Tuesday, April 1, 2008

To paint or not to paint... that was the question....

Welcome to anyone who hasn't seen this older post!

This is what our fireplace looks like now, several years after the 'makeover.'

This is what it looked like right after the 'makeover.'
























And this is what it looked like right before the makeover!

I absolutely love the look of brick walls and fireplaces that have been painted white. My husband? Not so much! So we compromised on the idea of building a cover for our brick fireplace that I could paint white, and I think he did the most fantastic job! I love the way it turned out!




















He basically measured and cut a single sheet of birch plywood to cover the front of the fireplace, even cutting a hole for the flue knob.


















To make things really simple, we purchased decorative trim that was just the right width to cover both sides of the fireplace, and also used decorative trim under the mantel and around the hearth. We then applied some trim to cover the corners, wood puttied all the holes, and painted everything white. I have two king size ruffled pillow shams laying across the brick hearth until we eventually finish that part. Since we only burn candles in the fireplace, the material on the hearth isn't a problem and I've actually grown to like the way they look!



















And to cover the hole for the flue knob, I found the sweetest watercolor painting at a yard sale a few years ago - it's a tiny little masterpiece that's just the perfect size!

Yes, I couldn't be happier with our fireplace makeover, and hubby couldn't be happier that the brick fireplace is perfect intact underneath!

Donna



23 comments:

joyh82 said...

Wow he did an excellent job! I love it white too!

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Donna!
Love the new fireplace look! Your hubby did a fabulous job! Our fireplace was red brick w/ a rough timber type mantle, not our style at all. So we did a makeover with white-wash on the brick and a cover over the mantle, well my husband did the work, well...and came up with the idea too! There I said it! He IS absolutely fabulous!! Great post!
Hugs, Sherry

Elle Jay Bee said...

What a beautiful transformation! I just looked through many of your posts, and I must say, you have fantastic style!! I love all the cottage pieces!

Linda
xoxo

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a great compromise! It looks wonderful. I was lucky enough to buy a home with the brick already painted white, otherwise I'm sure my mr. wouldn't have painted it, either. guys. :)
xo Lidy

Lolly Jane said...

wow, that looks like it was a LOT of work but WELL worth it!! GORGEOUS!! love your style!

Anonymous said...

Love that make over...
Your header picture is so lovely...
I would love to do something to my fireplace.... your's is just prefect...love it

regina barnett said...

I do love it white. Very nice job on top of that.

PattieJ said...

Hi, wondered over from "my romantic home" blog.
LOVE the way the fireplace turned out! It looks beautiful all in White.

Pattie

Vee said...

What a fantastic compromise and it looks great!

(Just dropped in from Pat's at Mille Fiori Favoriti.)

Just A Girl said...

Hi Donna,
I arrived here via Pat of Mille Fiori Favoriti. Your fireplace mantle is darling! It looks like everything else is darling too!
Have a beautiful day.

Cori

Anonymous said...

That turned out beautifully! I love to paint brick white too - I just did it when my husband was at work (that old 'asking for forgiveness is easier than asking permission' ploy....).

Rhondi said...

Hi again Donna. I'm having a great time reading some of your older posts! What a transformation of your fireplace. I always tell people it is amazing what white paint will do. What a clever idea to face the brick instead of paint it. It looks fabulous.
Rhondi

Cherub Kisses Boutique said...

Hi Donna!
Oh my goodness ;o) Your fireplace project turned out beautifully!! Mine too is in need of a redo and you have definitely sparked the creativity flow of things ;o)
Have a great weekend & I love your blog!!
Dionne

Free Art Printables said...

It looks great! It's like whole new piece! I am so glad you could join in on the party and show us a great option for not so loved brick! :) Jen

Beth at Aunties said...

The white really made a big difference! Super job and it brightens the room!

Thank you:-)

Rue said...

Hi Donna :)

I'll never get over how different your fireplace looks. It really is beautiful and you should be so proud :)

hugs,
rue

Anonymous said...

Amazing!!! I SO love it. You did a wonderful job.

-FringeGirl

The Texas Woman said...

Hey, that looks great! Your picture of this makeover could be in any magazine...and I don't mean the ones that have gone under!

The Texas Woman

Kris said...

Love the new fireplace. he did a great job.

Kris

Erica said...

I love your after, its cozy and beautiful! what a great idea to put up the board, its a whole new fireplace!

Kurt Holtzer said...

It's a wonderful transformation! Mine is in such dire need for just this - thanks for the inspiration.
Renee CreatingCottage

Janae said...

Wow it looks great I love it! This inspires me to do something different to mine!

Mariana said...

Nice makeover, i love the white colour:)
Marijana