Talk about a nerve wracking project. After I painted the doors in our house black, I really liked the contrast. I’m still all about neutrals, but I liked how it drew your attention to them. Which led me to staring at this fireplace the last few months. When we moved in, I think the shiplap wall was one of the first things we did. I also whitewashed this brick to tie it into the mantle better. But because these are not actually brick (it’s stamped concrete, which honestly seems more difficult to me than just buying brick), the color never felt right to me.
This was the grainy before photo I had from the listing of the house. It’s just not my style and I wanted something that felt a bit more finished and us. Also laughing at this next photo because that’s what this fireplace looks like 90% of the time with Parker being a world class climber and also a klutz.
So it’s not bad, honestly I love a lot of whitewashed brick fireplaces, but especially with the mantle just kind of thrown up there, and the “bricks” reading purple, I wanted a change. Plus I’m trying to finish the last of my painting projects on the first floor, before we replace the carpets so I don’t mess up anything nice and new. I’m not known for being a tidy painter. I was impressed I even used painters tape on this.
That fireplace insert makes all the difference doesn’t it? My dad and I made that YEARS ago for my old house, and I have loved it ever since. So glad I was able to use it in this new house!
So this is what you do when you’re not great at cords, but need to paint the top of the mantle. I didn’t want to have to rerun the wires through the cover, and didn’t want to create a project for Aaron. Honestly, it worked really well. I was impressed.
The first coat of paint, particularly black paint, really is the one that makes you question any choice you have ever made. Literally terrifying. And I know it’s just paint and I can change it whenever, but have you ever painted over black? It was going to take some effort.
Phew! Two coats later on the brick (the whitewashing acted as a wonderful primer), and three coats on the mantle and I’m calling it done! What an impact!! Before the fireplace blended into the wall. Now it’s such a contrast and is what your eyes are drawn to when you enter the room, which is exactly what I wanted.
Aaron’s response is that it matches the TV.
You win some, you lose some. LOL
