Before I go into the process let me back track a little to the original look of the fireplace. When I moved into the house in 2011 the fireplace looked like this:
Most of the work was done at night (as I binge watched “Revenge” on Netflix), so I don’t have too many great pictures of the process, but I’ll explain as best as I can–honestly it’s so easy!
For the plank wall the first thing we did was measure the length of where we wanted the wood to go. I decided I didn’t want them all the way across the fireplace, but rather to end right at the pieces that are holding the mantel up.
Then we cut the 6″ planks to size with a circular saw. The pieces were real pine so they are irregular and can be slightly uneven so we made sure to place each one on the wall first and mark each with a number so we knew which one went where (of course this requires more than one person to hold the wood up while the other marks). Then nailed each one up. MDF would’ve been easier since they are machine made in perfectly even measurements.
The pièce de résistance in my ever so humble opinion is the white washed brick. I scoured the net for tutorials and every one said that it took hours to accomplish. I didn’t have hours, it was late and I was almost caught up on episodes of Revenge, so I winged it :)
How I White Washed the Brick Fireplace and Hearth
I mixed 2 parts water and 1 part paint in a bucket (filled about 1/4 of a big orange bucket–you can use what you have), to a thin consistency, slightly thinner than craft glue. I used the same paint I had used on the mantel..regular indoor latex paint. I painted 3-4 bricks at a time with a standard brush then wiped the excess off with a damp cloth (cotton t-shirt material). Brick is very poreous so if you’re tackling this project you may need to repeat this process a few times to the desired shade you want. After the entire area was done, I went back over it all right away. It resulted in a medium shade of white wash that I love! You can still see some of the red through it, and that is exactly the look I wanted. This took about 45 minutes (1 full episiode of Revenge sans commercials). It may take more time if your brick area is larger, but it’s worth it!! Just remember–removing paint or even white wash from brick can be hellish, I suggest you really consider that before getting started. As for me, I adore it!
If you were wondering how much I spent on everything, allow me to break it down for ya:
Wood planks: $50
Paint can: $30
Paint brush and accessories, I already had on hand: $0
An easy fireplace makeover for just $80 and a few hours (3 Revenge episodes on Netflix, plus 1/2 a Jimmy Fallon), can’t beat that!
What do you think?
Ginger says
Looks gorgeous! You’ve done an amazing job.
Amy Anderson says
It’s SO pretty! I love it!!