Brick by brick...

What's a fireplace without a little brick? Well, if your brick is ugly, chances are it's not much of a fireplace at all. What's a girl to do?

Well, there are many options: bring it all down (but not with a huff and a puff...) and start anew; resurface using a great natural stone like slate, or a stacked or field stone; clad the fireplace in a great wooden cover up and mantel; or, for those on a very tight budget (or who are simply looking for a stop gap before undertaking a more expensive option), painted brick.

Yep... good, old, cheap, accessible paint. Indeed, painting your brick can be the perfect way to give your fireplace a temporary, or permanent face lift. And really, who can't lift a paintbrush for an easy make-over like that?

Don't think you'll like the outcome? Well, reserve your judgement until you check out these great makeovers from some of my favourite, talented bloggers and websites:

This is Aimee's fireplace before her fantastic makeover:

and after... wow!!

My sister's fireplace makeover...so much prettier! Liz, at Violet Posy, recently posted her great fireplace face lift. I love how much more tranquil her space looks now. You can check out the entire post here.

before...

after...

The following fireplace (from the website, Home be Dazzle.com) was reclad in old brick and wooden panels and moulding:

Voila! This can be your next step for those wanting a full and complete cosmetic overhaul of their fireplace. Isn't it lovely??

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Need some tips on painting your brick?

Here are some tips from Sharon Grech, colour and design expert with Benjamin Moore:

1.Clean the brick using TSP (trisodium Phosphate)

2. Cover smoke and soot stains with a good quality primer sealer

3.Once dry, seal the brick using a latex primer

4. Paint with at least two coats of latex paint (the higher the sheen, the easier to clean)

5.Use a high-pile roller (20mm or thicker), and a brush to get to the mortar lines.

(as adapted from Style at Home magazine)

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Well, I'll be...! Terri Sapienza, of The Washington Post, picked my little, ol' blog again for their Blog Watch feature! I am beyond honoured, and very grateful! Thanks Terri!!