Tired Brick Fireplace Takes Cover
January 9, 2013 § 4 Comments
Sometimes the “bones” of an old house fall under the category of “What were they thinking?” You could say that about this brick fireplace with its random placement of dark bricks and the outdated brass enclosure. But not to worry. Your family room is not doomed to the styles of 1972 — you have options. One of the best ones is to paint the brick as shown in the after photo (from Southern Living Magazine’s Makeovers).
The homeowners covered the offensive brick with a flat, textured paint in the green wall color. They painted the hearth in a natural stone color. Then they added two bookshelves for a built-in look and painted them the same green. The new fireplace insert in a bronze color blends nicely. A narrower mantel and corbels painted cream pop off the green — art finishes the focal point.
The overall result is a fireplace wall with emphasis on everything but the original dated fireplace. When faced with old brick or other outdated hardscape in your home, consider painting it for an almost instant update without the expense of covering it or replacing it. This makeover was a huge success. No more ugly brick.
Your Home & Color Coach 
Very nice re-do. More homeowners should take a cue and do this. I have seen so many ugly brick fireplaces in my day.
Great job!
Linda
We’re painting a lot of fireplaces these days. Makes a huge difference. Thanks, Linda.
What do you do when the fireplace travels through the middle of the home floor to ceiling (acting like a wall in a staircase behind it) down into the rec room below? You see the chimney outside obviously and the brick on the fireplace is the same as my exterior bricks. Don’t know what to do but I hate it LOL.
Kelly,
You can have the fireplace refaced with a stone veneer of your choice. It will become a true focal point of your home.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach