Reader Kathy has an impressive mid-century modern house with oodles of amazing original features including a biomorphic wall screen, mahogany wall panels and clerestory windows. However, There is one feature that has been bothering her since the day she first moved in. The paint color of the large concrete block fireplace — she calls it “the big blue monster — is not jiving with the rest of her home’s decor. Now Kathy has asked for our help with ideas to tame this turquoise tyrant.
Dear Pam and Kate,
A good friend told me many years ago to live in your house for a while, and let it tell you what it needs. I have lived with it for nearly a year, and the same thing is bothering today as it did the day I first saw it. The big blue monster.
My design dilemma is my fireplace wall. It is a double-sided fireplace in the living room and den. It is painted turquoise block and is in need of new paint or something different.
It is the focal wall in the living room. The part I don’t like is the contrast of the blonde brick that matches nothing else.
There is blonde paneling on the short walls and the ceiling. Another block wall in the room is more interesting, with concrete caps placed between the blocks, and it is painted cream color.
There is also an eight-panel helix patterned wood screen and a wall of glass overlooking the patio. All other rooms in the house have mahogany panels and doors. I feel this accent is lacking in the living room. The fireplace wall is 15′ long x 9′ high, and the opening is 55″ wide x 33″ high.
My idea is to somehow incorporate mahogany either in shelves or panels and paint the block to more closely match the original double oven which is more blue green than the fireplace. The hearth may also look good clad in mahogany. Not sure how to blend the block and brick.
This is what people see when they stand in my entry and I feel it is not as attractive as other details in the room. Please help me tame the monster.
Readers — What paint colors or other design ideas would you suggest to make this fireplace fit in with the rest of the room?
Pam and Kate’s solution for the space:
For this Retro Design Dilemma, Pam and I jumped online together to ogle and talk — and together we came up with a solution we both agreed on:
As you can see from the Before & Afters above, we believe that in this room, the key to success may be: Harmonizing the color of Big Blue — paint it the same color as the other concrete blocks on the wall visible, above.
Here was our thinking:
- There are already many finishes in Kathy’s room: Light mahogany wood, dark mahogany wood, cream cinder block walls, black decorative screen [reminds us of breeze blocks only lighter], beige carpet, tan fireplace brick and blue fireplace block. They are all very pretty. But, hmmmm, adding yet another color to the mix — that blue — is giving us finish overload — our eyes don’t know where to rest.
- The architecture of the room is very graphic, and the space, very open. Any finishes you choose, or accents you add, must work within this graphic framework.
- All of the existing finishes are warm and organic feeling. The blue of the fireplace is really the only “cool” color in the space. Because of this, and because it takes up such a large area, it makes it stick out and feel out of place.
To solve for the issue: Simply paint the fireplace the same cream color as that back wall. Kathy can then use her desired accent color — a turquoise blue — in furnishings and accessories throughout the room. In fact, the color “pops” quite nicely … artistically … graphically … once you harmonize that big block fireplace.
Kathy’s idea of possibly covering some part of the fireplace with mahogany was also on the right track, we thought, since that would repeat the mahogany and help make the fireplace feel connected to the rest of the space. However, Pam and I both agree that there is already quite a bit of wood in the space — walls, beams, ceiling — and think the best — and surely, a way easier — bet would be to repaint the fireplace the same cream color as the other cinder block walls. This also will prevent the room from feeling too heavy with all of that wood.
In the mock up above, you’ll notice that we didn’t paint the cream colored bricks around the fireplace opening. We think that instead of painting the bricks, leaving them natural and then paint the ledge the same color as the brick. This will help make the area feel more grounded and part of the whole design. In general, we also like to avoid painting original brick.
Above: We tried painting the bricks that immediately surround the fireplace opening and the hearth ledge, too. We do not like this look as much as our ‘keep these natural’ board. Too … stark .. we like the warmness of the beige brick and ledge.
Two mockups of reader suggestions:
Quick-like, Kate mocked up to ideas from reader comments:
Use high quality paint — we suggest subscribing to Consumer Reports to access their independent tests
Pam wanted to note that when selecting paint for the fireplace, it is important to pick the very best quality paint that you can afford. You will also want a finish that is easy to clean. When painting, also ensure that the surface is prepped and paint applied using the best quality products and practices available — the surface of that fireplace is such an important element in the room, you want that paint and finish to be absolutely delicious. Good paint really can make a difference! This will help prevent headaches down the road — painting a fireplace is a big job. Pam suggests checking Consumer Reports for the paint quality testing. You will need to subscribe, but she thinks it could be worth it.
In addition to painting the fireplace and mantel, we suggest:
- Reupholster or replace the chairs flanking the TV and choosing a rich teal fabric. The room itself — walls, ceilings, flooring — needs to stay neutral to look cohesive. Add color in the furniture and accessories.
- Add the accent color in other accessories — such as in pillows, throws and artwork.
- Instead of having several small pieces of art on the fireplace, try one large painting or print. The art we used is a print called “Morning Fjord” available at Art.com, which picks up all of the colors in the room while the black frame mimics the room divider.
- Try not to have too many small accessories scattered around the space. The scale and style of this room dictate fewer, larger accessories. Instead, move the smaller accessories in the main living room to the built in shelf in the den, or make a colorful tablescapes that group items together.
- Think of the design of this room as a piece of modern art. The lines, textures and shapes speak for themselves without needing much additional decoration. The huge expanses of windows frame the “art” that is the world outside and work to bring the outside in.
We agreed that the same treatment should be applied to the opposite side of the fireplace in the den. Again, the fireplace is painted to be the same cream as the home’s other cinder block walls, leaving the beige brick and painting the ledge to match. Another framed print from Art.com — entitled “Plumb Forest Floor” — hangs above the fireplace in a mahogany frame that echoes the built-in shelving. Have lots of fun using that terrific built-in shelving to make art-scapes with your smaller collectibles!
When it comes to adding small pieces to the living room, sometimes a collection of similar small objects can read as a part of the bigger picture. And minimilist mid-century modern can get… ascetic feeling — we we believe in not taking it all too seriously and being sure to add some whimsy. Here we’ve illustrated that point by going a bit overboard on the scale of this Blenko Amber Glass Owl bookend from Etsy seller MoonshineAntiqueShop. We also liked these fun vintage Amber Glass Blenko Elephant bookends from Etsy seller ShootingCreek.And how about these Blenko Owl Amber Glass bookends from Etsy seller junk2funkbiz and a great Blenko Amber Glass lamp from Etsy seller HostaHillFarm. We like that these bookends are silly. We like that they are from a famous mid-century glassmaker. And we like their color — the amber glass works well in the space because its warm feel echoes the warmth of the wood, and the color contrasts nicely with the aqua, too found in the room. These Blenko pieces can get expensive – but put them on your birthday and holiday lists and in a few years, we guarantee you’ll have a collection!
Erin says
Is there any way to tell what color the block is under the paint? In some locations, the block is a nice terracotta color, or a blonde kind of sandstone color and could just be soda blasted clean. That would result in a pretty modern look, but some of the homes in my area have done that and it’s really nice.
Kathy says
Yes it is plain grey block. The original owner owned the local concrete company. We also believe the paint is original and lead based. That is not dirt on the hearth it is the lead. Inside the wood storage the block is untainted and it is not pretty.
Kathy
pam kueber says
Good girl for being cautionary about the lead paint! Sounds like you will be sure to consult with authoritative sources – pro’s – as you assess how to handle it.
Kimberj says
Your home is a dream!!!! I can’t imagine finding such an amazing mid cent home. I would suggest you paint it the same color as the other block wall for continuity and to balance out all the dark wood. Any chance your willing to share the other features of the house with RR??
Kathy says
More than willing. When I bought I told someone it was a house to be shared. Teaser… I also have a fifties diner booth in the kitchen.
Kathy
Robin, NV says
You could also repaint the masonry in blue but much darker than the current color. That would work well.
Unsolicited comment – those windows are screaming for pinch pleats. 🙂
Pam – the white textured masonry (?) wall next to the wood screen reminded me of this product: http://threedwall.com/3dwall/index.html If I had the right space, a textured wall would be pretty nifty.
Kathy says
One of my dream home elements was a textured wall. Love it
Kathy
Nicole says
You might try to tone down the fireplace, paint a huge stencil on it that matches the cut out wall divider, or paint a dual color to minimize the strong blue, or better yet, add like the above reader said, a large picture over the fireplace and get matching pillows to ‘spread the color around’..instead of it being the only color in the room..say matching pillows and perhaps a modern chair in the same color..
Kristy Hansen says
I really can’t help you with how to change it as I LOVE it! I actually have a picture of this room and fireplace pinned from when your house was up for sale and the pictures were online and I was stunned with how awesome this house was!
Lucky, lucky!
Kristy Hansen says
If I did anything I would make it match the stove turquoise- I love that color. Please don’t beige it out!
Jonny says
Yes! Make the fireplace color match the stove! If it’s too much color, just paint the bumped out area in that turquoise and make the outer parts the dark wood tone brown, so it has one big contrasting monolith of color right in the center, just like the stove is tucked in between the wood cabinets.
I mean, c’mon, beige, grey, white? Think about what you’re saying! The house is really fantastic as it stands now, why tone it down? Tone it UP!
Kristy Hansen says
Tone it up!
That is my general philosophy in decorating. People play it too safe. Make it more colorful not less!
Janet says
I would try painting the block a muted terra cotta color. Lovely home!
Melanie says
When we purchased our mid-century dream home, our living room walls and ceiling had been painted a strong turquoise color. The carpet is a paprika color. The wood trim is blond, except for the accent windows which are a darker, almost cherry color. I walked in and was immediately distracted by the color scheme. Before long I figured out that I spent all my time looking at the turquoise walls and NOT at what was to be the feature – the incredible view through the windows. We painted the ceiling white and the walls a paintcolor that most closely matched the blond wood trim (a sand color). Instant glory! No longer are the walls the focus, but, rather, the view out the windows and even the uniqueness of the windows themselves and the fireplace wall (wall of blond brick) popped. I’d suggest the same in this room. Choose a color which is similar to the mahogany panels. I think your fireplace will pop and your eye will be drawn around the room to the view out your windows and the beautiful wall divider.
Kathy says
My thoughts too. Love the idea of it blending in and overwhelming.
Kathy
Robin, NV says
My immediate thought, without reading the post or other’s comments, is to paint it a dark reddish brown (but not too dark or you’ll creat a giant “hole” in the room), something that works with the natural wood tones of the room. It might also look good in plain old brick red.
Another issue is the artwork. I would swap the starburst clock and the cluster of small pictures (starburst over the fireplace, pictures to the right). You may also want to consider new artwork all together, especially once you change the color. I like the idea of painting the masonry reddish brown and then picking up the beautiful color of the oven in artwork.
Kathy says
Good suggestion; however the clock is to small for the space. I tried it and it looks tiny. The artwork will need to be 50″ wide to look like Kate’s mock up. Thanks
Kathy
Debbie says
I agree white or as you described the cream on the other brick in the room. It would pull it together and be more cohesive not competitive. A shelf would be fine. LOVE IT! Thanks for the pics.
Denise says
I would paint it a soft white or the aqua color of your stove, but perhaps a lighter shade. Then use pillows, etc. to pick up the color through out the room. Above the fireplace, keep it simple by using a MCM piece..such as gold seagulls, a large starburst mirror or clock. If you go with the off white, then I suggest using an artwork with some warm colors.
Love your house!
James Lehr says
Off topic a bit, that oven is to die for!
Kathy says
The oven is one of the reason I bought the house. The main reason is that most all original feature are intact.
Kathy