fireplace makeover | home sweet bargeron.

The first time we walked through the house that would become ours only a couple months later, one of the first things I noticed was the brick fireplace. Our first home had one just like it, only it was painted white, and I loved it so much. I knew with that first glance that I wanted to give this pretty thing a makeover as soon as we moved in!

Then, as it always goes, we had to get some chimney work done before we could remove the plate and add some paint to it. TJ and I both agreed that there were other things that we needed to invest in at the house before tackling this project, so it got put on the backburner for several months. Then, one evening while the three of us were snuggling on the couch watching a movie while it rained, I noticed a big puddle on the floor. Given that Braxton had just been potty-trained and was still having accidents every so often, my first thought was that he was to blame for it. A few seconds later, after realizing that he was dry, I noticed that water was coming down the chimney, under the cast iron plate, and onto our hardwoods. Yikes!

We called the chimney sweepers (we love Jeremy with Clean Sweep Chimney Sweeps!) the next day, and they came out and got the ball rolling toward fixing our issue. We had to wait around a month before it was capped off, and I didn't waste any time once it was. I got to work the very next day after Jeremy hooked us up, and voila!

Before:

After:

My original plan was to paint the brick completely white, but I ultimately decided that I wanted some of the brick to peak through. I had never whitewashed anything before, but it was so easy! And I absolutely love the way it turned out. The rustic, clean look of our new fireplace makes my heart go pitter patter!

I am still on the hunt for a few more pieces to complete our mantle, but for now I am happy as can be. My favorite part of the whole thing is the gorgeous fireplace screen that was gifted to me by my Nana. They bought and used it in their very first house and have had it since, and I was so honored when she passed it down to me. What a treasure! Not only is it stunning and a perfect match with our décor, but it's also sentimental. And I loooove me some sentimental.

Here is the step-by-step process of what it looked like from beginning to end with two coats of whitewash applied:

And here is a look at what it looked like before and after:

I am so in love with how it turned out. Seriously! It changed the whole look of the room, and gave it a lighter, fresher look. I can't wait to show you what the whole room looks like soon! For now, let's all just gawk over how whitewash is so dang pretty.