Fireplace makeover - need ideas
+29
Currently renovating a 1930 bungalow that was previously abandoned for 20 years and need ideas on what to do with the fireplace. It's currently not up to code and will need to have some depth added to the front.
I am hoping to either clean the brick and prime and paint it white, or built up an even brick wall all around it - and then paint it white. I know lots of people are against painting natural materials, but I have really set my mind on a neutral, soft palette throughout.
Does anyone have any other ideas on what I could do with it? Which of my ideas makes more sense? Any additional fireplace makeovers are welcome! Thank you in advance!
Below are a few progression photos of the space.
I am hoping to either clean the brick and prime and paint it white, or built up an even brick wall all around it - and then paint it white. I know lots of people are against painting natural materials, but I have really set my mind on a neutral, soft palette throughout.
Does anyone have any other ideas on what I could do with it? Which of my ideas makes more sense? Any additional fireplace makeovers are welcome! Thank you in advance!
Below are a few progression photos of the space.
19 answers
-
Whitewash the Brick and install a Mantel to decorate for all seasons
Vera S
on Jun 17, 2016
-
Check out Fixer-Upper. I have seen one of their shows with exactly the same fireplace in the middle of the room.
Tricia Jackson Jones
on Jun 17, 2016
-
This won't be the "popular" answer, but I'd make it a focal point and paint it a fun color to have it stand out rather than have it blend into the rest of the room! We have a brick fireplace in our living (not centered or free-standing like yours, though). We left it brick colored because we painted the walls a bold blue color; and even though the crown moulding is white, we like the way the brick stands out against these 2 other surfaces.
KatAych
on Jun 17, 2016
- See 1 previous
-
Taking the wall out was a huge improvement. I'm personally not crazy about brick. So I would put stone on it. I wouldn't paint, unless you can make it look like brick. Some people would leave it natural. If you don't have the money to make it work. You could put a candle arrangement in it.
Margo Goyette
on Jun 17, 2016
-
We had an ugly yellow brick fireplace... I dont like painted brick... so we opted to sheet rock ours... my husband did 1x2 and screwed them in place and screwed sheet rock to the 1x2 then he taped and floated then we textured and painted and put an insert in.
Hotheadzmarine.williamson
on Jun 17, 2016
-
Clean it really well with a scrub brush and good cleanser, like Krud Kutter. Then prime with a good bonding primer, before you paint.
9530106
on Jun 18, 2016
-
I would 'box' the brick and add a mantel all the way round, and then affix tiles to the boxing. There is such a variety of tiles these days, from the much-favoured blue and white, to themes such as vineyards and baskets of grapes, or fishing and hunting. Perhaps choose warm colours to enhance the flames... The options are endless.
Ranger
on Jun 18, 2016
-
Because of the placement of the fireplace and brick, I would knock the brick off completely, put dry wall up to patch the wall. Bring the material used to finish it off a couple of feet to the right of the opening. Finding old wood, either barn or wide plank ship-lap, to which a whitewash could be added. If you can and if you have gas accessible I would definitely use gas. Clean brick inside and enjoy!
Marilyn
on Jun 18, 2016
-
Of course, the most important thing is to make sure that anything you do will be acceptable to the building code folks! I love Arts& Crafts style, and to have a 1930 bungalow sounds like a dream come true to me! Even if you don't plan to decorate in that style (it looks like you're going modern), maybe it would be nice to look at Craftsman style fireplaces on Pinterest and consider using one or two aspects of that style to give a nod to the history of your home. (Ranger's right--tiles!)
Jennie Lee
on Jun 18, 2016
-
I think depending on the color of the room and the rest of the decor, the paint could be a very good choice. I think leaving it too dark might distract from the rest of the space which is now open and nice.
Susan Rawlings
on Jun 19, 2016
-
As a fireplace dealer and code compliance adviser I would be concerned with the dark staining. It could be a sign of creosote leaking. I would have a licensed mason check it out before putting too much into it. You may have to go with a gas or electric insert.
Susan
on Jun 21, 2016
- See 1 previous
-
You should try whitewashing it. It will give it a distressed look. It's a very inexpensive technique as well as quick. You can start out with a little bit and add till you get the results you want.
Charmaine Cummons
on Jun 21, 2016
-
Try cleaning it with Kurd Kutter available at lowe's or home depot. If that doesn't work, be careful and use an oven cleaner. My home was built in 1937 and the fireplace has a lot of dark soot in it. Now be cautious and have adequate ventilation. Do not mix the products. Take it a step at a time. I used a hard floor scrub brush and got most of it off with the Krud Kutter. I used old heavy bath towels to wipe the gunk off. I waited until the bricks dried and a few days later, I used the oven cleaner on the interior soot. I could not use muriatic acid or anything stronger because my hearth was in very good condition and I didn't want to ruin it. This is messy and stinky. I finally rinsed it with a vinegar and water solution. Take a good picture of the entire wall. Since the fireplace is so far to the left, think about adding a bookcase the exact same height to the right. Extend the mantel of your choice all the way across. This may help you decide to keep the fireplace and make the wall look more balanced. Patience and messy work. Worth the effort if you want to keep the fireplace. Don't try to paint over dirty brick, you will never be happy with the results. If you prefer a whitewashed look, do your homework first before painting. Good luck.
Nancy
on Jun 30, 2016
-
Check out my latest post.
Val Frania {Love My DIY Home}
on Jul 18, 2016
-
Clean it up, take the advice about creosote, seal it....This is a historical piece of art in your home, design with it..eglectic beauty, painting white will ruin it. I would make sure it is safe to put a fire in it..perhaps candels or other earthy items would look great, even old large glass jars. The contrast of it's original patina is art!
PAMELA
on Sep 18, 2016
-
Calm you design with nature fibers, old baskets, but minimal.
PAMELA
on Sep 18, 2016
-
Clean the bricks first as you might like the look, if not you good always cover it with wood then you still have the bricks underneath if you change your mind.
Sandra. Jackson
on Sep 23, 2016
-
I love the "open concept" you created by removing the walls around the fireplace. I love the color of the brick although, you're right, it needs to be cleaned more. I saw something like this on one of Chip and Joanna Gaines shows https://magnoliamarket.com/our-show/episode-0...
Snapoutofit
on Oct 14, 2016
-
Your fireplace probably originally had an insert. The Art Deco phase has many of the modern aesthetics you can use to achieve your vision. I think the grey paint with an insert/surround would look awesome. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=1930s+Ar...
Ktg311722
on Nov 08, 2016
Sign Up to Answer
