To paint or not to paint... That is the question

10 years ago

Hello fellow Houzzers,

We were thinking of painting the brick white to brighten up the room (house built in 1989, so brick not old), but not sure if that would hurt the resale value. Would a better option be to reface it in some sort of tile/stone? Or should we leave brick as is? Would love to hear your opinions! Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

Total Home

10 years ago

Hi beale13,

The decision on 'what to do' would be to consider a few things first;

1. Budget first and foremost (what is the reasonable approach to my current financial situation)

2. Do you love the brick or do you absolutely want a change?

3. How long are you planning on living in the home (think Re-sale) If you are planning on selling this could influence your decision greatly.

4. How is it 'currently' fitting into your design scheme?

Once you have all of those questions figured out, it will help you in deciding on next steps.

My thoughts are; the house is not so old that the brick is considered vintage so I don't feel like you are ruining a nostalgic piece of history by paining or replacing it.

Painting brick fireplaces is very trendy these days and is an affordable option especially for DIY'ers and gives the brick a new lease on life.

Adding Stone or slab rock is very modern and a beautiful option and would compliment many decor schemes and would definitely add value to your living space, but definitely more pricy as many of us would need to hire a professional to do the job right!

Hope this helps

Cindy

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (19)

cornetml
10 years ago
Don't paint!!! I bet you could add a larger mantel/shelf and paint that to make it more modern. Then if you change your mind, you haven't ruined the brick
beale13
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the idea.. Hmmm.. Perhaps a mantel which extends the width of the fireplace would work too.
Related Professionals
Jacksonville Interior Designers & Decorators · Panama City Interior Designers & Decorators · Baton Rouge Interior Designers & Decorators · Memphis Interior Designers & Decorators · Duluth Interior Designers & Decorators · Odessa Interior Designers & Decorators · Port Saint Lucie Architects & Building Designers · Grand Forks Architects & Building Designers · Cape Girardeau Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fort Worth Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Champaign Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Muskegon Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Saint Cloud Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Coeur d'Alene Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Edmonton Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
zzmom40
10 years ago
I am thinking the opposite...no mantle at all..will give it an more mid century vibe...add a large starburst mirror or large piece of art. Keep the brick as is..very pretty..love your fur chairs really fun!
beale13
Original Author
10 years ago
@ zzmom40 .. Another good idea.. Thank you.. Removing the mantel all together might lengthen the whole fireplace rather than cut it in half as what's happening now. Chairs are original mid century and covered in Ikea's faux sheepskin rug.. Thanks again!
beale13
Original Author
10 years ago
@Cindy/Total Home- this helps a great deal by listing the steps to help us make a decision ...we definitely don't have any money in our budget to reface it professionally right now..a lot to consider.. Thanks again for your opinion/help!
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
10 years ago
I like it as-is - I'd paint the walls a lighter shade.
zzmom40
10 years ago
Found these starburst mirrors all $110 or less..would look great on brick fireplace without mantle...love the idea of lighting up the wall color too! Maybe BM Pale Oak.
lefty47
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
HI -- Maybe no mantel would look better . I don't like what the lights do to the look ... makes it look like two different bricks . I have no problem painting brick where needed but I don't think you need to . Re-facing in a nice ledge stone or a shimmery mosaic tile would look wonderful but it is pricey . Maybe it's the wall color that is not working . The mirrors are a nice idea . Up to you which way to go here or have an interior designer in for a consult to help you . I love those chairs ... keep those !
beale13
Original Author
10 years ago
Sob...I just painted those walls Benjamin Moore Champion Colbalt. :( I love the color, but it's not working well with the brick/whole design. The previous color was the standard builder's bisque...so boring and blah! I'm not a fan of the 80s pot lights either (not sure what you call them). Thanks for input.. Yes, will try without mantel and perhaps add some other ambient light here and there to brighten space.
jjuchli
10 years ago
I really love the look of painted brick, and think it could really brighten up your room, and I LOVE the navy paint!! If painting all of the brick work is too scary, you could think of just doing the mortar lines in white/lighter colour:
Gabriel Builders · More Info

Design · More Info
sandradclark
10 years ago
No, please do not paint the brick. I love the room the way it is. Maybe add an LED light strip under the mantle to enhance the beauty.
beale13
Original Author
10 years ago
@ jjuchli.. Thank you for attaching the images.. I never knew you could paint just the mortar lines.. Interesting idea! Glad you like the blue. :) Will have to really think about everything. So grateful for all of the feedback.. Isn't Houzz great!!!
Jillian - Interior design student
10 years ago
Love the blue walls. Brighten up by adding color.

Yellow, orange, apple green.
PRO
User
10 years ago
white brick will get smoke stained, and needs up keep. the room is dark cuz the walls are dark.

take down the mantel

paint the elk head glossy white,

the light from the cans above should be able to wash the whole fireplace once the mantel is gone, adjust them some more.

paint the wall a lighter color to pop the fireplace.

the blue is already a re sale issue, if you are planning to sell i would lighten the walls.
beale13
Original Author
10 years ago
@ Jillian- great colors.. Thank you! Perhaps I can add more accent colors in the accessories. @ Flair lighting- thanks for the rendering.. Impressive.. I see what everyone is saying now about removing the mantel as it does block a lot of light from the lights. Great idea too about painting the antelope.. Thanks!
PRO
User
10 years ago
also lighter frames on the art could help. can you angle any of the other can lights?
beale13
Original Author
10 years ago
Flair lighting- good idea about using lighter frames around art..there are only two can lights in that room and they are both directed on the brick.. Thanks again!
PRO
User
10 years ago
get your self a floor lamp between the two chairs.