Freshen Up Your Fireplace
It is getting chilly out there! So if you've felt your fireplace needs a facelift, there's no time like the present. Here are a few suggestions on how to give your home and hearth a makeover:
Paint it
Nothing transforms a space more quickly and easily than paint, and that applies to fireplaces too. If you have outdated red brick (like us!) on your fireplace, a few coats of white, black, or gray paint can transform it from an eyesore to a 'showstopper'. You can knock out this project in an afternoon. First, use a wire brush to clean the brick, then apply an oil-based primer, then apply the paint color of your choice. Done!
2. Whitewash it
A subtler touch than paint, whitewashing can lighten up a dark fireplace and brighten up a room in the process. With whitewashing, you'll skip priming the brick surface and simply apply a mixture of white paint diluted with water. Just make sure to test the mixture in an inconspicuous location on your fireplace before painting the entire surface.
3. Stone veneer
With manufactured cast stone masonry blocks, you don't need to be a stonemason to get an incredible look for your fireplace. Cast stone blocks are manufactured in a variety of shapes and styles that mimic natural types of stone. While this is not exactly an afternoon project, adding a stone veneer to your fireplace can be tackled and completed in a weekend.
4. Add a floating mantel
Create a decorative focal point for your fireplace by adding a mantel. Options here are endless:
Use a solid wood beam for a cottage feel.
Match existing furniture with a manufactured shelf.
Double up with an upper and lower deck.
A floating mantel can be installed in an afternoon; make sure to use proper anchors!
