I need help with a fireplace.

11 years ago

Can I please get some ideas to "update" this tired and old fireplace. I want to give it a fresh, updated look. I was thinking of either coloring it white or distressed white. The rest of my house is traditional/rustic mix. And if you can please also tell where to get the paint/product & color. Thanks!!!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Cooper Chase Construction Design Division

11 years ago

I actually like the brick, especially if you have a rustic style all ready. What I do not like is the hearth material, or the mantel. What is your flooring in that room, is it dark or light? I would start with putting a different mantel, one that does not run the entire length of the fireplace, and that is taller, or beefier. I would also paint the hearth, both top and front. Pick a color that is present in the stone, one of the lighter grey or beige colors. Also, if you can, spray paint the brass accents on the firebox, making it appear to be all black. It will help it to not stand out so much.

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Comments (18)

PRO
Remodel Advocates - Virtual Project Management
11 years ago
Budget? Enough for paint only, or tile, new mantle?
Is that an insert in firebox, or something removeable? Remove it & take another photo. Also a photo showing bottom hearth area would help.
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shakilas
Original Author
11 years ago
Unfortunately, I only have a budget for paint or something cosmetic. My main concern is the brick color. I will eventually tackle the actual fireplace at a later time. Thanks for your help!
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PRO
Boyce Lumber & Design Center
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I like the brick as well - a nice, thick piece of reclaimed wood might make a great rustic mantel piece, it might even be more affordable than you think...then you could do a white-wash if you absolutely feel like you need to but definitely, a thicker mantel!
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Maureen
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I'm wondering going with the distressed look, the brick will show the large color contrasts in some sections, which look odd (perhaps it's the photo). I would paint it white and would speak to a professional at the paint store (if you don't get the answers here) on how to prep and paint for the best finish and any paint or home hardward store should have what you need.
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Lainie D'Eon
11 years ago
Seeing a picture of the flooring would help for suggestions.
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shakilas
Original Author
11 years ago
Here is a picture of the floor
PRO
Expressive Interiors
11 years ago
I agree the brick lends itself well to a rustic design. The hearth is what is throwing it off. Could you possibly change that out within your budget? A big rustic mantle would help as well.
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bitbeam
11 years ago
We have a fireplace just like this and we updated it with big beam mantel, whitewashing and drilling holes in mortar and then filling in mortar to face of brick....what a difference!
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Julie Williams
11 years ago
Keep the brick and go for a chunky rustic much shorter mantle. Paint the brass a black flat paint until it can be replaces. Replacing the tile hearth would need to wait til you redo the f/p unit i would think from what i can tell of the unit.
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kcsunshine28
11 years ago
I agree with Paley Design Group they are spot on. I love the coziness of the brick. Please don't ruin it. It isn't an ugly brick. The insert is ugly & dated. Paint the hearth a slate color, and get a different mantel & possibly a surround for the main fireplace. You can make it classy traditional or rustic depending on your taste. Maybe you can find one from an antique store & repaint it.
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sstrack1
11 years ago
Get a chunky mantle and ditch the insert.
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carriealexis206
11 years ago
I love the idea of removing the insert and just a light white wash and some beaming to frame it a bit.
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PRO
FMSProjects, Inc.
11 years ago
We have done several fireplaces in Veneer Plaster and the look is very updated/modern without having to make any other changes.
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JENNIFER BISSETTE
11 years ago
Try a whitewash if you want it to look old. If you want it to look new just nice couple coats of white paint.
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Rebekah Batt
11 years ago
I saw an hgtv episode where they left the brick and used it as the background for shelves which provided depth and texture. They actually built a book case system in front of it. The entire wall was surrounded. It looked like a custom and very expensive built in. I think the brick was lightly whitewashed which still showed muted color tones and the bookcase was white.
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PRO
Rebecca Broom
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Here are my suggestions:

1) Paint the brick fireplace and hearth Sherwin Williams Pure White
2) Remove the insert (this will update the fireplace the most)
3) Remove the mantle and leave front clean (no mantle) so you can hang a great piece of art
4) Replace hearth top with brick pavers and also paint them SW Pure White.
5) Lastly, stock your wood box with split wood to give a finished look

Found this blog about a fireplace redo similar to yours..hope this helps! Happy Painting!!

http://jaimescott.blogspot.com/2013/01/painting-brick-fireplace.html
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PRO
Stamps Design Services
11 years ago
You could give it a "wash" of color with chalk paint or use paint designed for interior masonry, you can go lighter or darker and a hunt for a chunky log mantel at etsy.com or one from a reclaimed barn beam.... If you will be using your fireplace you need to consider the effect that might have on the paint your chose. Good Luck!
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