This fireplace has been on my mind the entire time we have lived in our house. Am I slow on decisions or what? But now is time to paint the room a lighter color (it is a dark room) and I am thinking about painting the fireplace too. I get a lot of different reactions when I suggest it, which puts me back "on hold" with my decision. But if it's to be painted, it will be done this summer. I went as far as to cover the brick with white paper and if you squint you get the idea. First photo has the old, darker/pinkish brown toned paint, and the "white" fireplace shows the new beige/gray paint.
The Gardener at this point no longer cares one way or the other. Eldest son says the first brush of paint cannot be undone and the regrets could begin right there. Youngest son and wife say, "Do it; Do it; Do it. Paint." My mother says, "All that will be white?" Sister says, "I'll miss the old brick." Realtor friend says, "Don't think about resale, make your house YOUR house."
I think the aged brass is a detractor. Squint that out of the picture too. What is your vote?
Ok seriously, do you and I share the same brain!?! I ask because just SUNDAY (as in day before yesterday) I sat and stared and stared at our fireplace, dated brass insert, and mantel thinking of ways to update. No joke :) I'm not going to be much help to you in your decision, either...because I have all the same reservations :) But right now I am tinkering with the idea of removing the current mantel and insert and replacing with a wood fireplace surround and then putting a big mirror on top...idea being not as permanent as paint but should hide most of the brick.
ReplyDeleteNO WAY would I paint that great brick!! I think maybe what you don't like is the brass insert. Imagine the fireplace without the brass, with a really great mantle providing you a wonderful place to showcase some of your favorite decorating accessories. Mantles are not easy to decorate, but when you get it down right, it's great fun! I have a brick fireplace with a barn beam mantle. I keep my carved folkart angel (lovingly named Gabrielle) hung on the brick above the mantle. Then I add seasonal accents on top of the mantle. It's a beautiful focal point in the room (if I must say so myself - haha)and everyone always comments on it. Painting your fireplace reminds me of the 60's and 70's (think Dick VanDyke Show and The Brady Bunch) and if you do it and hate it ... yikes! Good Luck with whatever you decide!
ReplyDeletePaint it! Everyone I know who has ever painted brick (at the protests of others) has always been happy with their decision. It's only brick! Nothing lasts forever. Do what your heart is telling you to do and go for it! :) Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteOr if you don't want something permanent, maybe someone could put up bead boarding over the brick and fashion you a mantel. you definitely need a mantel. :)
ReplyDeleteIf you've been thinking about painting that fireplace since you moved in, paint it! Replace the screen (we've been thinking about replacing our screen since we moved in--20+ years) and add a mantle that's almost the width of the brick. Paint the mantle the same color as the fireplace. Just so you know, no one ever asks my advice about decorating!!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
I'd change the brass insert FIRST, live with it for a while, then see if you still want to paint - just a thought!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about painting it....but i agree that it needs a mantle. Your mantle will then be your focal point. Our apartment in MD had a similar fireplace, but with a big heavy wood mantle that took your eyes off the brick of the fireplace. It made it really nice.
ReplyDeleteMy in-laws have (had) the same colored fireplace brick and painted it and they were thrilled with the result. I just can't remember what color they did it.
ReplyDeleteLove that you put the paper up to get the idea. Brilliant! :)
Go for it, I say.
P.S. If you google "paint a brick fireplace" you can get some ideas of how it would look. I think it could be a possibility! (Still not sure I'd do it, though.)
ReplyDeleteI would remove the brass. Then comb the salvage spots until you find the mantle of your dreams. Perhaps put a raised paneled segment above the mantle, and then paint the whole thing. You would have a lovely focal point. Or keep the brick below and panel and paint above the mantle. I saw something like this (allwhite)on Divine Design, and it was devine!
ReplyDeleteWhat if you white-washed it? So it would look kinda antique, with some of the original brick color coming through? My parents just painted their fireplace white, then someone put a dark stain over it, and wiped it off so the white would still show. It's really neat, albeit hard to explain...
ReplyDeleteDO NOT paint the fireplace! Never, ever! You must get rid of that bronze thing. We had them on all 5 fireplaces when we moved here. Just ripped them out and left as is!
ReplyDeleteCB
I like the thoughts about a mantle, I'm thinking aloud here....do you lean towards vintage? We bought a complete wooden mantle with wood sides that go to the floor...it is lovely, but is a faux fireplace with stained glass insert. If it was wide enough to cover the sides of your fireplace, would the remaining brick be ok?
ReplyDeleteI would change the brass inset for sure, and have a mantle if it were me. And, I'm thinking aloud again....is there any type of paint...more of a 'wash' that could be brushed on to change the 'look' of the brick to lighter....and later, 'scrub brushed' off if you chose. I cringe to think of painting brick or stone unless it could be restored. Then again, if thats what you heart is leaning towards, go for it! Changes are hard to initiate but so rewarding. =)
re/the flower washcloth pattern. The petals are very easy & fun to make. You knit them one at a time on circular needles,& (I used size 7, about 25 " long), cutting the yarn after each petal is completed but leaving a long tail to weave in later. After you have 5 petals completed & hanging from your circular needle... you divide the sts onto double pointeds. So then you work in rounds from the dbns. I used point protectors on the ends to keep the stitchs from getting away. But after the 3rd row the decreasing helps alot. The dpns are awkward but by then, you are on the home stretch. Happy knitting!
My first instinct is to say 'paint it' but then when I think about it I think you'd get the effect you want by removing the brass and making a nice mantle and sides, and painting them white....in fact I think it would be better than everything white.
ReplyDeleteI figured I might as well put my two cents in too! I would leave the brick natural. I do think it was very smart to cover it with white paper to get an idea. I am very visual too. I would get rid of the brass and add a pretty mantel above. I love mantels and they really add to the style of the fireplace. You put some of your pretty treasures on it and you are done!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Denise
I am for the painting it white. It will look crisp and clean and open up your room. Brick is brick, not gold. Follow your heart!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
I only like really old brick. Like old walls in a factory that has been converted into living space. The bricks that were handmade are beautiful. The newer bricks just don't give off the same atmosphere. I'd say paint it too and I'm not a paint crazy person. I have to agree between it being painted and removing the brass screen it will really give the room a boost. You'll be happy with the results. If something has been bugging you that long it's clear you want a change.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Dotsie, it is obvious that this topic brings out some strong opinions! LOL! I think it would look great painted white, especially with the paint color of your walls. That said, I have a dark brick fireplace and mantle that I just cannot bring myself to paint because it has been that way for almost 100 years. Now, in a younger house... I'd be slapping that paint on in a heartbeat and I have several friends in homes as old as mine who have painted theirs: the fireplaces look great and none of them have regretted painting them.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing is what you want to do with your own fireplace!! I'll be cheering either way! blessings ~ tanna
Check out www.younghouselove.com today for painted brick fireplaces.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
I'd be conflicted about this too, Podso! I had a solid brick wall in my living room for years that I finally covered over with sheet rock about 5 years ago. I was happy I did it as it made the room much brighter and look more modern. I like everyone's ideas of putting up a white mantle and surround and see if that will add enough brightness before painting all the bricks.
ReplyDeleteIf your heart says change it all do it and I'm sure you'll love it!
Lots of opinions, I see! I would white wash it. I think it would still be very classic! Then I would spray paint the brass fireplace slats using a high heat (for fireplaces) oil rubbed bronze spray paint! And I would buy a mantle. Pottery Barn has a gorgeous white painted tin shelf that would look perfect for a fireplace. Or you could put a rustic barn beam over your fireplace. Can you imagine all the pretty things you can decorate it with? I think that would make a huge updated change!
ReplyDeleteI say, "Go for it"!
I am so excited for you!
Yvonne
White.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading all the opinions! The fireplace should be the focal point of the room, and when i looked at the pictures I thought, it needs a mantel to set it off. That would be beautiful with lighter brick. Also, I think it would look good if you get rid of the brass. All that said -- follow your heart! I think you have impeccable taste anyway (at least it suits my taste!) and whatever you end up with will be great. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteJust go and paint it. You know you want to!
ReplyDelete