Advice on brick fireplace - paint, white wash or German shmear?
Picklemaus
3 years ago
This is what we now call our piano room - black upright piano is not in the frame - and we’d like to somehow address the weird “pizza oven” look of the brick fireplace so it fits in better. I definitely want to change the color and I think white would be best. I just don’t know if solid white (or other neutral) paint, white wash or German shmear would be best.
The house is an early 1940’s cape cod and my style preference leans toward mid-century modern.
The fireplace is functional, but we’ve replaced it with a gas insert. Covering up the gap around the insert is another project. i
The wall paint is Dandelion Wish (Behr) and might change eventually, but right now that’s the current color we’ve settled on. I’m also hoping to put some sort of low bookshelf or bench/shelf to the left of the fireplace.
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Comments (13)
Indecisiveness
3 years ago
Picklemaus
3 years agoRelated Discussions
update red brick fireplace (paint)? and what to do with high shelf
Comments (10)Well, I've painted the bricks and area above the shelf. It really helped lighten up the corner area. I'm not sure if I will paint the shelf or leave as is. Lesson learned: the area above the shelf was wood and at first I used a satin paint to match the trim. I felt there was too much shine from the ceiling lights, so I painted over with a matte finish and like it much better. No more glare. I understand where Fori is coming from. I still don't love the fireplace. While painting the bricks I had covered the surround tile to protect them. And I really liked the look of the painted brick w the tile hidden. However, when I pulled off the protective cover to reveal the surround, I felt the same sense of "ugh" I had before painting. Not only is the fireplace dated, but the materials are not cohesive. And painting the brick doesn't change how odd I think the surround looks. That said, I'm glad I painted as it is less dark/dreary. Also, when we are finally able to tear down and replace with a more modern design, the new fireplace will be in the same general light color. It's nice to be able to visualize how the lighter color plays out as we decorate around the area. Any advice on the shelf? Paint the same color as trim? Or try to stain darker--like an espresso? Unfortunately, I can't easily remove to replace the shelf. Sanding would be challenging. Also, there is a groove on the top of the shelf--not sure why it is there (??)....See MoreAdvice Needed: Paint brick colonial without shutters?
Comments (5)First, I'd take back the landscaping so the home would show. Some of the windows don't have room for shutters, others aren't suitable for them because of their size. Black windows and trim could achieve what you want. German Smear is another option, but you mostly see it on cottage style homes #2 below is an exception....See MorePlease help with creamy white exterior paint plan and limewashed brick
Comments (14)Hi Beverly, Here are some more pics I took of the house. The way it is situated on the lot, mostly you see the tall garage from the street. I took another angle so you could see the entryway too. The front door is new, so I haven't stained it yet. I plan to do so after the painting is done. Patricia, thanks for your advice! I am new to the PNW, so it never occurred to me that a white house could look dirty and mildewy, but that does make sense. I like the look of limewashed brick, so did not think it could potentially devalue my property. These points are definitely some things I will need to think about. Thanks for your pic too, the house color of your pic is nicer than my current house color. But I have never been a fan of green houses. Are there other colors that work with reddish brick? My current house color feels very dark and heavy given the constant cloudy days. I would love to achieve a light and airy coastal feeling, if possible. I would love suggestions. My painter got delayed because of rain here, so I have a few more days to decide on colors. thank you!...See MorePlease help...lime or mortar wash for fireplace??
Comments (28)Thanks everyone for all the great resources and advice...I truly appreciate it. I am going to check them all out and learn as much as I can before making a decision on which road to take. My biggest fear is if it doesn't come out nice....I'm stuck with it...Patricia commented she has seen many bad Schmear jobs so maybe the limewash is the way to go since you can remove it in a short time. DH is up to the task but has never done this before. Beth you had mentioned possibly hiring someone to take on this task. I'm going to check that out as well. I saw that Romabio has pro contractors on their website. Who would you call for a German Schmear? I don't think it would be a painter? Your thoughts are my room doesn't really work with the limewash/schmear unless I change a lot of things. I could change the mantel, add some art, change some pillows, and replace the green chair. DH doesn't like the solid paint look so I have to find a good compromise:) Red Ryder those were my initial thoughts in this whole adventure-brighten up the room a little and add some character:) It's not the ideal room but I'm just trying to work with what I have. Miloni had mentioned that after the limewash cures and dries it has a chalky feel to it. Not really sure how I feel about that. It is a wood burning fireplace that is used not sure if how that would hold up or am I worrying too much? Nickel-Good point about limewash/schmear working with brown brick...I will have to look for some pics. Maureen-I am not able to move the tv/console to the wall across from the couch. There is a large doorway that goes into the kitchen on that wall and it would not be centered for everyone to see....See MorePicklemaus
3 years agoIndecisiveness
3 years agoPicklemaus
3 years agoHere is another color - Muslin - and Gentle Cream against the brick in three different lights. Last one is with lights on.
Picklemaus
3 years agoAmanda Smith
3 years agocalidesign
3 years agojjam
3 years agoPicklemaus
3 years agoAngie K
3 years ago
grapefruit1_ar
3 years ago
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