HELP! What to do with this fireplace?!

10 years ago

My husband and I can't decide what to do with this (fairly ugly) fireplace! We replaced the old brass doors and painted the mantle but it seems to be lacking *something*. Should we paint it? Re-do the mortar with something lighter? Put stone over it? HELP! (Our walls are SW Loggia and trim is SW Alabaster.)

Featured Answer

partim

10 years ago

You'll get more useful advice if you show some more of the room. We don't know the style of you room, and style and colors of your other furniture. And let us know what your budget is.

The fireplace is quite rustic, which may or may not look good with the rest of the room. It really stands out against the pale walls. Do you have any inspiration pictures that show the look you want for the room?

If you just want the fireplace to be less of a focus in the room, paint it a color that is similar to the wall, perhaps one of the darker colors on the color strip from the wall paint. Then give the eye something interesting to look at instead - replace the mirror with a picture which is shorter and wider than the mirror. The eye will be drawn to the picture, not the fireplace. To continue the focus on the picture, remove the plant from the hearth, and the other small objects on the mantel. Maybe add one or 2 objects that relate to the picture.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

2lol4u
10 years ago
Try using more updated stone on the fireplace! It will add value to your home as well as make it look modern yet homey! Also if you want a cheaper option try painting it a white or off white. It adds a touch of class and light to any room!
marylut
10 years ago
It is a very heavy look with uniform brick color and dark mortar and tall hearth, and then a puny mantel shelf. What you do depends on the look and feel you both would like to achieve in the room. Rustic, colonial, contemporary, Old world? Do you want floor to ceiling fireplace wall, or to drywall above the FP for art or TV?
Related Professionals
Magnolia Interior Designers & Decorators · Elizabeth City Interior Designers & Decorators · Danville Interior Designers & Decorators · Elgin Interior Designers & Decorators · Liberal Interior Designers & Decorators · Jackson Interior Designers & Decorators · Gainesville Architects & Building Designers · Meridian Architects & Building Designers · Fredericksburg Architects & Building Designers · Burlington Architects & Building Designers · Jamestown Architects & Building Designers · Tucson Architects & Building Designers · Bismarck Architects & Building Designers · Quincy Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Show Low Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
emma0217
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the comments. Here is a picture of the room, our style in here is cozy/usable space but with clean lines and neutral colors. We use it as a family room, and the TV is on a different wall so we would be decorating the fireplace with art and other objects. We are "making do" with the carpet in here but we like the curtains, rug, and couch very much. The accent color on the curtains is a dusty blue.
acm
10 years ago
gray paint would look great in your room!
My Houzz: Inspired Great Room in North Vancouver · More Info
warmer than this example though.
PRO
User
10 years ago
How about white washing the fireplace and adding a larger rustic mantel.
Susie Bell
10 years ago
take it out. You don't need it. It sucks more energy out of the house than it can produce, takes up a wall and some floor space, and is a nostalgic piece of worthlessness. A work of art would be a better focal point without costing you money and the planet environmental damage.
emma0217
Original Author
10 years ago
We definitely think we need a larger mantle! The one on here now seems too wimpy
gd211
10 years ago
We covered our ugly brick with Sheetrock right over it. It is then a blank slate to do what you want, paint, tile, stone, vinyl, etc. accessories jazz it up. Easy, Peary and I love it!
gd211
10 years ago
Covered the brick with Sheetrock. My husband built the fireplace surround and mantle. Accessories do the rest.
Michele
10 years ago
Paint the fireplace white or a linen white. It will look great with the colors/style of your room and really look like an updated fireplace. A larger, rustic mantle too. This would be a very cost effective, easy DIY, yet effective way to make it look great!!!