Huge old Fireplace makeover ideas?

Question

We're buying a house that has a multi-tiered fireplace with a build in wood stove and some kind of extension piece (not sure what purpose it serves). The structure dominates the room and is the first thing you see when you walk in the front door. Any ideas on how to tone it down while still making it a beautiful, warming focal point for the home?

J Brown · Answer

White wash! Quick cheap and easy. We did our massive wall a couple years ago, WOW what a difference.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/masive-brick-fireplace-wall-whitewash-success-38628421

Gk · Answer

White or gray wash would look fabulous! Both are neutral colors so they could go with just about anything!

Liz at Simple Decorating Tips · Answer

Wow! It looks like it is quality built... mid century? Very interesting statement. I think I would embrace it for sure. What is your style? Do you like a-symmetrical MCM? I can see the whole room layout with that styling! I've painted brick fireplaces white and dark... depending on what else you're going to do in the room, you could do either, or leave it natural brick. I'd love to help you, I just need a little more info. :) I do love it though, very cool!! Liz SimpleDecoratingTips.com

Morgan McBride · Answer

Paint it black, navy, or the deep color of your choice!

Penne Johnson · Answer

I would love something like this with lots of indoor plants that can survive if woodstove is in use. Plants always lighten up a room and make the air so much nicer.

Mogie · Answer

Completely agree with white washing this. That will lighten the room and look for modern or current also.

Janice · Answer

This could be made the showcase of your home once you decide whether you want to go modern, industiral, farmhousoe, etc. My thought would to go modern and paint it a glossy white and then add large accessories on what appears to be ledges. OR also modernize with an accent color you love. To make it homey and warm you could whitewash. If you're uncertain, sometimes it's good to live in and get a feel of a place a while before making big decisions. Good luck on your new home, it looks quite beautiful.

FrugalFamilyTimes.com · Answer

I would box in the top two sections and drywall or panel it. Then build a wood mantle to go across the entire width at the top of the lower section. As for that little extension - could you remove it? Maybe you could take some flooring from a closet to patch the floor where it was?

Becky at Flipping the Flip · Answer

Oh wow, I'd kill for that fireplace! First fill up and decorate the room as you intend, then go from there. You may find that it works as-is with everything you have or that your initial idea wasn't going to work. It's best to see everything in first. Keep in mind, if this is not your forever home, painting or altering the brick could be highly disagreeable to future residents.