Sunday, January 10, 2010

Transform Your Fireplace

This is a true testament to the power of paint.

When we purchased our first home it wasn't exactly my style. Especially the den. The fireplace is the first thing you see when you walk in the door and what did we see? Ugly brick next to a tan wall. I couldn't have that for long.



I don't even know how to begin with all the ways this isn't me. It's fine, and I'm sure it appealed to some buyers, but it was one of our first projects in the new house.

What's the easiest and cheapest way to make an impact? PAINT!!! We headed for Lowes and asked the best way to paint brick. They directed us to a primer which they tinted in our color and a topcoat. We got one quart of each and we really could have used more of the primer.

I say, make a statement with your fireplace. It's the heart of your home and the focal point of the room so you can really make it a statement.

I picked teal for the fireplace. I love it!

This was nice but I didn't love it. The scale seemed wrong on the mantle so it had to go. It was attached with wood "posts" in holes in the brick. We could slide the mantle off which revealed these two big holes. So, we sawed (is that a word, sawed?) off the wood posts on the back of the mantle and stuck them back in the holes. Then, sealed around them and painted over it. You have to really be looking to see it.
A quick trip to Pier One and we found 3 pieces of metal to hang. A new fireplace screen from Crate and Barrel and it's looking better. (This is a Christmas Picture- the cone trees are not always there).

That's nice but still not great. I hated the wall faux finish... just didn't work for me. So, another LONG day and we painted the den. Now the fireplace really stands out. Perfect.
Hmmmm, only perfect for a little white. We have since stained the concrete, gotten a new rug, gotten new sofa and re-arranged. But that's another story for another day.


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22 comments:

Paula@SweetPea said...

Teal for your fireplace is very unique and really looks nice. You'll have to share your finished room,

Connie said...

Really like the painted fireplace. We plan to paint ours but most people cringe when we say that! I like teal too...using that in the girls' bathroom. And I forgot to have you look at that the other day when you were over here. DARN.

Anjolee said...

What a nice transformation. Y'all do great work. I love before and after pictures. Grabbing your button.

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

What a transformation! And even though you got rid of your mantel, you should totally link this post to my mantel party on Friday. It's fabulous :).

molly susan strong said...

Love the guts girly. No holding back and it is dramatic, clean and modern. I am a decorative painter and LOVE to see this!

Elder Esplin said...

Wow! That color makes the whole fireplace pop! Talk about a focal point. Great Job! Jennie @ Cinnaberry Suite

Treasia Stepp said...

Love the new fireplace. We plan on painting ours this summer. The teal really makes it pop.

Chubby Chieque said...

WoW!!! looks amazing the outcome of your transformation.

Am drooling your project as my fireplace is in the list of my DIY.

Maybe an advice will help my laziness to start ASAP?

Million thanks and BTW your blog is cool with many ideas that can be apply in own self.

Cheers!

Charity said...

What a great focal point your fireplace now is. I love you color. You did a great job, thanks for sharing.
Cha Cha

Sarah @ Hennessey House said...

i. LOVE. this. great choice with the teal!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

What a fun color for your fireplace... I would have never thought of it... but I love it. Thanks for joining the Power of Paint Party!

Steph @ somewhatsimple said...

WOW!!! What a great pop of color!

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

Yay! You linked it up for! Thanks for allowing more to see your fab transformation.

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

I have a red brick fireplace and can't STAND it! I recently painted the brass surround black, and now I'm totally itching to paint the brick to make the transformation complete. Thanks for the inspiration!

Delightful Dwelling said...

Wow, it looks amazing! I never would have thought to do something so bold as the teal, but it looks gorgeous and really becomes the focal point.

Barb said...

Hi Cat, your fireplace looks great and I really like the color. Great job!

Barb

Magic Brush said...

Good for you for going bold on that color! Nice job!

Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs said...

Wow, your paint job totally transforms the look of the room. Nice job!

-Grace

Blondie's Journal said...

Beautiful transformation!! I love teal!

xoxo
Janie

Simple Home said...

This turned out very nice. I don't think I'd ever have the guts to paint brick, but you did a great job. I like the color teal too.
Blessings,
Marcia

Destination Seaborn said...

That looks great! I enjoyed watching your transformation. Can't wait to see what's next! Lisa

Joyeful said...

I love the color you painted your fireplace!! It really makes the room!

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