How many of you start a project and find it leading you to one rabbit-trail project after another?
That’s just what happens! When we started our summer project we were simply going to refinish the floors in our downstairs…at least that’s what The Husband thought. My mind was about to bust with a rabbit-trail project list and this is one of them…
Freshening up the fireplace gave us a big bang for our time and money which is exactly the kind of project we love!
Here’s before…
Knowing we needed a change, I pulled out my beloved Behr Ultra Paint with Primer…magic happens when I open a can of Behr paint.
I used a Behr color: Sandstone Cove in semi-gloss. (It’s the color I used on all my trim, doors, wainscotting and some of my kitchen cabinets) I would caution anyone wanting to go lighter to be careful with your ‘whites’. Sandstone Cove doesn’t look white in the can or on the paint color-card but on the trim and fireplace it’s creamy dreamy. A true white can be stark. Just my opinion!
To paint the brick, I used my BFF : The Paintbrush but you certainly could use a roller made for rough surfaces if you have a really big brick area around your fireplace.
After painting all the brick and wood the once black guts of the fireplace looked embarrassed.
After all, everybody else got a face lift!
So The Husband brought me home a little present…the man knows the way to my tiny heart. I was smitten…
Don’t use regular black paint for this…no, no, no…use High Heat Specialty Paint.
I taped off the surrounding brick (AFTER the Behr paint was completely dry…24 hours.)
And in 15 minutes the dingy gray was shiner and looked oh so fresh!
(I used almost NONE of the High-Heat black paint. I’d suggest finding a friend or 10 who’d like to freshen up their fireplaces and pass the paint around! Or you could just paint your grill with the left-over paint!)
To finish it off, this fireplace screen was black so The Husband used the Behr Paint with Primer in his spray-gun and lightened it up for me!
This rabbit-trail project made a big difference in the room and we’ll be ready to use our fireplace when the temps drop 60 degrees or so!
Have a fresh little day my friends…xo
Brenda Osborne says
August 12, 2010 at 8:33 amThe fireplace looks great ! I am planning to paint my mantle, but it is not smooth wood, not real sure how it will turn out. The mantle kinda fades into the stone face of the fireplace so I want to lighten it up.
All your rooms look so nice and fresh. I cannot even imagine taking on a project the size of the one you just finished!!!!!! The results are beautiful!!
Simply Jeannie says
August 12, 2010 at 9:49 amWOW looks great…. I can hear the ocean now 🙂
.-= Simply Jeannie´s last blog ..Jackson Dear Jackson =-.
[email protected] Stroll thru Life says
August 12, 2010 at 9:53 amYour fireplace looks fabulous. Love it painted white. The screen is wonderful too. Great job. Hugs, Marty
.-= [email protected] Stroll thru Life´s last blog ..Grandmother Plate – For all Grandmothers =-.
Julie Garmon says
August 12, 2010 at 9:58 amI can breath easier just peeking into your new den. Love your passion and confidence!!!
Vicky says
August 12, 2010 at 12:40 pmYou are so gutsy, and it totally pays off. I think I am one of those that gets so overwhelmed with each and every decision that I back off more projects than I start. Such great results Robin, wow 🙂
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..Meeting the newest Westra- part I =-.
gitz says
August 12, 2010 at 1:17 pmDon’t forget to link to YOU:create 🙂 Although you’re putting my little creations to shame. And has Behr offered to sponsor your blog yet, because they SO SHOULD.
Pinky says
August 12, 2010 at 2:10 pmYou and Mike are one good team, GF! The fireplace looks fabulous! Your vision is so good and the execution: SUPERB!!!!!:):) XO, Pinky
Kaycee says
August 12, 2010 at 3:11 pmOh I LOVE that fireplace now – it’s gorgeous! Well done!
Prudence says
August 12, 2010 at 3:16 pmLooks great. Fresh.
.-= Prudence´s last blog ..You-Create – Pen Holder =-.
rose says
August 12, 2010 at 11:29 pmgreat improvement. looks more inviting. Rose
.-= rose´s last blog ..IS THIS SPRING =-.
Beth @ The Quilt Ladies says
August 13, 2010 at 9:46 amI Love the Fireplace, what a difference. I’m going to do this one day, not tell anyone (Husband) and just do it.
Jenn says
August 13, 2010 at 10:32 amwow what a dramatic difference. I have a fireplace that’s in need of some love but nothing seems just right.
here from tidymom, happy weekend!
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Pretty-ing up the Place =-.
Tricia Rose says
August 13, 2010 at 1:23 pmYou have transformed it! It is a real focus for the room now, instead of a bit sad …
.-= Tricia Rose´s last blog ..Curtains! =-.
Debbie~ says
August 14, 2010 at 12:41 amI looove your fireplace makeover, it really updated it and your whole vignette is really fabulous! Thanks for sharing! Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs
.-= Debbie~´s last blog ..Pantry Door Reveal! =-.
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
August 14, 2010 at 3:43 pmYour fireplace makeover is fabulous! Don’t you just love what a difference a can of paint can make? The leaded glass panel looks great above the fireplace and I see you also painted the armoire. Perfect! I would love for you to drop by and enter my giveaway.
Hugs, Sherry
.-= Sherry @ No Minimalist Here´s last blog ..Grey Willow Giveaway! =-.
Rebecca says
August 15, 2010 at 8:50 amIt looks amazing! Paint really makes a difference. I’ll be featuring your ottoman today and would like to add your fireplace to a future article about using paint to make big changes. It would be one a many projects featured. Please let me know, thanks!
grammycarolynn says
August 19, 2010 at 6:45 pmOh…….My goodness!!! I am in awe of the incredible transformation! I just want to run out into the garage……find my paint brush and some white paint……and, whitewash everything in my home!! Your fireplace makeover is spectacular! I am thrilled to see the magic of paint and fabric in your entire redo! Robin…..thank you so much for sharing this amazing LABOR OF LOVE!
Blessings and hugs,
Carolynn
Kat says
August 22, 2010 at 2:38 pmHi wonderful idea for the fireplace, used it myself back in the day, however, if you want to even take one step further??? 😛 I painted the firewall bricks inside the fireplace too with the high heat paint! WOW what a diff! I had a gas fireplace and the light just bounced off of the back of that thing! It worked, because it is high heat paint so go for it ma dear! I love your advice on the Behr Snadstone Cove color! thanks so very much! Kat =^.^=
Craft Rose says
September 29, 2010 at 5:39 amAbsolutely excellent!
You will be featured on our blog Today! Come check it out!
A ‘I am featured’ celebration button is here:
http://www.finecraftguild.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FeatureFineCraftGuild.jpg
or you can find the complete code to put it on your blog in today’s post.
Have a happy day, celebrating, not just that you are featured but having such a beautiful, beautiful living room now!
.-= Craft Rose´s last blog ..Make a Monster =-.
Kari says
August 17, 2014 at 6:01 pmFireplace, what fireplace? 😉 That leaded glass window is a show stopper – I luv it! Did hubby make it or is it a vintage find?
Robin says
August 18, 2014 at 5:36 pmKari, thank you!!! That was a vintage find, and it’s really beautiful isn’t it!? I love old windows and leaded glass windows made to look old 🙂 ox