Our living room fireplace is 31/2 feet high by 5 feet long, and is constructed of brick (we think it's red brick), which is painted white. The mantle is a slab of stone, also painted white.
The walls in the room are hunter green, and the white is too much of a contrast, and I'd like a change. Any suggestions? Should we try and strip the paint? Face with tiles or stone? Build a wood box around it? Repaint, and if so, what colour?
The furniture is a mix of modern and antiques.
Thanks for your ideas!
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Hi Debora---- I think that I would beef up the mantle and put something little more substantial on it or over it. I like the suggestion of painting out the brass with heat paint. Here is an idea---------
If you can't repaint the walls and you really want to paint the fireplace, try a colour more in the beige or off white/ivory. This may not be a stark against the walls then.
Thanks for all the ideas.
My husband really likes the dark green walls, and I know I won't be able to get him to change his mind about repainting. As for painting the brass on the firescreen, good idea, I think that's something I can do.
Now that I see a picture, I stand by my recommendation to paint the walls instead of the brick. I love the brick painted white, just the way you see it. Only one other thing I would change is the brass on the fireplace screen. Can you paint it out in black heat paint?
Hello DeborahEllen,
If you'd like to lessen the impact of a white fireplace against hunter green walls, an easy way would be to add white bookshelves on either side of the fireplace if you have space, like the living room here: http://www.houseandhome.com/design/cosy-reading-room. They can be full-height or even shorter shelves. It would create more storage, create an accent wall and save you the hassle of repainting.
Hope we've all given you some ideas!
Jennifer
Web Promotions Editor
Pictures would really really help us envision your space. Are you able to post some? I love the look of white painted brick so I think if you just change the colour of you wall to something lighter and more neutral and add in a third colour with your accent pieces such as pillows, vases, pictures, rug, etc.
I actually like the all white look especially with your walls. I would accessorize things in front of it to give you a different feel.
However, if you want to change it, I could see some nice black marble tiles as working very well. Or if painting you could tone down the white and go with an off white colour so that it lessens the impact.
Can you post a pic of the room?