It continues down to the floor under the mantle and on the right side. LOTS OF BRICK!
What is the best/easiest way to update an indoor brick fireplace?
by
Kerry
+3
I have a large area of outdated brick around my fireplace that is 2 stories tall and extends far beyond the fireplace opening. My ceilings are white shiplap (although the appear darker in the photo)and the walls are a khaki color I would like to tone down the red brick to update things a bit. Suggestions?
If you whitewash them, I would shift the whitewash color to a slight green tint.
My red brick fireplace came whitewashed and it looked pink to me.
The opposite of red is green.
I would consider adding partial covering on the widest part, like your shiplap. Let the narrower part stay brick for a lovely accent. I like both painted brick and natural brick. If you ever move it will be SO hard for the new owner to undo your paint, whereas the shiplap could be removed and the brick repaired with less work. Add a few great pieces of collectible art or things you love on the shiplap and let the top stay it's beautiful brick color. Best of both worlds.
Changing the color, we white washed ours. You can use any color in your wash it does not need to be "white"
I actually posted the journey "massive brick fireplace wall whitewash success"
Fireplace whitewash?
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/fireplace-whitewash-project-27546793?
us&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwju2s7rh_7bAhVCtlkKH
Fireplace remodel
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/fireplace-face-lift-just-87
Fireplace Whitewash Project
I just painted mine with paint. Used paint for brick that had a primer already in the paint. Used 2 coats letting first coat dry 2 days then 2nd. coat. Looks great, changed the whole look of the room and get lots of compliments from people who were used to the old red brick. I did this 4 yrs ago and it still looks great. No showing of red brick. Used samples to decide on color first.
You could consider removing some of the side section of brick to make the overall footprint much smaller. For the brick, look online at various examples of whitewashing, painting, German smear. From there you will then have a good idea of how each looks afterward and you can decide what works best for you.