Should all brick fireplaces be painted? No way. We always tell anyone who’s on the fence not to touch that brush. But if you’re 100% sure you prefer the look of painted brick, then it can be a great way to bring an airy and light vibe to a room (we sold our first house in two weeks with two painted brick fireplaces so it didn’t seem to be a resale deterrent at all). This makeover from Jamie and Ehren is all about crisping up a space – both with white fireplace paint and some darker blue paint worked in there for contrast on those awesome built-ins. Here’s their letter:
Hey YoungHouseLovers! Your blog inspired me to start my own blog to document the progress we make on our new home that we bought in July. I just wanted to share our living room transformation. It’s finally the “vision” that I had when we moved in. Here’s the before, shortly after we moved in:
It took about 7 months to complete our upgrade, but it was way worth it. I made chevron artwork, refinished the brass fireplace insert, made some paint chip art, some no-sew pillows, and painted and decorated the built-in shelves. And finally, the biggest, most tedious part that made the biggest difference in the room – painting the brick fireplace!
And 14 hours of painting later (with both of us painting), we were done!
The coffee table is my favorite piece of furniture in our house. It is a resin cast of railroad ties from the Philippines – has a lot of meaning for us! Plus it’s huge and doesn’t show crumbs, water rings from glasses, dust, etc.
My advice is: don’t be afraid to paint brick if you prefer that look! Especially if you want to brighten up the room and make it more contemporary. Our dog Cozy agrees.
It definitely came a long way in there and we’re so happy with the result. We hardly even remember the “before” picture anymore!
Keep up the great work and thanks for checking this out! – Jamie & Ehren from Lawrence, Kansas
So yeah, the painted fireplace looks awesome with those dark blue built-ins… but I’m also totally jealous of that awesome coffee table. And Cozy. He looks like a friendly pup. You can see more of him, Jamie, and Ehren on their blog (along with more pics of this makeover process). Thanks so much to the whole family for opening their virtual doors and sharing their makeover! Let’s play the favorite part game. Sherry’s really into how great those dark wood beams look with the wood mantel and the leather furniture. What do you guys love? Hands off the coffee table, he’s mine.
Psst- We announced this week’s giveaway winner, so click here to see if it’s you.
karen says
Okay, the only thing I don’t like is the chevron pic because it is too large in comparison to the fireplace and built ins. I love the paint job and would kill for the coffee table. As for the ceiling fan, I think it is ugly, but I have the same one in my living room as it came with the house. I refuse to touch mine. It is the only ceiling fan I have ever owned (old or new) that actually does it’s job. I will not replace it nor will I disturb it by taking it down and painting it. I just let the ugly brass and rattan spin without rattling or wobbling while it actually makes me room blanket worthy.
emily says
I found the media console on amazon. It’s the Chelsea white media stand by southern enterprises.
Ehren says
Nice find! We were trying to figure it out ourselves, but there aren’t any labels on the stand anymore. We must have peeled them all off or something. I’ll spread the word to others who were asking. Thanks!
KarenH. says
Sweet! Very nice! I do like the coffee table, but it’s not my favorite–I’d have permanently bruised shins from walking into it constantly! :) My favorite is the grey and yellow armless chair in the corner. I love that style chair.
I do like how the paint improved their fireplace, but I’m keeping my fireplace the brick red it was originally. Mainly because the red family features prominently in the rest of my decorating for the dining room and living room. So does the dark stain on the mantel and the black of the wood burning stove insert. My biggest “problem” so far has been trying to find wall sconces for over the chimney. The current ones are meh and they have that old dull brass in them (much like the old ceiling fan in the dining room half, which also has to go). I’m looking for all black metal and I just haven’t found the ones that say “Ta-dah!!!”
Lindsey says
Wow, I LOVE that fireplace. Makes me want to paint mine – but you are right, I won’t touch it until I am 1000% sure. In the meantime I will just admire other people’s white fireplaces. :)
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
I am in love with their “coffee table” – that baby has to weigh a ton!
Very pretty.
Jamie says
We love it too. However, it only looks heavy. Ehren moved it into the house by himself while I was at work so I would be surprised when I got home. It’s hollow!
Christina P (NS) says
Does it show my age that this title has me singing a New Kids on the Block song?! :)
The room looks fantastic!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we’re all old! I was singing along too!
xo,
s
GretchenF says
From one Lawrence, KS resident to another – nicely done! I also laughed because I have chevron art nearly identical to that in my guest room, although mine is a canvas (purchased at the same Michael’s!) covered with fabric.
LindseyR says
Awesome transformation! Great job!!
Kristina says
I’m with John, that coffee table is perfect, I LOVE IT! The entire makeover was done with such good taste!!!
Jenn Prather says
I am DYING to paint the HUGE brick fireplace and hearth in our new house and my husband is NOT into it at all. IN fact hes against it. I have heard that you can white wash and do other things to change the look without painting. Would you guys share any ideas that you have????
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, I have seen whitewashed effects that are so cool! Maybe try googling “whitewash brick” or “stain brick” to see what comes up?
xo,
s
Jenn Prather says
Thanks! He wants to paint it grey, who knows why. It is a no no to paint it the same color I do the walls? Im thinking a very neutral greyish color,
YoungHouseLove says
It’s nice to do it the same color as the walls for a more integrated effect. We’ve seen it done really well in mags and catalogs. Good luck!
xo,
s
Laurie says
Love it! Here is my question – is there a special paint I should use to pain the brick? Mine is old and dark and I really want to convince the hubby we should do it. These pics help, but if I ‘knew” how to do it, that would help my case too! Thanks all!
YoungHouseLove says
We have had success just using latex paint, but maybe ask at the paint counter to see if they recommend something specific?
xo,
s
McKenzie says
I painted my fireplace white too and it made a huge difference! I did it mainly because we hated the color of the brick. And the end result gave us such a more modern spin on our 1982 ranch style home! More than pleased with the result also. I love painted fireplaces!
Tiffany says
Your brick looks beautiful! I painted our fireplace when we moved into our house, the same color as my walls, an elephant grey. It looks amazingly different and I love the modern look.
Kezia says
While I loooovvveee everything else about the makeover, I firmly believe in nice bricks being left alone. I wonder if they should have done everything else and then done some photoshop to check out if they really did want to paint the bricks… I know it’s a personal matter of taste though. I probably just feel this way as im on the hunt for a house with some exposed brickwork.
Stephanie says
Ordinarily I’m not a fan of painted brick, but this looks beautiful!! I’d say it was the right call on this one. :-)
Also, Cozy is adorable!!
amanda says
I like it, all of it. in china you will never have chance to own a house like that unless you are a billionaire. so, enjoy your life