[ fireplace facelift - finally ]

REMEMBER this?

Well, after all of you weighed in on whether I should paint it or not {thank you!}, I finally gave my fireplace a facelift. It's amazing what a coat of paint can do!

First, a coat of super-adherent primer...

After a bit of primer, it was already looking better! A couple coats of paint and tadaaaa! A fresh and pretty facelift!

I love how the fireplace no longer takes over the room and instead seems to recede into the wall. The room overall feels larger and brighter and the colour of the tile surround seems to blend much better with the floor and its inlay. 

I think it really gives the room a similar feel to my inspiration shots...

[via beneathmyheart.net]

[via southernpiphi.tumbler.com]

I think I'd like to add a little bit of simple moulding detail above the fireplace similar to these lovely inspirational shots {it will also help the TV feel less like it's floating on the wall without loading the mantel with lots of accessories}...

[via 4.bp.blogspot.com]

[via fabuloushomeblog.com]

I may not bother adding wiring for sconces, but perhaps will hunt for some candle sconces that would provide the same feel.

So what do you think? Was it worth painting my fireplace?

lisa