Your picture looks like it's out of a magazine. I'd not change a thing. It's perfection!
And sometimes less IS more. :^P

I agree with just. perfect as is. Maybe if you wanted to give it a fresh look, you could do some kind of clear coat over it? Not sure what would work as I've never done anything to brick, but I'm sure someone will know what I'm talking about.

In this case, I would not. It adds a level of detail to the firebox that would be missing if the face were all white.

It would be boring and cold if painted white. I think it adds character and warmth.

Very pretty. Wondering why you want to paint it. ?

Why don't you take some white paper and tape it up over the brick to get an idea of what it looks like - I don't think you'll like it. Make sure you take a picture of it, sometimes that helps.

I think it's perfectly warm and charming the way it is right now. Painting it, to me, would make it disappear, except for a dark hole in the wall, and you'd lose the pretty effect that it has now.

I think it's perfectly warm and charming the way it is right now. Painting it, to me, would make it disappear, except for a dark hole in the wall, and you'd lose the pretty effect that it has now.

I vote no for painting it too! I think it is gorgeous as is.

A middle-of-the-road vote for a LIGHT dry-brushing of white or very pale gray over both -- the surround and the hearth bricks. This would be a VERY light brush starting at just a FEW of the brick edges -- and then standing back and looking again to see the slightly more "aged" look. THEN -- if wanted or warranted -- doing a bit more ..... also sanding or wiping off if any the paint got too thick ....

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Was curious. Maybe you're wanting a more contemporary look? Here's the white, and light and medium grays pulled from the brick hearth:

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

You guys are super fab and very, very kind. I see what some people have and do around here and I'm blown away and always felt that mine was puny but I feel much better thanks to the kind compliments!!!

Well, I was all set to not paint, but squirrel, you naughty girl, I kinda love the white. I did want more of a contemporary feel keeping in mind that my taste is transitional I guess....

Does everyone still say not paint it white?

(I"m too chicken to do a color)....I am shocked at how the floor left unpainted looks much better than I thought it would...Do you guys think it looks strange?

tough choice! i like it as is and also like it with white or gray...

btw, i love the painting! do you mind sharing where you got it please?

I think it looks very pretty and like all the variations quite a lot. There'll be a monochromatic texture with the painted brick, which I also like.

What is the inside of the firebox made of? Just that one depth of brick around the edge?

I would vote to not paint it.
I think the brick gives a nice rustic touch and it pulls some of the warm color from the floor up to your painting. I think painting it white would make it more bland. Very pretty room!

Thought Squirrels virtuals are awesome, as always, I'd still stick with the natural brick. It's richer looking by far.

I almost always vote "paint the brick" but in this case it's pretty the way it is as it's such a thin strip.

If I were to paint it, I would paint it a color, like bright green or a metallic- which could be very nice.

You guys are really super. I will actually take the advice given for a change and leave it....While I still really like the white, this isn't my forever home, and a lot of people seem to like the unpainted brick which is definitely something I think about.

Luv you guys!!!!

Ummm, no, not at all...It's called "Enchanted II" by Sarah Abbott...you can google it. I got that canvas at Ballard Design but it's all over and at a better price at Homedecorators. I kinda love it in person even better!

Your fireplace is perfect!

Your fireplace is just as lovely as can be. I am just a little concerned you might have gone a bit over the top in decorating for Christmas. Heheheheheh Nice Kitty mommy.

I like the white too.

Chris

The brick is gorgeous as is. Painted white it's a bit plain and blends in too much with the mantle.

I like the white! I remember seeing pictures of your home and this seems more your style.

Beautiful as is... :)

Oh I'm glad someone asked about the art. It's beautiful. I have a thing for trees whether they have leaves or are nakid, they are absolutely one of my favorites of all God's creations. One of my favorite subjects to photograph too.
I'd love to see more pictures of your home too. By this little snippet I can tell I love your style.

Thanks again guys! I guess if it wasn't permanent, I'd totally go for it but since I'm still unsure, it's better to leave it until I'm 100%

Justgotabme- so funny- I too am in love with trees...I picked my house largely because of the trees and I really have (unintentionally) some form of tree decor in each room!!!!

Well, here is a few more rooms since you asked and I totally welcome any advice and input on how to improve!!!

Cat scratching post is the centerpiece of the room!!! Leaf pattern on the chair! I want a taller arching lamp...

Dining room....crud on the floor and picture not done yet....the pillow on the chair has trees on it! How can I forget the white mirror that 99% of people on GW told me to ditch but I just can't!

Rest of the den- pictures above sofa are too small...I know it. Tree design on the trays!

Kitchen table with tree! Fancy temporary paper shades! Ooo-lala!

Kind of a tree? LOL

Tree "one of kind" prints
that I can find all over the place...At least I didn't pay too much for them...

An old pic of the kitchen with the wrong sized panel on the hood before it was corrected...don't say anything bad about this room please LOL since I don't have money to fix it and it came out too girly. Oh well...

I could go on with leaves and trees...so funny...hopefully not too much of a good thing. Oh well!

Yes, the white (or gray) would so go with your place! I can see why you were contemplating it.

Very pretty!

thanks for telling me about the art piece! i love trees too. love all the other art piece at your house, and that you have the funky clock in the kitchen backsplash! what a great idea!

lovely home! :)

Thank you so very much for sharing your home with me! It's gorgeous! We are planning to use some of my photography to decorate the walls of the Gentlemen's Parlor, but have yet to decide on which ones or if I need to take more. I tell you it's like trying to brush a kitty in getting my hubby to sit still long enough to pick from my tree photography. It kind of goes like this....
Me "So here are the pictures I think would work best. Which ones do you like?"
Hubby "I like them all"
Me "You want me to frame them all, or just a few?"
Hubby "I don't know"
Me "you told me you got all final decor decisions in the Library and GP"
Hubby "yeah, I know"
Me "so which do you want?"
Hubby "I don't know"
Me "if you're afraid to tell me you don't like them, don't be"
Hubby "no I'm not afraid"
Me "did you change your mind on wanting them in the GP?"
Hubby "I don't know"
Me "Well I don't either!"
Hubby walks away.
Me, is pretty frustrated.

Don't say anything bad about the kitchen? I couldn't find a bad thing to say if I tried. That's pretty close to my dream kitchen and I definitely don't think it's too girly.

Laurie

I LOVE your kitchen!!!!! Paint the fireplace white, I would.

i think I AM leaning toward painting the brick. It did look cleaner and highlighted the black box and frame. Speaking of frames, IMVHO I would pull those 3 prints above your couch WAY down before you got rid of them. It might make a huge difference, and I mean WAY down. Just try it and see if you like them better. But yes they may be a bit too small, but more so, no matter what size picture you do, you need to drop them very low. Pictures look best in a room where you sit, not stand, very low which warms up the room. Good luck

Ditto oopsie.

Art needs to be lowered over the sofa. You may want to add 3 more pictures making 2 rows of 3. Fireplace looks cleaner with the brick painted.
Nice style to your home.