Q: Please help us with the big brick elephant in our family room! It's awkward and ugly and we just don't know what to do! Can you suggest a real mantle solution? Or an inexpensive fix for the bricks? It's just so ugly! Thanks, CF, Chesterfield
A: We turned to Sara Turner of CURE Design Group (636-294-2343, curedesigngroup.com). Her response: “When contemplating any upgrade to an existing piece in a space, always think about what you like and don't like first to make an educated design plan moving forward. What’s great about this is the placement of the fireplace. So, to solve your problem:
1. To create a focal point, use an accent color that coordinates with the rest of the space. Something neutral like a mushroom tone on top of the mantel to the ceiling will take your eye upward and will make this fireplace more of an impressive statement.
2. Maximize the mantel. Fireplaces are always more impressive with a great mantel. Consider creating more dimension by having a larger piece of reclaimed wood in more of an organic shape and natural color serve as your mantel. If you wanted, you can add special details with your supports in a metal for interest.
3. Painting brick is quite a commitment but if you really want to, choose something tonal and softer than a stark white.
4. Knowing you have such linear patterns already in use—the brick, the grid blocking on the screen, the stark hard edged mantel, introduce different shapes, using a softer line. For example, a circular mirror will create some movement and carry your eye upward.
5. Accessorize! Add candles in varying heights (all one neutral color, like cream) and a few apothecary jars also in varying heights to break up the solid surfaces.
6. Last but not least...expose it! Exposing the firebox and utilizing a removable decorative fire screen allows the feature to become more than just another part of the house. But if you do have small children, the most cost-effective way is to lightly sand down the gold trim and use an oil based primer and oil-based paint to paint the gold trim black. This will make it all cohesive. Or use a fireplace restoration company to try to find a new one that could fit in the existing space.
[Editor’s note: You could also check Fellenz Antiques, 439 N. Euclid, 314-367-0214. They usually have a multitude of both screens and already-made mantels.]
