How can I update my fireplace?

I like this idea for your fireplace! The lighter colors of the gray and white will brighten things up as well as the addition of the white storage units on each side. Your fireplace isn't exactly the same as this picture so you would have to adapt the idea but I think you can and it would look fabulous!

I think shelves on either side would be pretty. If you don't want to build, you can add large potted plant on either side.

You have room to really customize the area and make a great storage area as well. I'd paint the fireplace in a light grey enamel type paint and make it look more modern than it is. Then you could buy upper kitchen cabinets (12 " deep) and use as base cabinets for storage a shelving above them spaced to display new or items you already have. I can envision them being white or perhaps even a lighter grey than the fireplace.

Built in shelves on either side! And Add a chunky wood mantle. It will look great!

Ideas from other Hometalkers

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20fireplace

You can use canvas art to give a better look to you fireplace or get some ideas from home decors sites.

I would paint it white and use a white wash effect https://www.pinterest.com/pin/225531893825659052/?nic_v1=1aHvO0QBRMLtTOR%2FSzP%2Bb7qmJgO6nqrzl5HloFd8pB%2Fd5OBkGXUIs1BLAdvSpi%2F%2BFb

Creating built-in shelves on either side of the fireplace would be wonderful. Good luck!

Hi There,

If this was my home, I would add a curtain of light with a pelmet, flooding from the ceiling across the whole area, therefore there maybe no need to paint the bricks.

I would add a chunky Mantel shelf set in about a brick from each side with brackets to support it. If you want to, you could also Paint the hearth shelf with a brick and Tile paint, to make it easier to keep clean if you like an open fire, or otherwise install an enclosed stove type fire. Add a stunning Mirror, Clock, Picture or Work of art to the chimney breast..................Best wishes.

Hello, Fireplaces can be painted or often retiled and I find looking around at the visuals on Pinterest or Houzz might offer some inspiration and ideas.

Heres some ideas that I saved

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/the-saga-of-the-truly-ugly-fireplace-33847745

https://www.hometalk.com/post/3373956/media?id=541608

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/charcoal-grey-painted-fireplace-6384857

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/updated-fireplace-39461004?

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/fireplace-whitewash-project-27546793?

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/fireplace-face-lift-just-87

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/17-fireplace-upgrades

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/fireplace/styles/before-and-after-fireplaces/

Paint the entire surface and add a mantle. On the sides, you could do tall, thin, wooden arches.

You can add built in shelving to the sides which will greatly improve storage or give you a place to decorate. I'd start with that then determine if you still want to paint the brick.

Kayla

It doesn't appear that the shelf is a built in so you could take that out and add large potted plants/trees for a pretty decor - you could put floating shelves up and add your books or knick knacks on them as well. You could add a mantle as well to give the fireplace a more homey look.

Ok I would paint the brick black- then paint the other walls in the room a bright white if they aren't already. Could you do built-in shelves (wood) on the sides, leaving them open to the brick behind it? Then maybe a wood box mantel like the one in this post: https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/faux-cement-tile-fireplace/

This fireplace would look amazing in white!

Home and Garden DIY Ideas | Hometalk

Paint it a nice solid color and add a large mirror over the center. Adding shelves to each side of the fireplace would even out the look and make it look more appealing also.