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Sunday, June 26, 2016

(Basement Progress) Painted Fireplace and New Purchases


More often than not, my best design decisions come from spur of the moment ideas.  Ideas that pop into my head and quickly turn into projects before I have time to think about what I'm doing.  That's exactly how a plank wall ended up in our entryway and how our fireplace ended up getting painted last weekend.

I whitewashed our fireplace a few years ago, but always felt it had a funky pink hue that didn't jive with the rest of our basement.  Just recently I started throwing around the idea of painting it white or trying to give it a more "old brick" look, but wasn't sold on either idea.  I sought advice from a few blogger friends and that's when Emily from Table and Hearth asked what I thought about painting the fireplace the same color as my doors.  Whoa, why didn't I think of that?

I already painted the front door, dining room door, mudroom doors, basement door and kitchen cabinets dark, so it only made sense to paint the fireplace.  By now you are probably aware that my absolute favorite color combination is light walls, dark doors and accents of wood tones and gold. Contrast is what I crave and I knew the best decision was to paint the fireplace dark.  It took about a half hour to convince myself it was a good idea then it was go time.

A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com


It was Saturday evening, I was exhausted, but I was also way too excited about the idea to let it wait another day.
A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com
I was able to cover the whitewashed brick in just one coat of Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (Emerald, Satin).  I used my favorite brush to paint the majority of the fireplace and a small angled art brush to cut in around the ceiling, floor and fireplace doors.

A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com

A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com

A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com
This is not how I plan to decorate the fireplace, but I thought you would appreciate it more if it were decorated :)  I also didn't show the right side of the fireplace on purpose.  I have a DIY project planned and want to wait until I'm finished to share the rest of the space.

You may have noticed by now that I've replaced just about every piece of furniture in our basement. We donated our hand-me-down sofa and opted to replace it with the Ektorp Chaise from Ikea.  I knew this space would get a lot of use and wanted something that I wouldn't mind replacing if it got destroyed by my kids.  The slipcover can be removed and washed for easy cleaning and if need be I can always buy a new one.
A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com
I also purchased this gorgeous, natural shag rug from RugsUSA!  I have a very similar one in our upstairs living room and knew it would be perfect for the basement.
A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com

It goes with anything and it's the perfect contrast against the new dark flooring.  And....it has tassels!
A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com
The tribal coffee table is also a new addition and adds the perfect amount of warmth to the room.
A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com

I cannot believe I didn't paint the fireplace sooner.  Choosing dark gray over white is by far one of the best design decision I have ever made, ever!  I was worried the gray would make the room appear darker, but the opposite actually happened.  The white plank wall now pops and the contrast is gorgeous.
A gorgeous dark gray painted fireplace looks stunning paired with a bright white plank wall! - www.littlehouseoffour.com
Sometimes it pays to take chances and this was one of those times that taking a chance paid off big time!

Linking up to Thrifty Decor Chick

If you're playing catch up, here's a breakdown of the progress so far:

- Plank Wall Installation and Progress
Vinyl Plank Floor Progress



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Would you like to comment?

  1. Ohhh just to have a fireplace in the basement is awesome!! I love how fresh & clean everything looks & how bigggg that fireplace is! Happy Monday!!

    Paige.Rose
    from
    www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Paige! It is really nice having a fireplace in the basement. It makes for some cozy winter nights :)

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  2. Oh my goodness, YES! LOVE this so much! Perfect mix of bright and cheery with glorious contrast! Love the new furniture, rug, and accessories! The little pop of blue is perfect! Pinning!

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm glad you love the new look and I appreciate the share.

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  3. That fireplace makeover is so good! Love the new rug and coffee table as well.

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  4. I love it!! Your fireplace is beautiful - as is your basement. You're doing an amazing job. I am so glad to hear that many of your house projects start on a whim as mine do, too. People keep telling me that I need to plan out my projects and go room by room. However, I cannot seem to stop waking up thinking "This project needs to be done today. I cannot stand the ugly, the dysfunction any more."

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    1. Haha, it sounds like we think alike! I definitely think there is a time and place for planning, but sometimes you just have to go with your gut and wing it.

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  5. Ahhhhh, Katie! It's absolutely PERFECT! I love how it stands out next to your shiplap walls and the colour ties in so well with all of your other accents!

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    1. Thanks so much Kristi! The contrast of the dark fireplace next to the shiplap walls is my favorite!

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  6. It just screams Katie now, glad you went for it friend!! :)

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    1. I'm so glad you suggested the dark! I owe this makeover all to you my friend :)

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  7. I love the way this looks. Did you purchase a new metal fireplace screen or paint the gold metal too?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! We did replace the old fireplace screen, although you can always paint a gold one if replacing isn't an option.

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  8. It. looks. amazing! I'm so glad you decided to go for it. The risk definitely paid off! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for the other side.

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    1. Thanks girl! Now I just have to get my butt in gear to actually work on the other side, lol!

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  9. It looks great! I love when bold design choices work out! Great job!
    -Shonee

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    Replies
    1. Me too! Sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and got for it :)

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  10. Your gray painted fireplace has turned out gorgeous.Yes, definitely gray painted firepalce is looking far awesome than white painted fireplace. I loved your idea of light walls, dark doors and accents of gold.

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