Before & After: Fireplace Transformation

Photo: Kasey Schwartz

During the past few months, we've been remodeling our family room ourselves.

First, we removed a half wall and bulk head. Next, we tore out carpet and extended the flooring from the kitchen into the family room to make one big, open space. Now we're starting to put it all back together with new furniture, accessories, and paint.

But in the meantime, I wanted to update the fireplace. It was dark and dated. It did have a nice mantle, but the dark red brick was not the look I was going for. So one afternoon I took it on, armed with a paintbrush and can of paint!

Photo: Kasey Schwartz

​It wasn't hard at all to transform our mantle from drab to fab! I used a can of existing paint I had on hand—Simply White by Benjamin Moore—and watered it down to half paint/half water.

I then painted each brick, careful to catch any drips as I went. Two coats is all it took to get the shabby look I was after!

​I went ahead and painted the mantel the same Simply White but I didn't water it down, of course.

It turned out great! I love how the white brick and mantel lightened up the entire room and for next to nothing since I used paint I already had on hand!​

Next I added accessories that transformed the entire space!

A big shabby mirror is front and centre - from there I added blue mason jars filled with flowers from my yard, and various items that I love!

Photo: Kasey Schwartz

​Transform a space in your home by using items you have on hand and then adding in items to make it more special! It can make all the difference in your home!