Need help updating a wood fireplace

12 years ago

I am helping my parents remodel their home. One of the last things left to be done is this old fireplace and not much $$$ left for it. Any ideas of what can be done to update/restore the look of it a little would be greatly appreciated. This home is located in a rural area close to a lake in Wisconsin and has a cabin feel to it. The fireplace is located in a large family room and the floor surrounding it is a wide plank laminate in a chestnut color. Window trims and baseboard are golden oak. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Featured Answer

victorianbungalowranch

12 years ago

I don't think it is too bad, but you could stain the brick to tone down the color variation and warm up the color a bit to go with the oak and use stove paint or chemicals to darken the shiny brass. This is more elbow grease than money. Go lightly on the stain so it is even.

Personally, I think the painted brick craze will be over and then everyone will wonder why we did that. Nearly impossible to strip and may look OK with the first coat, but then gets dirty and becomes a maintenance issue eventually. I think it looks plasticy and fake, although the chalk paints are somewhat better in texture, but may absorb more dirt in the light colors. Real lime or whitewash could work--when it gets dirty the coating just scubs off and can be recoated, rather than layered on.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

ourvintagefarmhouse
12 years ago
Annie Sloan paint the brick! Buy a vintage fireplace frame to go there and take other stuff off. Google Annie whites website for mantle plans if you are handy you can build it yourself. The brick would look great white or grey but they have a ton of colors and look amazing. Any chalk paint will do if you can't find Annie Sloan
Cristina Stancu thanked ourvintagefarmhouse
susiestenberg
12 years ago
Maybe consider painting it all white and replacing the mantle. There's beautiful affordable mantles at fauxwoodbeams.com
Cristina Stancu thanked susiestenberg
Related Professionals
Natchez Interior Designers & Decorators · Lebanon Interior Designers & Decorators · Canton Interior Designers & Decorators · Florence Architects & Building Designers · Lufkin Architects & Building Designers · Gloucester Architects & Building Designers · Mission Viejo Architects & Building Designers · San Luis Obispo Architects & Building Designers · Amarillo Architects & Building Designers · Atlanta Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Southaven Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Spring Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Leominster Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hempstead Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Middletown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Dar Eckert
12 years ago
Whitewash would help. I don't think I would paint it a solid color because it would loose the rustic feel. Unless that is your goal. The mantle could be a salvaged beam & left rougher and stained. The bright brass seems to be the focal point so I would paint it black. Maybe remove part or all of the raised brick seat. Bookcases floor to ceiling on either side of FP.
Cristina Stancu thanked Dar Eckert
PRO
User
12 years ago
I think the joints of the brick work are very dark . If the joints are recessed -- 1/4 or more -- I would try to fill them flush with the brick using a lighter color of mortar .
Cristina Stancu thanked User
PRO
Hammonds Paints Ballarat
12 years ago
Hi Cristina,
I agree with sarahwiskeart with this one. Definately paint the brick. I think that you should use a flat or semi gloss. Depending on how much sheen you would be comfortable with. You will be amazed at what you can find at Garage Sales and Second hand places, in relation to finding a mantle or surround.

Another option could be to continue the line down from the edge of the brick mantle supports and box the fireplace in, maybe a stud and plaster wall. Paint, tile or even use pressed metal to make the surround elegant without needing to spend a small fortune.
Cristina Stancu thanked Hammonds Paints Ballarat