Brick is one of my all time favorite materials to incorporate when designing a space. Adding brick to a space instantly adds a hint of nostalgic charm and when the brick is from times past, it infuses a room with unique pieces of history. Brick is rich in texture, comes in a variety of colors, and is able to be covered with different mediums and patinas which makes it virtually universal in it’s application. There’s not a design style I can think of where brick wouldn’t be a welcome addition!

When we moved into our House on a Sugar Hill, I was excited for the brick fireplace in the living room. What I wasn’t excited about was the outdated deep red color of the brick. The dark color wasn’t a match for the style I had in mind for my home renovation. Thankfully I knew a simple makeover using paint would be the perfect way to incorporate what I loved about the brick, while updating it’s appearance.

We started the makeover by giving the fireplace a sheer whitewash, which allowed much of the natural brick color to come through. White washing is a simple way to ease yourself into coloring your brick without jumping headlong into an official paint job. For our white wash, we simple diluted white acrylic paint with water at a ration of 1 part paint to 3 parts water. To apply we used a bristle brush to work the paint solution onto the brick, and a wet rag to wipe down here and there to create a weathered look.

After a few weeks of living with our white washed brick fireplace, I realized I wasn’t loving the red tones I could still see through the white wash. I gave it a couple more coats of the white wash solution, with the brick color lessening after each application. In the end I end I realized that what I really wanted to see was a solid white painted surface, so I took the plunge and officially painted the brick white! I’ve been loving it ever since.

Before white washing or painting our brick, we made sure to clean it thoroughly. It’s amazing the amount of grease and soot that can be acquired in just a short time, so this step is imperative before painting. After cleaning with a brush and a heavy duty cleanser, we applied a coat of stain-blocking primer rated for Masonry to help protect the paint from future soot stains. Once the primer had set we were ready to paint. We choose an indoor, latex, heat resistant paint (there are paints made specifically for Masonry that are perfect for this.). You can choose a paint in any sheen, just make sure that whichever paint you choose, always follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, prep work, and application of paint, as well their recommendations regarding the use of a primer or a sealer.

I applied my paint to the brick using a bristle brush. I found a bristle brush to be the best method of application. Using quick dabs, I was able to reach into all the crevices of the brick and mortar much easier than if I were to be rolling the paint on. We did not paint the inside of our firebox, and instead left it it’s original black color. It’s important to note, that if you did end up painting the firebox, it’s no longer safe to light a fire inside!

After three coats of our heat proof paint, the brick was completely coated, and exactly the look I was hoping for. The glossy white is a modern rendition of the classic brick fireplace, combining the classic heritage of brick with a modern feel.

I wanted to keep the styling of my fireplace in line with the clean crisp modern feel of the brick, so I chose to decorate it with a combination of found pieces, some modern, some vintage to marry those two styles together.

I added a statement gilded gold mirror with a vintage French feel. To the side I placed a modern white vase filled with dyed pampas. I added fresh florals in a vintage container and old books found second hand. A taper candle lends a bit of ambience to the mantel.

My fireplace is now a statement piece of its own. One part vintage, one part modern, and an added feminine flair. Just the combination I was hoping for!

Next time you are choosing an element of design, definitely consider using brick! Not only is it a timeless style, but brick also happens to be incredible eco friendly, made from sustainable resources, and is incredibly energy efficient! Such a great choice when creating a home you love!