What should I do with the bricks and beams??

12 years ago

Hi -

I'm stuck on what to do with the beams and fireplace of this family room. This photo (pic1) was taken from the kitchen which being renovated and has painted off white (pearl) colored maple cabinets and and light colored granite counter tops. (pic 2)

We painted the walls Ben Moore natural linen and the window frames and chair rail white (which used to be dark brown with dark paneling on the lower half of the wall). The floors are now oak hardwood.

Should we paint the beams and or the brick? If so, what colors and what is the easier, less messy route to take? All or some? I want to paint but I'm afraid of making a huge mistake!

Need advise please! Thanks - any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

PRO

Brushed

12 years ago

You certainly have a challenge! If I was being asked my recommendation for this room by a client, I would recommend painting, staining or whitewashing the beams based on the style and decor of the home. I feel like that alone would greatly soften the look and remove the focus from the dark, linear design of the beams in the photo provided. With regard to the brick: there are a number of options available for that as well. If you like the colors of the brick as pictured, but feel they are too dark for the space, using a sponge painting method to soften and mute the colors slightly would be a nice option instead of a solid paint color. If this fireplace will be used, make sure the paint used on the brick has a high heat rating.

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Comments (16)

ahelton142
12 years ago
I think painting the beams on each side of the fireplace and the mantle would give you a new look . Too many beams I think that would tone it down . Maybe same color as chair rail . Normally I'm not a fan out painting brick but that might be an option here. Hard to tell what shape the brick is in!
PRO
PPF.
12 years ago
I would start by painting the beams. Consider painting the space above the fireplace a darker color to give the fireplace some height.
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ecalivas
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you both for your comments. I like the suggestion to paint just the beams around the fireplace but not sure about painting the mantle white also, especially If the portion above the fireplace is painted a darker color.

How dark would you go with that section? We will be hanging a painting or two above. What would look best there?
PRO
PPF.
12 years ago
Looking at this again, paint the ceiling beams.

The beams flanking the fireplace and mantel no longer seem to fit the style of the room.

Is the room furnished? Do you feel they fit with the room?

I'd look at removing these pieces, and replacing with a new mantle, and possibly overmantle, to complement the room.

For a darker color. It could be the wall color, just a few shades darker. Just something to give your eye something vertical.
orchardsgal
12 years ago
Try to remove all beams. Painted will still show up. Then add mantle.
Dee Cee
12 years ago
I would remove the beams around the fireplace and lighten the ceiling beams - a whitewash rather than a solid colour would do the trick, still give character and not be too drastic.
PRO
Shakuff
12 years ago
I too think removing the beams around the fireplace and making the ceiling beams lighter would be great. I wouldn't change the brick - it's beautiful and has such a range of color, any color mantle you choose would be lovely.
mpoulsom
12 years ago
I would paint it all! the brick and the beams! wouldn't remove the beams though, love them!
Wild Infusion
12 years ago
I would take the beams out either side of the fireplace if you can...and render the fireplace and put a mantle there...either timber or marble...depends on what suits..or painted timber in a gloss colour...then I would sand and paint the beams on the ceiling...or if the ceiling is high enough...drop the ceiling and put a false ceiling in....
all the best
Devon McLain
12 years ago
I would paint the brick white and stain/paint the beams to a lighter, more chestnut brown. I think it would really brighten up the space!
Melissa Garcia
12 years ago
Definitely paint the beams around the fireplace, probably a lighter hue so it’s not such a contrast with the paint.
alexanderwhays
12 years ago
I would paint the bricks a natural red color that would go really well with the brown beams and if you decide to put wooden floors in would also go well with those.
keenplanner
12 years ago
If the beams are not at all structural, remove them. The brick fireplace looks awkward b/c the inside of the firebox is the same brick as the face. It should have firebrick, and should be black. Is the fireplace useful? You may want to just erase it completely, since it would take a bunch of work to make it attractive.
bgfuqua
12 years ago
I would start by painting all wood on the fireplace wall then see how it feels. if you still don't like, then paint ceiling beams. I would not paint the brick.
ecalivas
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks to all for your helpful comments and suggestions! I am thrilled that so many of you took the time to offer your ideas. We are definitely moving in the direction of painting or removing the vertical beams and maybe replacing the mantle. It may take awhile, but I will be sure to post a picture with the final outcome. Many thanks again!!