How to Burst the Color Flames
09/05/2006 04:44 PM by Gretchen Schauffler
I see so many fireplaces when I visit homes. Some get all the attention they deserve, made with beautiful river rocks or gorgeous marble and wood mantles, or traditional chunky fireplaces that make you want to sit by them all night.
For this look try Devine Almond, Reflection, or Breeze along with Devine Icing or Whip
Then there are those that seem completely neglected.
Some are made of plain old rock. Some have those skinny bricks in pink and red-orange tones or mottled mauve that hit many houses in the early nineties. Those are the fireplaces I often find lonely, uncelebrated, and, well, just plain cold. Got gas-burning envy? The thought of a real fire may pale in comparison to the ease of turning a key and “salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!” flames magically appear.
Most people don’t consider that old bricks or rocks can be rejuvenated just by painting the fireplace in a stunning color. Not just a color, I mean a stunning color. Fireplaces need to stop being monolithic relics—an homage to the good old days when families gathered round them for warmth—and begin to be the fire in the belly of the home.
The fireplace below is a great example of what color can do to bring focus to the shape of a fireplace. Color makes it POP!. While the ceiling has strong white molding, look how separating the fireplace with color really highlights its great shape. Beauty emerges out of function. (For this look try Devine Straw, Gold or Ale with Devine Paprika, Sangria or Toile’ along with Devine Icing or Whip)
(For this look try Devine Saffron or Cayenne with Devine Pool or Current as the mantel)
On the other hand, there are fireplaces that have so much inherent color richness you only need to bring it out. Like in the case of this fireplace. Even though the owner’s first thought was to sheetrock over it, once the color palette for the home emerged, all the colors wove into the fireplace rock. (For this look try Devine Almond, Date or Glass)
When the furniture was placed, it was as if the rock was meant to go with the furniture. It goes to show that it is all about color relationships and making what you have what you love.
Here is someone who shared their before and after with me. Devine Rain made her fireplace personal and her inspiration came from the Oregon weather she loves! Check out that sky..
Here is her beautiful rock fireplace
Here is what she sees out the window
Here is what she loves to live in, her color, her Devine Rain! Check out the comment section.
Gretchen Schauffler
Artist and Founder of Devine Color®
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Gretchen, Thanks so much for adding your blog to the website. It’s a great compliment to your book which has inspired me to think of color in a new way! Re: fireplaces I recently re-painted an inset wall (either side of fireplace) Devine Rain. The wall was a neutral wheat color and flooring Myrtlewood—so lots of yellow/orange in the room. The fireplace is Sierra Antique rock w/ red, brown, orange rust with gray/blue slate undertones. Devine Rain allows the gray/blue color to pop and focuses attention to the beauty of the rock. Devine Rain is a lovely accent color in the great room.
— Shirley Ward Mullen 09/06/2006 01:22 PM #
This is so funny because today I had a woman say to me she loved Devine Rain so much that when the paint dried, she kissed the wall! That is right! That is the kind of thrill people randomly share with me because they are in love, and I am thrilled to hear about Devine Rain doing its magic all over again on your walls! Please send me pictures!
— Gretchen Schauffler 09/06/2006 10:47 PM #
Hiya,
I really like the funky fireplace made in brick!
Buck
— By The Fireside 06/11/2008 05:21 AM #