Should all brick fireplaces be painted? Definitely not. We usually advise caution—if you’re unsure, don’t pick up the brush. But when you’re certain you prefer painted brick, it can transform a space, making it feel brighter and more open. In this living room update from Jamie and Ehren, painting the fireplace white helped refresh the room, while deep blue paint on the built-ins provided striking contrast. Their project demonstrates how thoughtful color choices can completely change the mood of a space.
Hey YoungHouseLovers! Your blog inspired me to start my own blog to document the progress we make on our new home that we bought in July. I just wanted to share our living room transformation. It’s finally the “vision” that I had when we moved in. Here’s the before, shortly after we moved in:
The overhaul took about seven months from start to finish, but the result was well worth the effort. We created chevron artwork, refinished a brass fireplace insert, made paint-chip art and no-sew pillows, and painted and styled the built-in shelves. The most time-consuming change was painting the brick fireplace, and it made the biggest visual difference.
After about 14 hours of painting between the two of us, the fireplace was completely transformed.
One of my favorite pieces is the coffee table—a resin cast modeled after Philippine railroad ties. It has sentimental value for us, plus it’s large and forgiving: crumbs, water rings, and dust aren’t very visible on it.
My advice: don’t be afraid to paint brick if that look suits your style. Painting can brighten a room and give it a more contemporary feel. Even our dog Cozy approves.
The space has come a long way, and we’re thrilled with the outcome. The “before” photo feels like a different house now.
Keep up the great work and thanks for checking this out! – Jamie & Ehren from Lawrence, Kansas
The painted fireplace pairs beautifully with the dark blue built-ins, and the overall makeover feels fresh and modern. Cozy the dog looks right at home, and that coffee table is definitely a standout piece. Thanks to Jamie and Ehren for sharing their transformation and letting us peek into their process.
Note: We announced this week’s giveaway winner on our site—check your email or your account to see if you’re the lucky recipient.