We totally understand priorities, yet your focal point is needy. Poor wee thing feels abandoned. One minute you love it — and won’t leave its side — and the next minute your fickle affections have darted elsewhere. Don’t you feel even a little guilty? Come on; how could you be so cold to the very asset that warms the cockles of your heart during chillier times?

Banter aside, we’re constantly shocked by the lack of attention afforded to the average fireplace during the summer months. No matter the seasonal thermometer, it is still, largely speaking, your focal point, whether resplendent in flamed attire, or awaiting the next batch of logs as temperatures dip. As such it should be updated from time to time, lest its esthetics suffuse a dated demeanour across your abode.

And here’s some good news; you don’t have to wield the demo ball and start from scratch; you can achieve great results with a sequence of clever tricks to create an infinitely more modern vibe.

So, Mr. or Ms Flintstone; as far as painted fireplaces are concerned, are you in the YabadabaDO or the YabadabaDON’T camp? During last week’s column we referenced another painted fireplace and it sparked quite the controversy across our various social media strata. Most readers, thankfully, enjoyed the update, yet one expressed concern about paint removal (a fair observation) should tastes subsequently change. So, this in mind, we’ve done some homework.

It transpires the market has several different paint removal kits and each one is different; some, for instance, are more caustic than others. To determine which is best for your job, analyze manufacturers’ specifications and seek advice in store. For the record, here’s a generic guide to paint removal from brick which, in most cases, should prove successful.

First, clean brickwork with soapy water to remove dust and grime. Allow to dry and then (wearing a breathing mask and protective gloves) apply generic DIY store gel paint remover, carefully protecting areas that aren’t being treated. We recommend using a stout brush to work in the product.

Next, cover with cotton sheeting (old bedding is ideal) and pat the fabric across the wet surface. As the gel cures, the paint (and the residual gloopy mess) should pull away and adhere to the sheeting. Peek underneath from time to time to monitor the progress, but allow 30 minutes for the chemistry to kick in. When the osmosis is complete, carefully remove the sheeting — and the sticky ooze along with it — then wash down the brick to remove residue. Always refer to manufacturers’ instructions for disposal of used product. Retreat problematic zones as required and use a wire brush to tackle grouted or grooved areas. Et voilà!

Back in the room …

Our client was complicit as far as painting was concerned, especially being that her fire breast was actually only faux stone tile, so we opted for an easy update to pull it kicking and screaming into the present day. Our first task, before painting, was to make good all surfaces and, in this regard, we removed all loose elements, filled gaps where appropriate and then washed everything down with clean water.

Note: We used creamy white exterior paint, which made covering the brick really easy, but it should be noted that, on previous jobs, we’ve used regular latex, to great effect.

Home is Where the Hearth Is

A new fire insert and a new black granite hearth transformed the uninviting fireplace into an eye-catching focal point. With this project, because we didn’t remove the brickwork, we were able to indulge our clients with a lovely new insert that helps modernize the feature. And, being that we only needed a small section of granite, we used an off-cut, which we secured for a modest $350. Contact kitchen suppliers or bathroom companies and ask what they have before shelling out. Take care of the dimes and the dollars take care of themselves.

Float It

Wall shelves come in all shapes and sizes but, rather than simply stack ’em in a regimented grouping, think about different applications to add extra flair. Here, for instance, we used them either side of the hearth and their smooth finish helps balance the brickwork’s rougher texture.

Modern floating shelves such as the Lack range at Ikea are great for showcasing collections and accessories, but don’t overload them; with an installation such as this, less is always more.

At the other side of the room we ran the same shelves vertically and horizontally (in different sizes) to dramatic effect. Don’t be ruled by convention; using products in different ways can be very rewarding.

Warm walls

The space benefited from loads of natural light (we could have used an even darker tone had we so wished), but after running through options, we settled on this soft, golden tone. Always choose paint from large chips — rather than postage stamp sized samples — and pin up your choices in situ to analyze how they perform under different lighting conditions.

Bear in mind, also, that paint can be used to manage surface imperfections; matte finishes will minimize lumps and bumps, whereas satin can actually exacerbate less than perfect walls.

Rugs As Decor

Colour, shape and pattern are all very important, but don’t feel you have to change walls — or completely refurnish — to express yourself; it could be that flooring is the only thing you need to alter to successfully switch up mood. As a final layer, after carpeting, we installed a new rug and the cowhide (striped to resemble zebra) adds an exotic feel, which further elevates our project’s glamour factor. Tonally, it connects to the new chandelier, the patterned window blinds, the huge vases and to the various accessories that flavour our work.

Seats you, sir

The existing sofa and chairs, a clunky combo of brown leather and Asian lines, were dispatched to the basement to become part of a newly created TV room. A mix of slipper chairs and a large white sofa (specifically instructed by our client) add instant flair. The resultant look is fresh and compelling and at polar opposites to the overstuffed space we inherited when we walked in for the very first time.

All things considered we — and our client — are thrilled with the way he project evolved. And just think; as the summer of love gives way to colder Canadian months, our newly ordained doyenne of design will be warmed by the fact her fabulous fireplace is well dressed and ready to roar into action. Chestnuts at the ready; flame on. Isn’t it time to make your hearth start beating once again?

Resources

Super 5 Blinds Windows Fashion: Super5blinds, the best Window Blinds provide in CA.