I can't believe it is snowing! That sounds nice to me.
i am so jealous that you have a fireplace! the closest thing i have to one is when a local tv station has a running loop of the yule log for 24 hours straight for xmas. on xmas eve we drink and curl up around the tv, and cheer when the disembodied hand pokes the fire with a poker.
oh, and yes, i think painting it white would be lovely!
You should totally paint it white, but it also looks cozy and rustic as it is too!
Ever since my fiance proposed to me with a gorgeous diamond engagement ring from www.idonowidont.com we've moved in together in our new place and there's a vintage fireplace there!
Instead of painting ours we've placed cute candles on top and it makes the place really cozy and romantic!
OH, paint it!! It will look great! Paint it a contrasting color from the wall, so it stands out. Can't wait to see what you do. Have a great wknd!
Wow, that was pretty shameless, Cheryl!
I just got one of those Cheryl comments today from a Matt! Lame!
definetely keep it! it's a beautiful fireplace and makes you think about the history of the house and who spent nights sitting in front of the fireplace or kids making smores.
i say keep it for sure & paint it white!! it would modernize it a bit & brighten the room up, & look so clean...:o) but i'm sure whatever you do will be beautiful...
oh, cheryl! congratulations! found you the perfect card at maybeyoushoulddie.com!
really, any one will do.
as for you, bee...white. with a big fat found mantle. so you can tell your guests "p and i found this on a walk through the woods the other day..."
just a thought...and CONGRATS AGAIN, cheryl! kisses!
Hi Bee!! Paint it white and add some vintage salvage mantle! Love love your home:)
I say clean up the brick and keep the "old world charm" throughout the home. You have a beautiful tudor style home and those old details are the best part of owning a home like that (in my opinion.) No matter, I am sure you will do a fine job....
I love the white painted fireplace in the first pic, especially with the modern artemide sconces against that textured brick. But the glossy black paint also looks terrific. Your blog is fantastic...thanks for sharing!
You have great suggestions from everyone and your photo ideas are great... I can't wait to see the outcome... LOVE fireplaces! I remodeled my home a little over 3 years ago and I still haven't figured out the mantle...your photos are helpful to me too... ENJOY your Sunday!
Fifi
I love brick painted white, too.
I LOVE the painted black brick against a light colored wall (I think the picture is pale blue).
Can't wait to see how it turns out!!!
i love the top white painted brick...
Look at all the fireplace fun! Really looking forward to seeing how it turned out.
Happy, happy, happy to you as well, Bee!
Wishing you lots of turkey and too much wine :)
xo
okay,
I say paint it white like everyone else but use 2 shades of white. looks like there is a frame of bricks around the edge, paint that the darker/warmer shade of the whites, and then a brighter white in the center bricks.
Is the mantel bricks too? i can't tell. If yes, see if you can find some great stone mantel piece at a savage shop or change out to a wood mantel.
Congrats on the new home!
OK. I know I'm late. You've already decided. I like the painted white, too. Had to add that because I know you were dying for my opinion.:^)
I was cracking up at Chessa's comment because I currently have a ceiling that needs painting for the same reason. Anyway, my suggestion goes with this post. When you overhaul your fireplace, you might want to get a can of black fireplace paint and do the interior of the fireplace box. Including the floor of it. It makes it look so much nicer - more finished. Just a thought. Mine was ick and now looks great.
Post a Comment