How can I make over an ugly fireplace and plain walls (pic)?

HC
by HC

I have a hard time visualizing alternatives...That said, can I paint over orange/rust/tan tiles that are around a fireplace? They’re on the hearth, too.I really want to paint our family room, but I keep coming back to how new paint on the walls might just make the ugly orange/rust/tan tiles stand out.Also, I love my newish dark red leather recliner couches since I have little boys. I couldn’t have one more thing that’s the color of dirt. 🤣🤣As you can see in the picture, the walls are plain “white” (maybe off-white?) and the blinds and wood cornice are not my style either. I just simply don’t know what to do to pull it together and make it fun! Looking forward to suggestions that won’t break the bank. 🙏🏻😁💕

These pictures were taken at night, so the color of the blinds and walls look a little more yellow than they actually are.

  6 answers
  • Dwp7470b Dwp7470b on Jul 26, 2019

    You can lighten the tile with Rustoleum Tub and Tile resurfacing kit: Almond or White. However I cannot guarantee you will like the color, so before you go full bloat on this resurfacing, you may want to get a knack of doing by Practicing on your Tub.

    • See 1 previous
    • Dwp7470b Dwp7470b on Jul 26, 2019

      More Saving More Doing! Have a great day too!

      Very Nice Woodwork in your home, BTW, it is reminiscent of my own, in my Pennsylvania Home.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Jul 26, 2019

    I really would avoid painting the stone tiles. They will likely become a maintenence nightmare. I've found that stone like that looks completely different in different environments. I would suggest pulling a color from your painting next to your couch and painting your walls that color. I would probably pick a sage green from the stems which will make your sofa, painting and stone pop. The colors in the stone will then draw your eye to the painting creating a harmonious environment.

    • HC HC on Jul 26, 2019

      Thank you so much! I had no idea about painting (or not painting) tile, but I learn so many neat ideas on this site I thought I’d ask. Now I know to check that off the list of possible ways to work with the eyesore focal point of the room.

  • Anastasia Anastasia on Jul 26, 2019

    You can get to vase and go out in your backyard and pick up long sticks branches spray paint them. Them go to dollar tree or dollar general get some flowers glue and glue gun and start to glue let your kids help by them give you the flowers or where to put them on the braches

    • HC HC on Jul 26, 2019

      A vase is a great idea! My kids are now 8 & 11, so I don’t think that would be a problem any more! Thank you!

  • Susan Bartenfeld Susan Bartenfeld on Jul 26, 2019

    Hey homeowner!! This is my suggestion for you. Since you have a hard time "seeing" the possible. For painting color ideas....LOTS of paint companies have a place to up load a pic of your home. take a pic of the area around your fireplace...use this pic to try different colors on your walls. You might be surprised to see how different color on walls will make the tile look different!! Still might not be your fav, but, it may make it livable till you can replace it!!! I agree with the above person that painting will be a nightmare of maintenance on the stone, so, change the look around it. You could also try a FIREPLACE rug for the tile on the floor area. I said Fireplace rug if you plan on using the fireplace. They are made to be fire retardant. For an inexpensive fix on window....Add a "drop cloth" curtain!! https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/curtains/how-to-make-drop-cloth-curtains-with-a-no-sew-fabric-edge-516998

    I hope this helps you...Please let us know how it goes!!!!

    • See 1 previous
    • HC HC on Jul 26, 2019

      Can I ask which site/s have been the easiest to use?

  • Rosie Rosie on Jul 26, 2019


    Hi, how about putting a fireplace screen around the fire hole , and add some fireplace tools on one side and a plant of some kind with a nice large vase. Or a basket with some wood in it to balance out the sides. Spruce it up they have really cute fire screens to put up ! Hope that this may have helped you in some way.

    • HC HC on Jul 26, 2019

      Thank you so much! I will look into these ideas, too. 😊

  • HC HC on Jul 27, 2019

    Rabbitgoo has really fun patterns! I'm thinking about it. Thank you again for the suggestions.