I did it, I actually did it!!

The leap into painting my fireplace brick wall! 

Before I get into the details and the show you the juicy before and afters I just want to say HI!  It has been a while since I have posted and I can say that it really feels great to be back.  I missed you all and have missed blogging but have enjoyed taking some time off to get some much needed R&R from trying to balance home life, work life, and blogging life.  I plan on posting more often and showing you what I have been up to this past year.  Before and afters galore!!

You may remember my dilemma about whether to paint my brick wall or not.  There are so many mixed opinions on whether to leave your natural brick exposed or paint it.  Part of my indecision came from knowing that once the brick was painted there was no going back.  Shanna and a few other close friends of mine urged me to take the plunge and after a couple YEARS of hesitation I did, I actually did it (I have to give a lot of credit to my husband who paints super fast apparently, who knew, and finished most of this while I was at work).

Are you ready?  Wait until you see this (you will wonder why I ever waited to do this):

Before:

 I look back at these photos and my gut reaction is to cringe.  Second, I laugh at all the second guessing I did on whether to update this wall or not.

The point of no return:

You may be wondering why I have a dresser in my den, more on that to come :)  I told you I have a lot of fun before and afters coming your way so stay tuned!

The dated brass fireplace doors needed an update as well so after a few coats of high heat spray paint...VOILA! (Side note: I do not advise anyone to spray paint in the house, unfortunately, we had no choice because this sucker was stuck to the wall).

A little more romantic:



And there you have it.  One beautifully painted white brick wall, oh happy day :) 

Painting a brick wall is not for the faint of heart, it took some serious hand cramping and man hours to get all the nooks and crannies covered.  Some advice to those of you pondering this project: Prime first, dear lord, prime, prime, prime.  Use thick nap rollers, cheap brushes and strap your patience pants on.  Just know this will all be worth it in the end.  

Hope you all like it, have I changed anyone's mind about painting brick?



Oh how I have missed this part........

See you swoon,