Resurfacing brick fireplace, wanna help?

[lyra]

Can you get rid of the bottom hearth and have it sit flush with the floor? Almost all of the examples have a flush bottom bit. If that was possible I think the fireplace would be more balanced looking and less obtrusive.

 

[jamesallenrings]

What about a stone tile like this (but in grey and white tones)?

 

[caf]

Do you have an old white sheet that can be donated to the cause? If so, measure the fire box and cut out a hole for the fire box. Then play around with the sheet covering up the brick (tape it up), the whole thing, part of it. Try to not focus on the sheet but rather whether you like a lighter look. That could inform your decision.

Also you could try a consult with a designer either in person or on line. I have never done it but maybe it could help? My best go to is Houzz and other on line sources. Just for the sheer number of different of options.

Oh also I'm with Lyra. That bottom box sticks out a lot. I know you are really reluctant to remove it but it might open things up a bit. It might even be that removing that piece allows you to keep the other brick, whether painted or not.

 

[Ellen]

^ maybe cream FP metal isn't available? I've seen (IRL as well) gold metal FPs.

Anyway, practically speaking, I guess cream metal wouldn't make sense, due to the darkness/mess of wood ash? Keeping it the black FP would work, since the black is apparently standard and classic.

If there is a gap below, once you remove the tiled hearth, a strip of the same rough granite could be installed there.

There isn't any ash to deal with anymore, we converted to gas a couple years ago. And yes, there are brass doors available. And just for the record, the door is actually a very deep brown.

@Ellen....I've got it, the perfect solution -- plaster!!!! It would look awesome with the wood, you can make it any color or texture you want, you can use it on the hearth too, and it can be installed right over the brick. Venetian plaster with its slight sheen or regular matte plaster -- either would work.

Hmmm, I never thought of that. It does have potential. However, in looking at your pics, they feel slightly... southwest to me? Or more modern? At least in these pics, but I will definitely look into it!

You mentioned Chip & Joanna in your original post. They updated a fireplace with a “German smear” technique that lets the brick peek through, but softens the overall look. They did it to an exterior of a house, too.

It would be similar to a whitewashing or limewash look.
Here are some Pinterest screenshots

I actually saw that episode. And I do like it, but I'm not positive I would like it in my home. To me, and it may just be me, it has a more rustic feel. That's why I am saying I'm not sure I feel it would work in my home.

Can you get rid of the bottom hearth and have it sit flush with the floor? Almost all of the examples have a flush bottom bit. If that was possible I think the fireplace would be more balanced looking and less obtrusive.

Yes, I could remove the hearth. But the more I think about it, the more I am inclined not to do it, for various reasons. Plus, if there were no hearth, with the mantel coming out as far as it does, I think it might look off?

What about a stone tile like this (but in grey and white tones)?

I do like that! But I am leaning towards a smooth surface, like tile, granite, marble. Besides aesthetics, I always think of the cleaning aspect, with everything. It's a sickness. lol

Do you have an old white sheet that can be donated to the cause? If so, measure the fire box and cut out a hole for the fire box. Then play around with the sheet covering up the brick (tape it up), the whole thing, part of it. Try to not focus on the sheet but rather whether you like a lighter look. That could inform your decision.

Also you could try a consult with a designer either in person or on line. I have never done it but maybe it could help? My best go to is Houzz and other on line sources. Just for the sheer number of different of options.

Oh also I'm with Lyra. That bottom box sticks out a lot. I know you are really reluctant to remove it but it might open things up a bit. It might even be that removing that piece allows you to keep the other brick, whether painted or not.

That's a great idea about the sheet. I already know I want something on the lighter side though. But that would have been a helpful thing to do!


Thank you all for your suggestions. I really do appreciate them!!

 

[Ellen]

Sorry if my earlier reply sounded insulting that was not my intent.

I'm sorry I didn't respond earlier. No worries.

 

[House Cat]

What about a stone tile like this (but in grey and white tones)?

I vote for this!

You can just use a swifter to clean it.

 

[Arcadian]

IMO, if you're not adverse , maybe paint the wood white? (not sure how attached you are)

https://www.tileshop.com/category/inspiration/my-tile-shop.do#opi2959555344





if you don't pay attention to the curtains, the tile itself would work because of the brown background and, is more traditional so might mesh better with your home.

https://www.tileshop.com/category/inspiration/my-tile-shop.do#opi2943719642

 

[rainydaze]

I know you said you are past the painting idea, then a lot of people chimed in with painting it... and I have to add my name to that list! It was the first thing I thought of when I saw your picture, not because it's the least expensive or simplest, but because I really think it would look amazing! Especially with the colors and calming theme you already love in that room; I think it would serve to enhance that effect.

And why not? You could go through the cost and hassle of refacing only to find you still don't love it. But if you paint first and still don't love it, it's not such a great loss. Then you can be confident in moving on to the expense and effort of a redo. And yeah, there's a chance tiling makes it continue to stand out, just in a different way.

PS - if you do reconsider painting it, I also second the idea of painting the wood too, and doing it all in a nice off-white. (We painted over a floor-to-ceiling wood mantel and as much as it killed me to paint over beautiful wood, I have never regretted it for a minute.)

 

[bibiloves]

I also think you should paint the brick a lighter color and live with it for awhile. If you still hate it then you can always tile over it.

 

[Ally T]

@Ellen We have a similar colour to our lounge as you, so wanted to show you the fireplace. It's a stone coloured marble. The huge mirror over the top sort of looks a bit like your wooden section, so perhaps a big wood framed mirror would tie everything together? Our mirror is good at drawing light & reflecting wall colour. Apologies for the wonky pictures on the hearth!

 

[luv2sparkle]

I like what Jamesallenrings posted. I would do a small beige stacked stone. I think it would be perfect with your furnishings and the size of your room. It you go with a patterned large tile it will overwhelm the space. A stacked stone in a lovely cream is also very classic and should stand the test of time and appeal to a lot of buyers if you ever would want to sell.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Like this. I would also remove the hearth. It would visually make the room look larger.

 

[rainydaze]

It occurred to me that maybe something like what I have would work. You already have the wood on top, what about surrounding the lower portion/brick with wood trim, removing the hearth, and finishing the space left by it with brick, marble, or soapstone (since you'd have to do something in that spot and patching or replacing the carpeting is a pita)? I think I would still recommend painting the brick and woodwork a nice off-white.

(I am sampling paint colors to have this room repainted, so disregard the weirdness on the walls!)

 

[MarionC]

Rainydaze that looks great!

 

[rainydaze]

Thank you!

 

[Ally T]

@rainydaze I love your fireplace! This would really work for Ellen I think.

We are like you in that the wall to the left of this picture is covered in sample colors! The decorator is here in January & i’m going radical: duck egg blue paint & the fireplace wall the same colour only papered with a silver pattern through it & matching curtains. New carpet & rug. First time we have decorated the main lounge in 12 years & I cannot wait! We have worked through the whole house over 18 months & this is the last stop

 

[msop04]

I would paint the brick a cream color to blend it in and fade it back into the room. You could also paint the wood behind it white if your other molding is white. I put beadboard on mine and painted it white. This is in my house in Maryland.

This would be my first choice... so elegant. But if you're wanting something besides paint, have you considered flagstone or other natural rock? Some examples:

 

[GliderPoss]

I'd paint the brick a pale colour and remove the giant front brick hearth. Then re-tile it smaller & flat level with the floor of the lounge room. This will reduce the overall size and stop it dominating the room so much!

 

[Ellen]

Thanks everyone!

I am going to sit on all this and first decide which way I want to go, paint or resurface. Don't want to paint the wood, don't want to remove the hearth. Those are settled. I don't care about resale, we are here til the end. I'm doing what I want to live with. And I am the only one in this room 99.5% of the time, so there's no space issue. And honestly, every time I have walked in there after posting the pics, I'm like, really? The pics make it look way bigger than it is in real life, for sure.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions, you've given me lots to choose from and think about!

 

[rainydaze]

@rainydaze I love your fireplace! This would really work for Ellen I think.

We are like you in that the wall to the left of this picture is covered in sample colors! The decorator is here in January & i’m going radical: duck egg blue paint & the fireplace wall the same colour only papered with a silver pattern through it & matching curtains. New carpet & rug. First time we have decorated the main lounge in 12 years & I cannot wait! We have worked through the whole house over 18 months & this is the last stop

Thanks Alex! That sounds amazing, pretty please start a thread when it's done. I would love to see it!

 

[Ellen]

Thanks Alex! That sounds amazing, pretty please start a thread when it's done. I would love to see it!

Ditto!

 

[mrs-b]

Just a general point (from someone in the process of getting quotes to do their own fireplace surround) - anything you add to that brick surface other than paint will make your fireplace intrude even further into the room. Since it's pretty out of balance already, making it thicker could turn it from imposing into truly dominating.

For proportion's sake, I'd definitely remove the hearth. A number of fireplaces posted in this thread have no hearth, and they look lovely. Also - am I right in thinking this fireplace is offset in the room? Adding an extra surface and increasing its overall volume is going to make the room even more unbalanced, which is another reason to try to scale it in. As it is, it would continually draw the eye out of the seating circle, making the room feel heavy on one end. And don't for one second underestimate the difference an extra 2" on all sides can make; your current fireplace volume is roughly 138,240 sq inches. Adding just a 2" resurface to it will bump it up to 160,512 sq inches - an increase of over 16%, or roughly, 1/6th. Most people, when they remove carpet, comment on how much larger a room looks. Their eye is picking up a 1 - 1.5 inch difference. You'll definitely see a 1/6th volume increase in your fireplace. Also, since you have a door on the other side, which subconsciously marks the end of a livable space, you're effectively ending your room this side of the fireplace, by allowing it to protrude as far as it does.

So, to get the value out of your living room, I'd be making your fireplace as small and as unobtrusive as I could. I'd paint the brick an off white tone, and I'd paint the wood the same color as the walls. I'd remove the hearth, and those things together should open up your room significantly. I'd also remove the overhanging trim from between the brick and where the wood starts; you want to return the perimeter of the fireplace to looking like an extension of the wall, and protruding details like that divide up a space. When you have contrasting textures and are trying to make a feature of your wood, that makes sense. But when you're going for unobtrusive and you're trying to make a piece 'step back', it's counter productive.

Is your house single or double storied? I ask just in case there are options that would somehow affect moving the flue. Also, you mentioned that your husband is fairly thrifty; is he looking to do this as cheaply as possible, and do you have a specific budget?

Please forgive me if my comments sound blunt; you've never struck me as a woman who needed to be tip toed around. I've been working non-stop on my house since March, and I've confronted every form of 'housing ugly' possible, in my own home. I am utterly immune to it at this point - both in my home and others. Renovations need to be approached pragmatically, not emotionally - I know THAT, for sure. My husband and I have bought, renovated, and sold 16 houses, and I've also helped a couple of real estate agents move houses that were lingering on the market for one reason or another, so this isn't my first rodeo. I know that fixing aesthetic issues requires leaving one's sensitivities at the door.

Good luck!

 

[Ellen]

Just a general point (from someone in the process of getting quotes to do their own fireplace surround) - anything you add to that brick surface other than paint will make your fireplace intrude even further into the room. Since it's pretty out of balance already, making it thicker could turn it from imposing into truly dominating.

For proportion's sake, I'd definitely remove the hearth. A number of fireplaces posted in this thread have no hearth, and they look lovely. Also - am I right in thinking this fireplace is offset in the room? Adding an extra surface and increasing its overall volume is going to make the room even more unbalanced, which is another reason to try to scale it in. As it is, it would continually draw the eye out of the seating circle, making the room feel heavy on one end. And don't for one second underestimate the difference an extra 2" on all sides can make; your current fireplace volume is roughly 138,240 sq inches. Adding just a 2" resurface to it will bump it up to 160,512 sq inches - an increase of over 16%, or roughly, 1/6th. Most people, when they remove carpet, comment on how much larger a room looks. Their eye is picking up a 1 - 1.5 inch difference. You'll definitely see a 1/6th volume increase in your fireplace. Also, since you have a door on the other side, which subconsciously marks the end of a livable space, you're effectively ending your room this side of the fireplace, by allowing it to protrude as far as it does.

So, to get the value out of your living room, I'd be making your fireplace as small and as unobtrusive as I could. I'd paint the brick an off white tone, and I'd paint the wood the same color as the walls. I'd remove the hearth, and those things together should open up your room significantly. I'd also remove the overhanging trim from between the brick and where the wood starts; you want to return the perimeter of the fireplace to looking like an extension of the wall, and protruding details like that divide up a space. When you have contrasting textures and are trying to make a feature of your wood, that makes sense. But when you're going for unobtrusive and you're trying to make a piece 'step back', it's counter productive.

Is your house single or double storied? I ask just in case there are options that would somehow affect moving the flue. Also, you mentioned that your husband is fairly thrifty; is he looking to do this as cheaply as possible, and do you have a specific budget?

Please forgive me if my comments sound blunt; you've never struck me as a woman who needed to be tip toed around. I've been working non-stop on my house since March, and I've confronted every form of 'housing ugly' possible, in my own home. I am utterly immune to it at this point - both in my home and others. Renovations need to be approached pragmatically, not emotionally - I know THAT, for sure. My husband and I have bought, renovated, and sold 16 houses, and I've also helped a couple of real estate agents move houses that were lingering on the market for one reason or another, so this isn't my first rodeo. I know that fixing aesthetic issues requires leaving one's sensitivities at the door.

Good luck!

No, I don't really need to be tip toed around. Posting on this board has gotten rid if any thin skin I might have had in coming here 13 years ago. The people in my real life would not dream of saying some of the things that have been said to me here, so there was definitely an adjustment needed in the beginning. But, it's all worked out for my good, so no worries.

So, with that being said, I will be honest also, but may also come across as blunt. I in no way wish to offend.

I am not trying to make my FP "step back". I enjoy my LR just as it is, I've been in it 30 years. I was honestly surprised at the comments about its size right off the bat, as I just don't see it. As I said, it appears larger in pics than in real life. And I am super comfortable with it, and the room. If one looks, they will see I never asked what I should do about the size of my FP originally. I asked about what others would use to resurface, that's it.

As for your other suggestions, without wanting to repeat myself, again, I will just ask that you please refer back to my last post to the group.

Your remarks on resurfacing are duly noted!

 

[mrs-b]

Ellen - I only had time to read the first 20 or so posts in this thread, then wanted to post before I had to go out. Re tip toeing - I meant re your fireplace - not you personally. As for things said to you here that you wouldn't dream of saying to others - I hear you, but my comment wasn't of that nature.

Had I read your last post, I wouldn't have commented. But as someone who is currently re-doing their own fireplace, I thought it might be useful. Apparently not, so no harm, no foul.

 

[Bonfire]

Your fireplace would be quite easy to cover. You just need to fiqure out what material you want Download the App Houzz. There a kazillions of pictures and ideas to look at. Keep us posted!

 

[marymm]

OP, although you did say you wanted to resurface, your opening post specifically asks PSers: "So, I want opinions on what you all would do." Many of us told you what we would do and some of us told you why.

If you are keen on resurfacing, then I recommend you obtain some samples of some different materials (stone and tile and whatever). Once you determine which material most appeals to you, and get more varieties/sizes/colors of that particular material to hone down on exactly what rings your bell.

 

[Ellen]

Ellen - I only had time to read the first 20 or so posts in this thread, then wanted to post before I had to go out. Re tip toeing - I meant re your fireplace - not you personally. As for things said to you here that you wouldn't dream of saying to others - I hear you, but my comment wasn't of that nature.

Had I read your last post, I wouldn't have commented. But as someone who is currently re-doing their own fireplace, I thought it might be useful. Apparently not, so no harm, no foul.

No problem, and I do appreciate the time you took trying to help. Good luck on your own adventure!

 

[Ellen]

"So, I want opinions on what you all would do." .

On resurfacing. What color tile, what size, other materials... That's what I asked.

 

[Elizabeth35]

If at all possible I would remove the hearth, paint the brick cream (or use cream tile), and whitewash the wood above the fireplace to tone it down. If you paint or tile the fireplace cream, and leave the oak stained I think it will look very heavy. Too much contrast which will make the wood stand out.
The German smear is cool but is that to rustic for your style?

 

[rainydaze]

Ooo! Another idea is soapstone. It's probably not the most cost-effective solution, but I think soapstone tiles are affordable vs. slabs. It has the added benefit of holding warmth, so it really gives your room both a visual and physical warmth (do you actually use the fireplace for fires?). You could continue the woodwork from the top to trim it off the actual fire place, then use the soapstone inside the trim and over the hearth.

This is the closest photo example I could find to what I am thinking. I know the wood trim style doesn't match what you have going on and you don't want to paint the wood, but it at least gives the basic idea of what I am envisioning.