Cheap home update: painting an old brick fireplace

After recently flipping through a Room & Board catalog, I noticed the brick fireplace in their product shots was painted white.  The mid-century modern style + white painted brick looked beautiful and clean.  And it fit my budget as paint is one of the cheapest updates when it comes to home remodeling. After living with my stained, cracked fireplace for 8 years, I couldn't wait to give it a facelift.

I first spray painted the inside of the fireplace with a black high heat spray paint from Home Depot. I then filled the front crack on the fireplace - can't remember what product I used, but Google should suggest some or someone at Home Depot. :)

Next, after taping, I used a 3/4" thick roller to apply an acrylic primer recommended by Hirshfield's.

  

As the brick sticks out quite a bit, I then had to take a paint brush and fill in the lines which was very tedious.  I did two coats of primer, as it soaked into the brick and let each coat dry 24 hours in between. 

After the primer, I painted one coat of matte paint to give it a flat finish.  The white matte color I chose was almost exactly the same as the primer, so I would suggest skipping another can of white paint to save money and just doing the primer first to see if you are satisfied.  I still have some touch up work to do, but all in all, I'm very happy with how it turned out.  It definitely adds a cozy, modern feel to our home and compliments the woodwork around it.

Gender Neutral Nursery

bunnyart.GroovyMagnets // crib.BuyBuyBaby // sheets.PetitPehr // pillows.CB2 // rug.HomeGoods // bookshelf.Ikea // whitemirror.HomeGoods // watercolorart.NE // brassframes.WestElm // brasssconces.ThriftStore // metalbasket.CB2 // stargarland.Etsy // dotdecals.Etsy // chair&pillow.ThriftyCottageCouture - my talented neighbor! // pouf.RestorationHardware // curtains.JoannFabrics // closetbaskets.HomeGoods // dresser.HomeGoods // goldmirror.GarageSale // brassswan.ThriftStore // wallpaper.HomeDepot

***Since we're not finding out the gender, I've been thrift store shopping for both. :) Hence the closet full of clothes.

More on wallpapering my closet HERE.

Concept // Bathroom Remodel

bath.Pinterest // sconce.Cedar&Moss // faucet.Kohler // sink.Kohler // walnut // marble // slate

A nasty shower leak spurred a bathroom remodel...which has been a blessing in disguise. Since moving into our mid century home over six years ago, the bathroom has always been a site for sore eyes.  Alas, not being able to use the shower was the push we needed to do something.  We're finally saying goodbye to our retro brown and mustard tile and hello to a fresh, new modern look.

Our concept is based on a neutral color palette to brighten up the space and create a spa like atmosphere.  We're using natural materials including walnut, marble and slate to create a timeless elegance and textural, earth-centric feel. To give our bathroom a modern twist, we're choosing brass for the hardware elements and details to add a warm, rich tone and complement our mid century style.

Before + after photos to come!

Closet Makeover

You know you’re addicted to decorating when you wallpaper your closet.  I found this venetian inspired wallpaper at Home Depot (link) and didn’t really have another place for it, so hence the closet project. I had been wanting to make this closet more functional, so I removed the cumbersome sliding doors and by wallpapering it, the closet now acts as an extension of the room.

This was my first experience wallpapering. Doing the ceiling of the closet was definitely a challenge, in which I realized you need at least two people, and sometimes three as in my case.  Thank you mom for your expertise and help! :)

Onto the next project.

My Happy Place

A pink wall, gilded mirror, vintage vogues and a chandelier…this is my happy place! It is full of books, teacups, fabric bolts and other oddities that inspire me. The mouse above has a special place in my heart, as it was my first craft/sewing project I made with my grandma when I was 4. She has been one of the most influential people in my life, always encouraging, teaching and supportive.