This Unexpected Colorful Painted Brick Fireplace Makeover Will Make You Smile
If you’re thinking a bold, colorfully painted brick fireplace makeover may be just the focal point your room needs but are afraid to take the painting plunge, fear not. This painting project is one that is well worth the risk!
You guys, I’m SO excited about today’s post that I’m posting it early! If you follow along with me, you’ll know I’m currently smack-dab in the middle of the $100 Room Challenge, hosted by the talented Erin of Lemons, Lavender, and Laundry! So, it’s week four and I’m knee deep in sawdust and drills, trying to get my shelving unit finished in time! So far I’ve shared my plan, made a hairpin legged coffee table for less than $40, and came up with a new-to-me end table solution, leaving me with a to-do list with fewer things checked off than I’d like. However, we’re in the home stretch. And then, I decided to make things interesting by adding something to my list rather than subtracting – how about a painted brick fireplace makeover!
I knew when I started the living room that I’d need to do something with the painted brick fireplace – what better than a painted brick fireplace makeover!
The color and texture I’d painted years before just didn’t gel with the new design, and it was bugging me. It was time for something new, and I was thinking bold, blue and beautiful! At least until I started thinking about it.
SECOND GUESSING
Do you ever have a tough time trusting your instincts? I do, ALL the time. When it comes to decorating, I love color and drama. I know this about myself, and I my “design self.” So, why oh why, do I sometimes go in the complete opposite direction with simple and neutral and ‘safe’ design choices? Why?
When I decided to embark on my painted brick fireplace makeover, my first thought was to go big (and bold) or to go home. Then, I decided something light, something safe and something “grown-up” would give me more flexibility; sophisticated gray tones. I painted the entire fireplace front, but when I stood back and looked at it, it didn’t give me that feeling of glee I get when I walk into a room that is my idea of perfect. The gray was just okay – it had little impact on me at all, which is the exact opposite of what I wanted it to do. I wanted the fireplace to pop and immediately draw your eye, but instead, the feature just faded into the background.
TAKING A CHANCE
For a day or so, I just thought about what to do. My first idea to go bold and bright, cementing the fireplace as the focal point of the room – I was nervous that it wouldn’t work.
Finally, after stewing about it, I just went ahead and painted a section of bricks to see how it would look. That small part saturated with color.. it was something! Something colorful and beautiful and so not like anything I’ve seen.
The next thing I knew, I’d painted my brick fireplace blue. Yes, BLUE, and I LOVE IT! It makes me smile every time I walk in the room, and I’m so glad I followed my instincts. Not only is the fireplace more updated, but it’s also the focal point I was looking for, AND it’s the anchor that brings everything else together. I get this might not be everyone’s idea of perfect, but luckily I’m the only one who has to live here – and it makes my heart pitter-pat every time I see it!
For those of you thinking of taking your brick fireplace to a bolder place, here’s how I did it!
How-to: Painted Brick Fireplace Makeover
You’ll need:
- Scrub brush
- TSP or Heavy-duty cleaner
- Rubber Gloves
- Green Painters tape
- Zinsser Shellac Primer
- Flat Indoor latex paint – I used Behr’s “Compass Blue” – A sample size was the perfect amount!
- High-nap paint roller for textured surfaces
- Small paintbrush for filling in mortar lines and a 1″ paintbrush for the rest
- Heat resistant spray paint, Black (to 200 degrees F)
What you’ll do:
Before you start, give the brick a thorough cleaning with TSP or another non-sudsing household cleaner to ensure your paint adheres properly. Rinse and let dry. Tape off the edges for a clean look.
Use the spray paint on the inside of the fireplace. Dry.
I had already painted my fireplace so was able to skip priming. If your fireplace is unpainted, apply an oil-based primer, with a brush or paint roller. If using a roller, you’ll want one with a high nap for rough surfaces. Consider using the cheapest one you can find – brick is not kind to paintbrushes or rollers. Apply following the instructions on the paint can. Dry.
Apply your paint. It is easiest to use the small paint brush to cover the mortar lines and edges, then to go back with a 1″ brush to fill in. I needed one full coat of paint with a second touch-up coat. Behr paint is my FAVORITE for that reason – it has excellent almost one-coat coverage!
Remove your painter’s tape and enjoy the new look of your fireplace!
Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or home design is new to you, be bold with your choices. Take risks with paint – paint isn’t expensive or permanent, and it doesn’t require a tremendous amount of effort to apply – even on a fireplace! Take a chance on bringing your vision to life. Be fearless. What you will end up with is a home design that will be entirely you, with features that will make your heart pitter-pat every time you walk by!
Let’s take a quick look at our list of things to finish and our budget!
TO-DO LIST:
Update the coffee tableGive the lamps a make-overReplace the end tables- Replace the large painting over the sofa with something more contemporary
- “Build-in” the shelving
- Update or add new accents and artwork throughout the room
Painted brick fireplace makeover
My budget stayed the same. Again, I had everything I needed – I LOVE it when that happens!
Budget:
Material | Cost |
Hairpin Legs for table | $30 |
Total Remaining | $70 |
Remember, I’ll be back next week with another update – only two weeks to go! Need a refresher on where we started? Check here!
1-The Plan | Week 2 | Week 3| Week 4| Reveal
Not up for DIY?
Be sure to check out the other participants of this month’s $100 Room Challenge. There is some serious talent in this group!
This is such a great example of knowing your style and going for it! I love the pop of color, and it looks great with your rug!
Thanks, Meredith! It can be SO difficult to take a chance like that – I’m so glad I did. It really does make me smile every time I walk in the room!
Kim, this is so YOU! I love seeing how you take chances and risks throughout your home—it inspires me to do the same because I can definitely relate to the second-guessing feelings!
Thanks, Emily! You made me giggle 🙂 It’s so hard sometimes, isn’t it? I spend so much time worrying about what I think I should want! But, I think I’m learning that I’m always happier if I go with my gut – even if it’s not what I would consider the popular choice. And, if I hate it, I can always paint it – it’s JUST painted!
I LOVE this! You are so right- always go with your instincts- because they’re right! I’ve definitely gone down the path of doing what is “grown-up” or “expected” instead of listening to my gut and I usually end up unhappy and redoing the project. I cannot wait to see the reveal on this room!
Thanks so much, Beth! I don’t know why we do that to ourselves?!I’m slowly coming around to ignoring the other voice – the one of doubt! We can work through it together.
The grown up choice is always the wrong choice. 😉 I LOVE the blue so much! It’s so bold and beautiful and just sings.
By the way, I really need to paint the inside of my fireplace, but I hate the thought of properly cleaning it. 😉
thank you, Emy! I’m so glad you like it! Yes, painting the inside isn’t my idea of fun either but it made such a big difference in this case!
What a bold and fantastic color choice! Love it!
thank you, Nicki! It really helps to lead the eye where we’d like it go – it works in this room where it tends to be a little dark!
I love this! I don’t think I’ve seen colour used in this way on a fireplace but it works really well.
Thanks so much, Lisa! No, I hadn’t seen a lot of either – so glad I took the plunge!
This is SO fun! I am so glad you followed your heart and did something colorful and bold. And I am so glad you love it! Totally worth the risk!
Thank you, Erin! We’re a few weeks in – still love it. Why is it so dang hard, though, to take risks sometimes?