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stoneponies12 Hi, I like the look of white washed brick and it can be a do it yourself project. Your budget will tell you if you can reface it with another material. I agree with you about the mantle, maybe a nice substantial slab of wood. I must say, I happen to like the look of your brick, the color variations are so pretty. Maybe some cushions on the ledges under the windows to give it a window seat feel. Good luck!

stoneponies12


This photo is from another active discussion about fireplaces, there may be some more ideas for you there. This photo shows a substantial mantle and mill work. You could do something along these lines if it appeals to you, including covering the ledge areas.

kah416 I love the brick, but maybe if you add a chunky white mantle and trim the bottom around the fireplace white, it will give you a new perspective on the brick! :) If you ever decide to sell, the brick will probably be a good selling feature since a lot of people love that color, and painting over it may make it look a little 70's...but maybe a light whitewash would brighten it up and it would look nice! However it it YOUR house...do what you like and enjoy the fun! :) I love decorating!!

houssaon The ledge in the front is for safety, so hot embers don't fly out to the wood floor. If you get a new mantle, lower it a couple of inches so the mirror fite better. I like the bricks and think if you got nice pillows or cushions on the side it would look better.

Darzy Don't paint the brick in this case! This will be a big selling feature in the future...plus, it's nice looking brick. I'd paint the mantel white to match your trim. The oversized (but great) mirror is making the mantel look wimpy. Get a right sized mirror and the mantel will look fine. Find a seamtress than can make you custom cushions for the "seats" on either side of the FP in your pretty blue fabric with a white/cream piping on the edges. White wood slat blinds for the windows on the fireplace windows and this will look customely awesome.

Southern Patina Interiors You could add a single plant or rectangular pillows to dress up the brick bench. The mirror over the mantle is too big and too modern for the brick. A more to scale off white mantle shelf and smaller mirror will be more balanced. Perhaps you can tone down only the darker bricks w/o whitewashing the whole thing.

Toni Sabatino Hi aowen222, Although I agree with stoneponies12, as I I really like the varied color of the brick and think adding seat cushions below the windows and maybe some fabric Roman shades would make a major improvement, after looking at your colors, and all the white trim, I would paint all the brick white. I would remove the mantle completely and lower the round mirror for a more minimalist approach. I think seat cushions and throw pillows that coordinate with your upholstery, on the white brick, would give the room a more integrated feel....If I were going to keep the brick, I would replace the mantle with a thicker, more rustic looking piece of wood and stick with warm tones on the walls that compliment the brick as opposed to the green I see in the backround. And perhaps a wooden base below the glass coffee table to add warmth to blend with the natural brick. More good luck!

anewby09 I know an amazing seamstress that could make you those custom cushions. Beautiful wallpaper and mirror aowen222! You've got some amazing taste, keep up the good work!

annoulaxeni I'm with you that I don't like the color of the brick, but the lines are nice otherwise. My cheap-n-cheerful would be to (1) get rid of the mantelpiece entirely, (2) paint all the brickwork in white or another color you like (very muted aqua or that soft cocoa color you have elsewhere?), and finally (3) lower the mirror.

Gabberts Design Studio I personally like the color of the brick! I feel as if you're fighting against the tones in the brick, and so it's not flowing with the room. I would pull out the rust, browns, tans of the brick. I would suggest capping the tops of the side brick areas with nice finished wood, so it can be accessorized.

Adding cornice boards to the tops of your windows would help finish the look.

The mirror is too big and too busy to go on the fireplace, look for something less busy, or a piece of art would be even better.

Susan Glenn http://www.homebedazzle.com/images/beforeandafter/Q_L_Fireplace_reface_After.jpg I always thought that was an excellent update on a fireplace surround and hearth. I like the idea of extending the mantel to either side of the mantel so that you can choose a different effect for above and below it.
http://askville.amazon.com/plaster-interior-brick-fireplace-wall-successfully-hate-red/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=4091273 That page has MANY ideas of how to tackle a fireplace/hearth dilemma.

Juniper River Home Design Hey there! This is a great article on houzz:

My thought is to paint it. The dark & light shades of the brick are just not my favorite (but I do understand some thoughts that is could come back in style) it's a matter of if t is YOUR style. With the accessories that you are showing, seems to me that you like the cleaner look of contemporary.
That said here is my advice... paint it white trim color. Leave the mantle as is. Create a hearth that is "warmer" and inviting to sit on. My suggestion here is to have a piece of wood cut (about 3/4" larger than the existing hearth) and stained the same color as the floor and mantle. This can be easily fabricated and inexpensive. You could continue this under the windows as well.
I would use the space under the windows as shelves (they look too shallow for window seats, but perhaps unclear from the photo). The shelf by the door for keys and a few plants and the other shelf for plants and books. That will warm up the wall and give it a clean look that I think you are looking for.
(Note: another suggestion would be to paint the mantle a tan color that matches the walls if you feel that the wood looks to "heavy".)

Southern Patina Interiors I'm glad folks like my idea for the upholstered seats on the brick bench. You might be able to find these ready made cushions at Pier One, World Market even Home Depot, but depending on where you're located, this may be a seasonal item. They don't have to be exact, but I would stick with something without tufting or buttons, etc, which will make them too busy.

The FP brick, is sort of busy and somewhat pink (I think), which is not the ideal compliment to your furniture, however, painting it a color like turquoise is a huge commitment. I would proceed slowly white washing just the darker bricks a little - then if you like the look, white wash a little bit more..........
This is a focal point wall, but at the same time, you don't want it to be so stark and out there that it overpowers the whole room. Would like to see your pictures after your redo.

Southern Patina Interiors Another thought on the FP - that center piece is probably a framed box with the brick surround.
It may not be a really big deal removing it. You'll have to patch the floor, and that's an expense, but you'll gain all that floor space which will open up your LR. I would shop around for a handyman and get quotes on this. I'm always decorating on a budget, and it can be done. Good luck

Southern Patina Interiors Love the pics provided by Juniper. They're all wonderful, and they all work in their space.
That's the key to good design. Aowen can do anything she wants as long as it makes sense with her architecture, furniture, etc. It all needs to make sense.