Why did I name this post “The Long Overdue Fireplace Makeover?” Because that is exactly what it is! This project is loong overdue.
I had been thinking of doing this since last winter when I had shown you the wash tub that had been repurposed for wood storage. I kept on looking at that awful fireplace and thinking maybe it was time to get rid of that dark ugly color.

But I did nothing till November, when I lit the fireplace and remembered why I hated it.
After a whole winter’s worth of research and much procrastination I found inspiration from Melissa of Dancing Dog Cabin. I absolutely loved the look of her fireplace makeover and decided to recreate it. I started with 2 coats of chalk paint.

And then set to work drawing the shapes to make it look like a stone fireplace. And not very well at that!

But there was no turning back. I used different colors of acrylic paint, mixing many together as I went along.

I added highlights and shadows as best as I could.

This actually took me a couple of days because I’m indecisive.

And I’m done! I’ll wait a week to let the paint cure and then I will seal it with varnish. This way if it gets dirty, which it will, I won’t have to worry about rubbing off the color when I clean it.
I’ll upload pictures with the varnish a bit later, but I just couldn’t wait to share this with you!! (Here is part two of the makeover.)



A quick look at the before:

The pictures do not do it justice, it has lots of depth and nuance. I’ve got to work on those photography skills.

There is a part two to this fireplace makeover here.
When I showed this photo to my son he said “you should have done this years ago!” Well, better late than never for my long overdue fireplace makeover. Do you ever have a project in mind and then just procrastinate forever, like I did?


Silvia
Tuesday 26th of March 2019
I love the color you picked and the final result! So original and fancy! #EsmeSalon
Mary
Wednesday 27th of March 2019
Thank you so much Silvia, it really changed the whole look of the room.
Krista
Sunday 3rd of April 2016
More hidden talent. It looks fabulous. You understated how great it turned out. Your house must be beautiful.
Mary
Tuesday 5th of April 2016
Thank you Krista. The huge unexpected benefit of being a diy blogger is that you get to redo your whole house one project at a time. This is something I did not anticipate when I started the blog, but I see now that the house is slowly filling up with one of a kind pieces.
All that's Jas
Sunday 3rd of April 2016
Mary, that looks incredible! Love the color choices, they bring the fireplace into a focal point. I bet it'll be a great conversation piece. You are so talented!
Mary
Tuesday 5th of April 2016
Jas, I find myslef walking into the room and staring at it! Lol! I still have not gotten used to having it there. It is so bright and full of... anything but what it was before. Thanks for your sweet comment.
Jennifer Abel
Sunday 3rd of April 2016
Funny we are doing our fire place up too. Yours is awesome. Thanks for sharing on #overthemoon
Mary
Tuesday 5th of April 2016
Thank you so much Jennifer. I guess it's the season for fireplace makeovers now that we are coming out of the winter frost.
TwoPlusCute
Monday 4th of April 2016
This. Is. Amazing! You did all that chimney yourself?! I love the difference it made but I love even more the detail of the "stones". Great choice of colors and wow, this is one fantastic paint job Mary! I pin this of course.
Mary
Tuesday 5th of April 2016
Yes all by myself!! If you want something done you have to do it yourself. I had help from family members in the form of "holding the ladder so I don' topple over!" But it was my idea hence it had to be done by me. But now I'm not happy - I want to add depth... so we'll see where this goes.