Lake house in need of suggestions, please

Judy
by Judy
Happy spring, all :-)
Beginning with this living room and it's fireplace. The paint is the first step! I want to include painting the brick of this fireplace. Colors? Ideas? Lake house decor coming....and I need some ideas for wall and fireplace. Thank you
This is one wall in the living room. The mustard colored kitchen is to the left,,,
  8 answers
  • Z Z on Apr 17, 2014
    I think instead of painting the brick I'd remove the current mantel and build a beefier surround and mantel using MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) to match the bulk of the insert. I'd include covering the brick on the raised hearth too. If you are still tired of the brick you could cover what remains showing after the new surround with mosaic glass tiles.
    • See 3 previous
    • Z Z on Apr 18, 2014
      @Judy You are very welcome There are even free plans online to help you build it. Some are built using standard size lumber, but if you are on a low budget, and since you'll be painting it, you can use MDF. You must pre-drill or use a power nail gun if you do though. Carpenter grade plywood can also be used. You'll have to either fill in the cut edges with wood putty for a smooth finish or cover it with trim. http://ana-white.com/2013/02/fireplace-mantel-and-surround http://ana-white.com/2012/09/plans/mimi039s-faux-mantle The second one is listed as a "faux" mantel, but if you added the cleat hanging system that's on the first one, it could be used to surround your current fireplace. There are plenty more free plans out there if you Google Free Fireplace Surround plans. Good luck!
  • FrazzledMommy FrazzledMommy on Apr 17, 2014
    @Judy Oooh what a fun project - I am in love with light colors for anything lakes/beach. I also think reclaimed wood projects make awesome decoration (maybe some giant frames for around the fire place,possibly painting the brick a whitish color? As for the wood project I used this blog to make mine http://simplyswider.com/pallet-and-burlap-picture-frame/ for whatever reason its always the random thing that gives me inspiration for a theme PS i love the colors in this blog lake house http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/07/family-roomden-ideas.html
  • Lavende Lavende on Apr 18, 2014
    Stone veneer is a great, easy way to update brick fireplaces. A sandstone color facade with a larger mantle on the fireplace would be beautiful.
  • Julie B Julie B on Apr 18, 2014
    Leave it! Beautiful fireplace insert. It is your Lake house. It should look the part and does now.
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Apr 18, 2014
    @Judy there are a lot of fireplace makeovers on here go to the search bar and type in fireplace it should bring up a ton for you to look at and most have tutorials on how they did it xx
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Apr 18, 2014
    @Judy ok i went to search bar and put in fireplace and it did give me a lot lol,search bar is at top it says search posts photos &more good luck and have fun xx
  • Judy Judy on Apr 18, 2014
    Thank you!!!!
  • Kim Kim on Feb 21, 2015
    No, no! Please don't paint these beautiful bricks. The red brick fireplace is a classic