Brick Fireplace Inspiration

A friend of mine and reader recently asked me this question:

So... We have a brick wood-burning fireplace. The brick is kind of an ugly color. Suggestions?

I asked her if she had thought about painting the fireplace; I love the statement that I white brick fireplace makes in a room, whether it is set against a different-colored wall or a white wall, creating a seamless look.  She told me that she is about to paint the walls gray, and that she has been painting all of the moldings white -- I told her that I think a white fireplace would be just the ticket for this spot.  This conversation prompted me to compile some brick fireplace inspiration, for my friend and for you!  

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What's your favorite way to showcase a brick fireplace?  Paint?  No paint?  Tell me!  :-)

love,

maria

Fabulous Fireplace Roundup

When it comes to fireplaces, I am a huge, raging fan.  Sadly, our apartment did not come equipped with one.  :-(  I would so love a mantel to decorate, a place to sit on a chilly night in the winter months, and the ability to make a fireplace the focal point of my living room.  My husband tends to think that fireplaces are wasted space (in a small apartment, no less); but I have and will forever maintain my love for them.

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I love that this non-working fireplace is painted white amidst dark walls and is clearly for decorative purposes only.  The white accents atop the mantle mixed with the wooden variety create a warm design.

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A fireplace filled to the brim with books.  A quirky and interesting touch to a room, making the fireplace and the giant mirror above it the true focal point.

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A beautiful mantelscape with fresh Spring flowers and other decor sits atop a lovely white fireplace with a decorative metal grate.  Seemingly vintage-inspired.

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Straight lines abound.  This fireplace, with its sea-blue-gray sheen, would look perfect inside of a luxurious beach cottage.

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A traditional, antique-looking fireplace is given a modern look with the decor and furniture surrounding it.  Truly stylish.

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Here, a dark fireplace is subdued enough that it allows other colors to take center stage, but also makes a bold statement amidst the girly attributes of this room.

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A predominantly white room is warmed up by the piled logs inside of this wide-mouthed fireplace.  The perfect look for a cabin home.  :-)

A couple of my sister-in-law's wedding photos showcase my mother-in-law's decorated mantle in the background.  Candelabras and two giant overlapping mirrors create a beautiful backdrop.

And again.  ;-)

Do you have a fireplace in your home?

Does your mantelscape change with the seasons?

love, maria