The Brick End I Selected for Our Basement Hearth

As common W&D readers will know, my method to house design this 12 months has been all about tackling fewer initiatives with extra intention. One of many areas we’re specializing in updating in 2022 is the basement household room. I’ve already up to date the format of the area to make it extra conducive to each household time and internet hosting bigger teams of individuals. Subsequent up, I’m including a special end to the big brick space surrounding the hearth, which is the pure focus of the area. 

I used to be initially going to deal with the brick with a limewash utility, however just lately a special thought got here to thoughts: doing a clean, plaster end over the brick.

In the present day I’m sharing the selection I made for our basement fire brick end!

Let me stroll you thru my decision-making course of round whether or not or to not change the route for this venture.

Why I’ve been contemplating a plaster end for the brick

As I used to be placing collectively just a few temper board choices for the venture just lately, I spotted I needed to noticeably think about eradicating the brick sample nearly solely. Each the flooring and the brick on this area are so busy proper now. I assumed masking the brick would permit for much less visible competitors between the 2 components.

Right here’s why I made a decision to go together with a plaster end

It finally got here all the way down to the look I need this area to have in the long term. I feel the Spanish-inspired type of a plaster fire will permit us to raised spotlight the flooring, that are authentic to the home and which we have now no intention of changing. Whereas will probably be extra of a course of than initially deliberate, I’d relatively do it the best way I need the primary time as a substitute of doing the work twice.

We additionally plan to maintain a number of the brick uncovered as trim and can probably do a limewash end on these sections. I feel the combo of brick and plaster will really feel actually complementary. I’ve been actually impressed by the updates Kirsten Grove has made to her fire and have that behind my thoughts as inspiration!

What’s the new timeline for this venture?

I initially deliberate to do all the work myself on the finish of July. The timeline will now be prolonged a few month. I’m going to have some assist from our handyman too. He’ll be coming to the home this month to put in Durock, a model of cement board, over the hearth brick. The method of shopping for, chopping, and putting in the Durock will probably be parsed out over three or so days. He’ll even be eradicating the mantel within the course of.

As soon as he’s completed, I’ll do prep work and apply the plaster. I hope to have the whole venture accomplished earlier than the tip of August, with some room for flexibility if it must take a bit of longer. I’m so excited to share the earlier than and after when it’s full!

What concerning the brick in the remainder of the basement?

We plan to do the identical plaster end for the remainder of the brick within the basement household room. There is no such thing as a set timeline for this proper now. As a result of the hearth updates will embody each plaster and brick trim, I feel the combo will work within the meantime!

Kate is at the moment studying to play the Ukulele, a lot to the despair of her husband, children, and canines. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.