Back of fireplace wall looking from the kitchen
Brick fireplace and wall makeover
by
Jo
+4
We are in process of buying a 1970s house with an off center fireplace. It is basically right in the middle of the living space. The brick is original beige color and extends totally around the front and back of the fireplace. The house has an industrial look. The staircase pictured is metal with clear glass steps with gray metal trim. The back of the fireplace wall runs down a hallway and is seen from the kitchen, dining room and when you enter the house. We are attempting to keep the budget low. This is a large amount of brick extending from floor to ceiling all the way around. My first thought is to paint the brick medium gray. The house needs many other repairs including all new flooring which will probably be light gray wood look planks.
Any suggestions?
Front of fireplace.
current owner is storing her stuff on the hearth.
Space above fireplace is blank wall.
If you paint the brick you will lose some of the original mid century look and when you get tired of the grey (or it goes out of vogue) your only option will be to paint it again. Live with it, decorate it and see what your heart tells you, it is already a livable color.
MCM is so trendy and fun. Your brick color is quite beautiful compared to some deeper red orange tones. I would leave it for now and see if your doubtful feelings towards it might change. Best wishes with your home decorating and settlement of your beautiful home.
When you get time make your brick look new by cleaning it with a hand steamer and rags to blot away the dirty water. You’ll be surprised how much dust and grime has settled into the brick faces and mortar.
Styled after the "Brady House" . Leave the brick. It's already light in color and brightens the area. Live with it for a while and see how you feel about it down the line. I would definitely clean it as Virg suggests.
Some photos for inspiration concepts. Click on a photo and go to the site.
https://www.google.com/search?q=mid+century+modern+fireplace+wall&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjgzPbir4_ZAhWH1IMKHV7kAp0QsAQIzQE&biw=1016&bih=642
I also think waiting to make a decision is the way to go. Clean your brick before you put in your new floors. Since it is such a neutral color, don't let it influence your paint choices. Outdoor command hooks work great on brick, so it can be treated like a wall for artwork and wall hangings. If you need extra strength, add some hot glue to the mix. It can always be removed with a heat gun. If down the road you decide you can't live with it, you'll have had time to "daydream" how you'd like it to look and will have the harder prep work (cleaning) already done.
Move in and live with it for a while before you change it, Never know, you might really like it.