I'm in the process of making a major change in my house and I can't make a decision to save my life. I plan on doing the work this weekend so I'm running out of time. Interested in voting?
I've been dying to paint the outside of my fireplace ever since we bought this house. I've been hesitant to do so only because it seems like such a sin. I love the look of brick, but this particular brick just makes me skin crawl. Very 1960s. I'm also hesitant to re-paint the walls in the same room because they're currently my most favorite shade in the world and I'm reluctant to let go.
Unfortunately, we suffer from dungeonitis in this house. There are so few windows and therefore very, very little natural light, and that just kills me. The color of the walls now, a dark olive green, doesn't help in adding light to the room, so it needs to go. I'm going to go with a linen color for the walls, but I'm stuck with where to go with the fireplace brick. I'm torn between a nice ivory and a high-gloss black. Any suggestions? I'm open to other colors, too, so if you can suggest something, I'm all ears! I realize that this is going to be a drastic change, but one I'm not afraid of one bit. If anything, I look forward to it.
The photo above is the most recent shot I have of this room, and it's not very recent at all. This room looks nothing like this anymore (new furniture, bookcases moved, etc), but you get an idea of the brick and wall colors. I'm keeping the mantle the same...I highly doubt I'll ever change it. All of the woodwork throughout the house is the same cherry color and I love it. Eventually I would love to replace that brass facing with something a little less, uh, tacky, but I can't afford it right now. Basically, I'm looking for a color that will match the walls, match the wood mantle and match the nasty brass facing. Please help.
Cast your vote on the sidebar if you're interested. I'll leave it open for a solid day or two. If you have any additional comments, please leave them. I'd love to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
12 comments:
Here's my vote.. and feel free to kick me: DO NOT PAINT THE BRICK. Someone evil did that to the fireplace in my parent's house.. and there's pretty much no un-doing it.. unless you want to sand blast it.
You can buy firesafe spray paint and paint that brass sucker black or silver! I'm torn on the brick. I have a 1960's brick fireplace that's similar and I've never had the nerve to paint it. I must ponder for awhile.
You already know how i feel...i'd paint the walls first and then decide on the brick. You might get the walls a totally different shade and decide you like the brick with it! OR you might be more sure which way you want to go with the color of the brick work....
Oh man, I have prepared a full thesis on this topic. I will follow up with you when i don't have a crying baby on my lap . . .
i sent a link to this post to my friend amy. she is an expert. she is going to tell you to PAINT THAT BRICK too. haha. DONT DO ANYTHING UNTIL SHE GIVES INPUT. haha. she has amazing taste.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladynpink/3204203143/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladynpink/2699157931/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladynpink/2608775553/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladynpink/2608775549/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladynpink/435785328/
here are some pictures of her place before she moved to NY.
Paint same color as your little table on the left.
If the brick was gorgeous I would agree with sinful- but, it makes my skin crawl too...so, yes. Paint it.
Given your love for the cherry trim and mantel I'm going to change my original vote of black to ivory. They sell this crap you can put on brass and knock the shiny qualities down.
I'd also suggest painting the walls a much lighter version of the color you have now. If you have any left over, just mix it with white. Or, if you want to get crazy, paint the walls a much lighter tone and the fireplace the green that's currently on the wall.
See, I knew I paid you guys for a reason. Just kidding. Thanks for the input and keep it coming!
Alright, crying baby is with grandpa. I can't neglect her, but I can neglect work :)
So here goes nuffin:
1) Paint that brick!!! There is no artistry in mass-produced 1960s brick, and therefore no history or craft that warrants our respect and preservation. If you don't like it, change it.
2) I'm gonna go with Ivory for the fireplace. Lady, you change paint colors like Imelda Marcos changes shoes. An Ivory fireplace will look lovely with all sorts of wall colors. High-gloss black would look stunning, but would really limit your options down the line. Black would also be a bitch for someone else to change in the future. Ivory has more universal appeal.
3) You love that green. It is like your color wheel soul mate. I applaud your willingness to move on, but maybe just try rekindling the embers of your love?
I say: Leave the walls for now and paint the fireplace ivory. Maybe throw some ivory curtains on the windows and a few ivory accents around the joint. It just might give you the lightness you want and breathe some fresh spring air into that glorious green.
Of course, whatever you do, it's gonna look spectacular. You've got vision!
I'm late with my comment but I also thought that an ivory or buttercream would be the best color. It would feel much lighter and would work well enough with the brass accessories until you can paint those too, or replace them. With the green and cherry, and the dark furniture, it's still a historic arts & craft palette.
I love that green (my kitchen is similar) so I won't change that. ever. :-)
And I really wouldn't feel guilty about painting the brick, if someone really, really wants nasty 1960s bricks, they can PEEL it (they are sheets made to remove paint from brick - you stick it to the paint, peel it off, and the paint comes with it. It needs minor touch-ups, but works well.)
Hi Kate, I agree with Mare, Paint the walls first then live with the natural brick first b4 you change it. BIG TASK, BIG FIX, be sure b4 you make the move!!!!!! Love you always.
Kate don't know how my comments show up as Lindseys, but this is nancy, still love ya.....
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