I don't really have a lot to show you. I was busy all day. Early in the day, I braved the cold, cloudy, foggy weather and cut the baseboard and the quarter round for the hallway. I painted it. do I have it installed? NO! You know how it is, things don't always turn out the way we want. I worked on the fireplace while the paint dried. Late in the evening I decided to try to get it put down before I went to bed, but it wasn't to be. Can you believe it grew? yeppers! I fitted it in the morning, and in the evening, 2 pieces were too long. It was too cold, and dark to cut it, and the battery died on my nail gun. It wasn't meant to be, so here I sit blogging!
I painted two coats of Kilz on the brick of the fireplace (above the mantel). I also painted two coats of Kilz on my new mantel!
I have the light fixtures loosened from the wall so I can paint around them. I may change them out, but I'm not sure yet. I will definitely change the globes on them. New fixtures may have to wait till my budget allows such a purchase.
I'm not sure if you can tell by the photos, but the firebox of this fireplace is huge! And, off center. We had this fireplace built when Jamie was an infant, 27 years ago. I have no idea why it is off center, even more so, why I never noticed it until today.
I still don't know what I'm going to do with the hearth. At the very least, paint. I would love to have tile put down, but not at this time. Any ideas?
The above photo is from The Lettered Cottage. I am drawing inspiration from their fireplace. Do you see how they have the detail on the facade? I want detail, but I'm not sure I want it to be so chunky.
I'm thinking I like something more like this. I like the trim on this fireplace. See the hearth? It's a lot like mine in height and width. I would like to add the wood to the front of my hearth the way they have here. I like the way they both have the original brick around the firebox. I can't decide whether I want to paint mine or not. I'm going to test drive it with the original brick, and maybe that will help me make up my mind.
Paint Brick Fireplace
I have sort of framed out the sides. I usually don't have a difficult time making decisions, but this is another test drive. Here you can see that the wood goes up beside the end of the mantel on both sides.
I'm thinking of adding the trim on these sides, like one of the photos above.
Any ideas about the firebox? Do you think I should paint it? If so, what color? I plan to remove the gas logs. I hope to put a candle display there instead.
This seems like it is taking forever! My house is turned upside down! Louie (the grandog) is scared of his own shadow. He jumps and runs every time I make any noise. Poor baby, he's been through so much in his lifetime!
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and advice! Ya'll are the B-E-S-T!
gail
check out the updates here:
It's coming along great! Can't wait to see what you come up with. Thanks for joining the Power of Paint Party!
It looks great so far. I think I would paint the brick unless you can clean it. It looks like it has some soot stains? I love the fireplace from the Lettered Cottage.
You've inspired me to do more than think about revamping my fireplace...I even did measurements last night and found a hidden wall of brick...the whole wall, which was dry walled over before we bought this place. Bummer. I've got to rethink the built-ins on each side now. Good luck to you and go with your gut! You do great things!:)
It's looking great!
I think that I'd paint the bricks black as well, like the others have suggested.
You're making me miss my fireplace!
Hugs,
Anne
You are working so hard! I do love The Lettered Cottage fireplace with the black painted bricks. That might look nice on yours?
I really like the pic you showed of the white but the bricks right around the entrance of the fireplace were painted black. That looks classy. As for the hearth part there in front, if you went with the black, get black floor tile and install that over what is there. Also paint the inside black. Its all looking good. As for it being off center that could be made to look good also by taking a tall glass vase and making a tall flower arrangement to sit on the side with more space.
Love what you've done so far...
I really like the black painted brick in the picture from the lettered cottage. And ya, after the gas logs are gone, I'd paint the inside black to showcase your candles. That will be pretty. Good luck on the rest of it. you're doing great!