If you have an ugly fireplace, but also have a complex about painting stone, I am here to save the day! (Now pretend I’m leaping into the room wearing a cape with like, a picture of paint can and a fireplace on it. I’m a very specific pretend super-hero).
First, let’s take a closer look at that ugly fireplace. If it’s anything like Better After reader Lacey’s, that’s good news! Look closely. That reddish hue is NOT a natural brick color. It’s just some glossy maroon paint. Woof! Anything’s better than that. Get out your white paint, and while you’re at it, why not beef up that mantle with something substantial to top off the look.
Much better! 
3 Comments
Jake's a Girl
April 16, 2014 at 3:33 PMThere was a Cinderella hiding under all that old maroon paint *who does that* and she’s beautiful! And her crown of wood is WOW!
JaG
Jessica H
April 17, 2014 at 9:27 AMUgh. If I had that before fireplace in my house, I would be tempted to take a sledge hammer to it. But the paint is much better and easier. Nice job.
roberta
April 17, 2014 at 5:57 PMThat’s a coincidence, as we had a whole wall in our loungeroom of uneven bricks same size as shown, all covered in that lovely maroon paint. Three coats of spray paint later it matches our other walls, which incidentally we painted in Dulux “Grand Piano” half strength and I love it.