A Few Ways to Update a Brick Fireplace

A brick fireplace is the kind of cozy feature that homeowners love, but it can be tough to work one into a more modern decor. If you have an exposed brick fireplace and you’re at a loss as to how to make it really work with your living room furniture, here are a few tips that you might find useful.

Embrace the Brick

The easiest way to update a room with a brick fireplace is to do nothing to the fireplace itself. Exposed brick has a striking look that can make your fireplace the centerpiece of your living room. To really make a brick fireplace work within your decor, try adorning your living room with sofas, chairs, love seats, and other kinds of living room furniture that have bold and vibrant colors. Bolder colors contrast well with exposed brick to create an eclectic and tasteful decor for any space.

Give Your Fireplace a German Smear

A German smear is a faux antiquing technique in which wet mortar is applied to brick to give it a distressed look. When it’s done correctly, it can give your fireplace an old-world charm even if you have a newer home.

Install a New Mantel

If you want to give your home a more updated decor, consider adding a more modern-looking mantel to your fireplace. Your brick fireplace will still stay in place, but it will be downplayed a bit. This is an ideal strategy for anybody who wants to add a modern touch to their decor without sacrificing their cozy brick fireplace.

Paint the Brick

If you would rather your brick fireplace match your living room furniture, you can always paint the exposed brick. You will want to choose a color that complements the rest of your decor and turns your fireplace into a striking feature. Take a look at the colors of your sofa and chairs as well as the paint on your walls and decide what would really help your fireplace stand out.