Is your fireplace in need of an update? With a little paint, creativity, and minimal expense, you can give it a fresh new look that makes a big impact.
Start by choosing paint colors that complement your existing décor. Pull inspiration from nearby furniture, textiles, or accent pieces to ensure everything ties together.
Once you’ve selected your colors and gathered your painting supplies, tape off the areas you plan to paint. Taking time to prep will help create clean lines and a more polished finish.
For my fireplace, I chose two colors: a terracotta red and a dark brown that coordinated with my couch and curtains. I began by taping the inside of the fireplace and painting it red. After the paint dried, I removed the tape and prepared the next section. To create the look of a framed surround, I painted a brown border around the opening.
To complete the makeover, I added coordinating accessories, and voilà! The fireplace was transformed into a modern, stylish focal point. While the project may seem a bit intimidating at first, the results are well worth the effort. Once you’re done, you’ll be glad you took on the challenge.


COLOR COORDINATING One way to give adjoining rooms in ground-floor living areas a harmonious look is to paint them in colors with the same undertones, like the yellow-based red, khaki, and pumpkin used here. Keeping trim color consistent from room to room helps avoid any jarring transitions. Private areas that typically remain closed off from view—home offices, bedrooms, and powder rooms, for example—don’t need to tie in as closely with their neighboring spaces.