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Home Decorating

Advice on foyer and fireplace

13 years ago

The non-functional DR fireplace in our 1920 foursquare is ugly. See the pictures (ugly paint and mortar spattered brick). The mantel and surround will be painted white. What color to paint the brick? Or do something else? The room is painted in SW Roycroft Rose with all trim in white.

The foyer (carpet and wallpaper on their way out) is paneled in quarter-sawn oak from which the original dark shellac has been mostly removed. My contractor wants me to scrub it with TSP, then polyurethane. Good idea? Or just clean it and leave it alone? I haven't touched it since we moved in 20+ years ago.

Finally, when we have the floors and staircase re-finished, what should I do with the stair risers? Paint them white?

Thanks.

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Comments (4)

dhs_60
Original Author
13 years ago
Here the link to the pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/RickSolie/20101123#

Here is a link that might be useful: Foyer and Dining Room
User
13 years ago
Is that marble around the fireplace mantle ??? I can't tell. I think everythiing but the brick is gorgeous. I would only paint the brick...shiny bloack ??? maybe. The qs oak is stunning. I wouldn't do anything but clean and Waterlox it. no poly. There are a lot of threads here about Waterlox. You have a gorgeous home. Would love to see more pcs.
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Carol_from_ny
13 years ago
I'd paint the brick after giving it a really good scrubbing white.
The oak I don't think I'd use TSP on it but I would clean it, maybe Waterlox, it but not poly.
Stair risers. I'd wait and see how they after the carpeting is removed. Given how much oak there is they maybe too, if they are then I'd look at refinishing them to match everything else.
dhs_60
Original Author
13 years ago
Trailrunner, the mantel is paint, faux marble (PO's work), but chipped and stained and too '80s for me; I might leave the vertical piece as is however. Over the years we've spent our money on systems and major repair, not decorating, but now that I have time progress is swift. I'll post some pictures as things get done.

carol-from-ny, good advice on the risers--haven't looked at them yet.

Shiny black or white on the brick were my thoughts too, also a dark shiny green (to pick up the tile on the floor).

Thanks for the thoughts.

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