How can I change the outdated look of my brick fireplace?

My fireplace is covered in grayish bricks and I don't want to paint them. Don't know what would give it an updated look and of course, don't know how to start. Would like some that's easy and cost-effective. Thanks.
My drab outdated brick fireplace. Help!
  9 answers
  • Amy Amy on Jun 06, 2017

    Paint them or white wash them

  • Karen Durante Karen Durante on Jun 06, 2017

    Try installing shiplap or tongue and groove pine paneling horizonally. Then paint or stain it in your choice of color.

  • Becky Partain Becky Partain on Jun 06, 2017

    If you don't want to paint the brick, paint the grout. My Mom painted her grout black. It definitely looked better and gave it a wow factor. Please post pics when you've completed it, whatever you decide to do.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 06, 2017

    Maybe just change out the mantel to give it a fresh updated look.

  • Jan Loehr Jan Loehr on Jun 06, 2017

    Your only options for change is to whitewash them or cover them with shiplap pieces as suggested above. What little we can see from your photo, it looks like your room is quite dark with the brick and I can see your fine molding at the ceiling...to brighten up a bit paint the ceiling brown molding white and do a whitewash on your bricks...also your mantel needs to be lighter as well. Lots of videos on the internet how to do those bricks and mantel not hard just paint..it will make a great difference in that dark room.

  • check out our fireplace make over... it was not expensive.. and just sheetrock


    http://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/revamp-an-ugly-brick-fireplace-no-paint-21776565

  • Leigh Leigh on Jun 06, 2017

    Whitewashing is an inexpensive way to completely change the look of the brick. It is an easy project that could be done in a few hours!

    http://www.littlebylittlefarmhouse.com/how-to-whitewash-a-fireplace/


  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Jun 07, 2017

    I don't think that it's the fireplace that needs updating (I LIKE the brick texture and color!) but the accessories that you have decorating it that can look dated. Your choice of mantle accessories should be in keeping with the color and texture of the brick) I would look at some decor magazines or store catalogs for ideas. Keep it simple and use only a couple of carefully selected pieces for a modern look on the mantle.

  • Elaine Shaughnessy Elaine Shaughnessy on Jun 09, 2017

    Thanks to everyone!