Can this area of my living room ever be appealing?

  1. Rock fireplace / walnut mantel / Buck stove inserted
  2. Wood box located on right
  3. Round opening (behind picture) in fireplace
  4. Brick area in front of stove and wood box
  5. Wall of wormy chestnut covers wall behind / painted wall on right
  6. A frame ceiling
  7. Light fixture to left of fireplace
  8. Husband refuses to get a different stove
I'm at a lose as to how to make this area of my living room more attractive.
  9 answers
  • Heje Heje on Jun 26, 2018

    It looks dark and needs to be lightened up. The stone could be painted a lighter color and the mantel changed.

    • Elena Shideler Elena Shideler on Jun 26, 2018

      I would clean the stone and lighten up the wall with the window, add a lamp or two to the mantel and lighten up the fireplace frame, no need to ruin the nice stone by painting, nice better than natural stone. It seems that the stone has seen lots of fires. I would also add a larger picture or better yet, a larger mirror to the mantel in place of the little frames, it will light up the corner and make it a joy to look at.

  • Dee Dee on Jun 26, 2018

    Maybe if you lighten up the area a bit. I would paint the paneling or the rock a very light gray. You can also buy some Rustoleum high heat paint and paint the brass enclosure. First clean the rock, then prime it with a stain blocking primer. Then paint what ever color you want. Grays are very popular right now or white wash. Here is a you tube uggested clip · 81 seconds


    How to paint a brick fireplace. Great hack with paint. - YouTube

  • Rob32328534 Rob32328534 on Jun 26, 2018

    At first glance it seems dark, so I'd go with paint on the paneling and wall in a neutral light color like creamy yellow toned ivory and add red decorative accents, baskets, throw pillows, vases, etc. A throw on your chair in warm red tones and some yellow accents here and there. Checkered fabric mixed with a similar scale floral on curtains & pillows would give it a warm French rustic feel. These low- cost touches will make a huge difference. Hope this helps!

  • Dee Dee on Jun 26, 2018

    Here is how to paint it with a roller https://littlevintagenest.com/paint-brick-fireplace/

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 26, 2018

    I would paint the rock. If you vary the amounts of water mixed in with the paint the end result will give you a more varied result and not all rocks the exact same color. Also painting just the rocks and not the mortar actually makes the rocks stand out more. Also get some spray black high temp paint and repaint the stove itself. Ours looks like new after doing that.

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Jun 26, 2018

    The first thing I would do is find a good-sized handsome native-American rug to hang over the fireplace. Wide enough that it’s only 24 total inches smaller than your mantel. Make loops thru the back with fishing line and stick a pole thru them. Besides brightening the room, you’re diverting attention from the massiveness below.

    Clean the stone. Many folks suggest a TSP/water solution, but some recommend wonderful Scrubbing Bubbles foam spray and a scrub brush. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse well. Obviously, tape off your fire screen.

    Paint your fireplace vents to match cleaned stones (Those sample paint bottles).

    Lightly sand and alcohol wipe the screens outer brass trim and paint that black. Paint your mantle black too. Use a satin finish as it’s easier to wipe clean but has a tiny bit of luster to contrast texture.

    Youre blessed with the wormy chestnut.

    When all that’s done, you’ll be inspired to figure out the light fixture and the brick.

    Well, I’d find more hefty-looking fireplace tools for balance, and perhaps a tall handsome “bucket” for kindling. Those will balance the stovefront and also distract. You won’t even notice the wood bin.

  • Bonny Batchelor Bonny Batchelor on Jun 26, 2018

    i adore the rock fireplace! Would just give it a very deep clean and then lighten up everything else.

    There are wonderful products out there, on the cheap!

    Paints being my favorite! Milk paints, chalk paints and just... well paint! The mantle needs to be degreased, primed and a lighter comfy color.

    Even though gray, seems to be the rage right now and perfect if you’re selling.

    Id go spend a day looking at paint chips!

    they sell sample cans- you don’t have to commit. It’s like a loaner car, try it on and see if you like it!

    Always prime, I dont care what the can says. And keep

    a damp work rag with you!!

  • Swm33254234 Swm33254234 on Jun 26, 2018

    I wish I was there- lol-I think the photo shows a cozy comfortable place- if it were my place and you can’t change the firebox, then I would do something with the screen with brass? is that right i see?

  • Swm33254234 Swm33254234 on Jun 26, 2018

    I’d have to see more☺️