Kristi's Fireplace Re-do

(remember Kristi?)

Dear Christine,

Our biggest problem is the fireplace. We have lived here for 7 years and have tried to love the brick, or even just like the brick, we really have. But we hate it. We've considered lots of options to reface it, even consulted a tiler in hopes of covering it with limestone tiles, and we're told it is a big (read: expensive) project given the arch detail, etc. So we are now considering (with trepidation) painting it, as a way to do something inexpensive now that will bring it into the color scheme and make it not so...ugly! What do you think? Is painted brick horrible? If not, what color and finish should we use? Also, any ideas for a mantle are appreciated. I was considering commissioning a dark walnut mantle with overmantle (a bit narrower than the current surround) to go up to the ceiling from my father, who is handy with wood and could do such a thing. We have used a decorator in the past who told us by building out an overmantle it would fix the awful scale of the current fireplace surround.

Thank you so much,
Kristi

Kristi,
Thank you so much for the before and after on your paint- you did a very nice job.

I have a plan for you on your fireplace. If you have a handy father- this won't be terribly expensive. You do not have the height in your room to have an overmantle. What really needs to happen- is to cover the brick- and replace your current- "way too small and has no style mantle."


I found an example of exactly what I am suggesting for you on Decor Report. Go to their site and check it out. Below is a shot of the room- done by Debbie Travis. Once you add the wood surround- your area of brick is much smaller- this makes it much less expensive to cover in stone. If you have a waiting period before that fits into the budget- I would paint it- the color of your kitchen table looks good. Keep it light and neutral- you do not want to draw attention to it. Go with the dark brown chocolate finish on the wood. Now- that will be a great before and after as well- send me pics! :)
You are doing a great job!
Christine