Around the House: Before & After Fireplace

Hello and Happy Monday! I'm so excited to finally show you the facelift we recently did on our fireplace that is nestled in the playroom. When starting with a brown, dust-filled, dirty mess that boasts ancient brass accessories, the only place you can go is up. Seriously. I mean how many of you remember having one of those disgusting brass covers on your parent's fireplace when you were little? Ick. It's not that I don't love me some brass details - because you know I do - but that one had to go!

The hubs started our little project by filling in all the little cracks and holes in the rocks. Once that was dry, we were ready to begin our painting. Our goal was to have the fireplace blend in with our decor, not distract.

We did two or three coats of white paint (Behr - popped corn) on the rocks and brick then let it all dry.  The following weekend I painted the inside black, leaving bits of the top ashed bricks unpainted for a little authenticity. I also spray painted the metal pieces that cover the draft hole and holds the wood logs.

The finished piece made me one happy DIYer. I added some logs and pumpkins from the grocery store to warm it up a bit...

It seemed like it needed a bit more bling so I added a sheepskin rug from Ikea and my grandmother's candelabra.

Mmm... hug, hug, kiss, kiss. I love this fireplace now! Goodbye disgusting, dingy rock. Hello bright, beautiful focal point. Yes, I still have some touch-up painting to do at the base of the fireplace, but I could care less. Right now I'm just sitting back and enjoying the fruits of our labor!

I think that's a pretty stunning transformation for just a little bit o' cash and some elbow-grease.

What transformation are you dying to see take place in your home? Are you brave enough to tackle it on your own or does it require some professional help? xo