That turned out interesting.......did you use a wash? If it was me, I think I would try again and go for more uniform coverage - probably a cream color.

I'm with karemore55. You need to do something else as it actually looks far, far worse than it did. Check youtube for DIY videos on what to do.

Thank you for giving some advice. I actually already filled all the brick and this is how it looks like.

The color of the mantel was honey oak and I stained it using a gel stain in Java. What do you think about the new look? Thank you

Hire a company to sandblast the paint off of the brick.

I think it looks better all one color. What else is in the room? Once you get fabrics and furniture in, it could look darker or lighter.

Looks great, so much nicer! Love the newer color!

@raineycarole, what else comes with it is this: hehehe.

Nothing much in this family room. I'm not even sure what to put in it. Thanks

I had this fireplace and did a parging of the brick to make it look old and used. I also took down the top half of the brick and used sheet rock for a more interesting look. But I have an insert.

One thing about brick is less is more. It is like adding salt, do a little and then wait and see.

Sorry, but whatever you did needs to be undone - the brick looks awful. Too contrived.

another idea

With that sweet face you don't need anything else to light up the room!

another idea

HI -- The color is still not right . Paint the brick a darker color like a charcoal . Then have a box mantel that fits right over the brick brackets for a cleaner finished look .

I really like it now. Nice neutral color that can go in any direction. Good job. Nice job with the kid also.

Thanks for all the comments.

Hi Blue Arci- not easy to get big projects like this accomplished with a little one at home! We had a similar situation in our 1949 built home. The fireplace was major presence in our living room and the brick was unattractive and dated. My first attempt was to paint it all a creamy white and that is the way it stayed for years. Then we decided to get serious and ended up covering the brick with a custom built wood surround and mantel, tiled the hearth and around the fireplace opening. I can see this being an option for you with maybe drywalling above the mantel to simplify and clean up the entire look. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!