I love the color of the supporting post in the first picture. Could you repeat that in the fireplace trim? I would paint the window/door trim a quiet white that works with the green. But I would definitely do the fireplace in something different - the room has a contemporary feel, even with the antiques. I have painted brick before - it works fine, takes several coats and lots of patience. But be married to it - because removing paint from brick is not easy. Maybe a darker color of the fireplace trim??Very cool kitchen!

Thanks, annie_knot! We'd wondered about using the gray from the middle of the room around the fireplace. Painting the brick a darker color is an interesting idea. That would be striking. Like you said, though, I'm not sure I'd want to commit to a painted brick. The part I was thinking about painting - other than the trim - is the brass insert. I'm not sure what it's called otherwise. I have a touch-up paint that I've used on the dining chandelier that I could use on all of the brass...

Do you think the ceiling color (Paris Mint) would "read" quiet white on the window/door trim?

Yes, I would want to lose the brass as well. you can get a paint that goes on flat black and you then spray with something that oxidizes it - makes it look rusty. Maybe that could work? Or just a flat black? Can you remove the fireplace screen? Scuff it up a little and spray flat black. Kind of makes it disappear. It's hard to see the ceiling color in the photo - but if the ceiling is not a "statement", then I would think it would work fine on the trim.

Paint the outside trim on the fireplace in satin black to blend in better with the darker brick color. Also -- if you do add a mantel -- make it quite thick -- and paint it in the satin black too.

Also -- when considering painting the fireplace doors -- check out barbecue paint at places like a home center or Walmart. Barbecue or high heat-resistant paint might be a better choice in that location.

THEN -- add some black accents around the whole room to work with the fireplace. Perhaps some black-and-white photos -- mat in creamy white and frame in black. Hang a couple of larger artworks (with that lovely blue and green) -- framed in black -- above the fireplace.

Paint the rest of trim in the fresh white.

Hi Cate!

(Thank you for your lovely e-mail -- made my day!)

I totally agree with annie and teacats -- painting the brass a dark color will make sense with the rest of your gorgeous new space. I don't know what to recommend but do know there is heat-proof paint (as teacats writes) -- found this, and it comes in charcoal! (paintable and spray)

Now about your trim ... on the one hand, I'd love to see your ceiling color (in a different finish) on your trim, marrying it together. On the other, I'd also like to see your front and kitchen doors have matching trim, and if you do that, then the other trims should match. I guess I don't know the colors well enough to make a helpful suggestion.

From what I can see of your fireplace I am not in love with the brick, BUT I'd wait to do anything until after you've painted the brass and lived with it for months and months. The painted brass and then your artwork might totally temper the brick.

It is coming together so beautifully. I am really excited for you!

-Brooke

Thank you Annie, Teacats, and Brooke. I have to run out for several hours but wanted you to know I saw your responses.