Should every brick fireplace be painted? Definitely not. We usually advise homeowners who are uncertain to hold off. But when you know you prefer the finished look, painting brick can be a transformative choice. A fresh coat of white can brighten a room and create an airy, contemporary feel. In one case, Jamie and Ehren’s painted brick fireplaces contributed to a quick sale of their previous home, so painting needn’t harm resale when done thoughtfully.
Jamie and Ehren shared their living room makeover, explaining how the project brought their vision to life after they moved into their home in July.
The remodel took about seven months from start to finish. Along the way they completed several DIY projects to customize the space: chevron artwork, refinishing a brass fireplace insert, creating paint-chip art, sewing no-sew pillows, and painting and styling the built-in shelves. The most time-consuming change, and arguably the one with the biggest impact, was painting the brick fireplace.
After roughly 14 hours of painting split between the two of them, the fireplace and surrounding area felt renewed and cohesive with the rest of the room.
The painted brick was paired with deep blue built-ins that provided a striking contrast and grounded the space. That combination of bright white brick and bold cabinetry gave the room clean lines without feeling sterile. They also kept warm wood elements, like a wooden mantel and exposed beams, which added texture and visual warmth. The leather furniture complemented those wood tones, making the room balanced and inviting.
One standout piece in their living room is a unique coffee table—an artistic resin cast that resembles railroad ties from the Philippines. It’s a meaningful and practical centerpiece: large enough to anchor the seating area and forgiving of daily life, hiding crumbs, water rings and dust.
Beyond aesthetics, Jamie and Ehren’s transformation offers practical advice. If your goal is to modernize and brighten a room, painting brick can be an excellent strategy—especially when paired with complementary colors and materials. However, it’s a personal choice. Original brick has its own character and appeal, and for some homes it’s best left untouched. The key is to consider the overall style of your house and your long-term preferences before committing.
The couple’s dog Cozy made an appearance in their photos and seems to approve of the new look, making the room feel lived-in and welcoming.
They emphasize that the space feels like the “vision” they had when moving in, and that the effort was worthwhile. Small, intentional updates—combined with a few larger projects—can completely change how a room feels without requiring a full remodel. Their process demonstrates how layered design choices (paint, built-ins, textiles, and meaningful furniture) work together to create a cohesive living room.
For those considering a similar update: test paint colors on a small section of brick, evaluate how you want contrast with built-ins or trim, and plan for the time involved in prepping and painting. If you prefer a brighter, more contemporary aesthetic, painted brick can be a great tool. If you love the natural texture and color of the brick, leaving it as-is will preserve its character.
Jamie and Ehren thanked readers for following their renovation and invited others to check out more photos and details on their blog.
If you want to see more of their project and additional photos of Cozy, the finished built-ins, and the coffee table, you can visit their blog for the full makeover story. Thanks to Jamie, Ehren, and their family for sharing their process and results—this transformation is a great example of how thoughtful DIY and design choices can refresh a living room. Now tell us: which element of their remodel stands out most to you?
P.S. They also mentioned a giveaway winner announcement on the original site—check the announcement there if you’re curious.