Before/After Painted Brick Fireplace

As some of you may have read, I have been dreaming of painting my ugly fireplace for about a year now and have done tons of research on what I wanted it to look like. I found something that I thought I was going to copy, but when it came down to it, I preferred the clean white look instead of a faux finish. I did actually faux a little on the brick but after seeing it I decided I wanted white. I'm not always a fan of painting brick, only when it's especially ugly do I think it's a great idea. Also, before you decided to paint yours, really think about what you are doing. It's permanent. :)

Here is the BEFORE, in case you don't remember or are new to the blog:



We used a thick roller to put the coats of paint on, brick soaks in paint so several layers are necessary. Since the grout was pretty far back, we had to use paint brushes to really get the paint in there. We bought a pack of cheap paint brushes because the roughness of the grout will ruin any type of brush. We underestimated the time it took by almost a day so be sure you set aside enough time if you choose to do this!! ha ha!




I wasn't really ready to post after pictures, but I figure I can do another follow up post on the mantle once it's really decorated. I can't decide what it needs and want to do some more searching until I find the perfect decorations for us. I'm also going to be sewing some cushions (perhaps burlap?) to give additional seating at the fireplace and some matching pillows for my couch. I'm such a plain Jane so I'm going to try and branch out some with bright, vivid colors for spring and summer! So, here it is, the AFTER:

Of Ugly Fireplaces and Shoes Galore (Design Challenge!!!)

I'm the first person to chime in with design ideas when I visit a friend's house... with or without invitation! :) But sometimes for my own house I just hit a wall mentally and can't seem to get stuff done. Anyhoo this post is in 2 parts today:

1. For real ya'll my fire place is ugly. It's the late 70's early 80's of using slightly pink/mauve colored bricks outside and in a house. I've been trying to decide what color and when to paint it. (Trying to convince my husband has also proved to be a challenge!) Jacqueline sent me a picture of a fireplace that she said reminded me of mine and I was intoxicated with copying the picture for my own place-

Here:

Cottage Instincts

I think that mine will look great once it's finished. Our neighbor does wood working and we think we'll hire him to make a custom wrap around mantle on three sides. It will be simple and probably shorter on the sides so people don't bang their heads on it. My husband already bangs his head on the one we have. I also need something to put on either side of the actual fire place. OH and we are soooo going to either paint or get a new fireplace door!! My fireplace looks like this:



**You got a little preview in that picture of something that will be a fun craft post to follow in a few days!!

2. So the second part is a design challenge! I need some HELP PLEASE! I have this floor area when you walk in my door that is the catch all for all our shoes, hats, coats, back packs and JUNK. I need to have an organized area that can hold it all. On top of that I would like to have a pretty entry way, like with a table and something that just POPS when you walk in. I don't know how to accomplish this. I need some input from you other designers and wanna-be's like me! :) Please, PRETTY PLEASE leave some helpful comments or just e-mail us and I'll do another post with your ideas!