Whitewashed Brick

Our family room has quite a large fireplace and hearth.  While the brick was attractive, it needed brightening up.    I like the texture and look of brick and didn't want to paint a thick coat on top to hide it.  I wanted to enhance it.

I started to think of the brick houses that I love.  The ones that have been painted white and left to distress through the years.  I love those homes.

So, I thought that this look was what I should try to achieve.

Here is a pic of the fireplace before.  I think you can see what I mean about attractive brick but really quite dark and boring.  It takes up the entire length of the room...

Well, I decided to just dive in.  First, I painted the mantel in white, distressed and waxed it.  Then, on to the brick.  I was hoping I'd like the result because I would be stuck with it!  I made a wash with Annie Sloan white chalk paint and water.  Here it is being applied...

oh, my.  I think I like what I see...

and LOVE how it turned out (really, thank goodness)!

The before and after is truly amazing.  The room is now bright and the mantel really pops. I adore the farmhouse, distressed look.  Oh, what paint can do!

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Cheers,

Suzanne

linking to: http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com/
www.blog.blueeggbrownnest.com
http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2013/02/link-up-with-me-liz-marie-37/
http://missmustardseed.com/2013/02/furniture-feature-friday-a-link-party-7/