Small Changes Big Impact

We’re starting a new series on the blog called: small changes big impact.

Why, you ask?

Like everything in life it’s the little things that matter most – that make the most impact. Everyone has small things they want to change about their home and some of these things don’t take a lot of time, effort or money.

This small change is first in the series because:

1. This is a pain point for a lot of clients. It can date a room even with new furniture + accessories.

2. I’ve made this small change in my own home and can speak to how it helped to get our family room out of the 80’s and into today

3. I’ve sent this information out the paint information three times over the past few months to clients + friends.

What is it you ask?

Getting rid of your outdated brass fireplace insert.

Here it is what it looked like when we bought our house 5 years ago.

Brass is back but not this brass.

We lived with it for a few year until I just couldn’t take it anymore. What to do?

When I approach a project I like to start with what I have, what I love, and how I want to feel when I’m in the space. I do the same for my clients. I wanted a black insert and I wanted it to complement the room not be an eyesore. After a little research I came across Rustoleum’s High Heat Paint and figured I’d give it a try. My only complaint - I wish I had done it sooner.

What you need you’ll need:

• An 80’s brass fireplace insert

• Drop cloth

• Rustoleum High Heat Paint

• Paintbrush (my favorite) or craft brushes

• Painters tape

• Patience 😊

Wipe down the insert, tape off the glass, and start painting. It’s really that easy.

Wait the recommended amount of time before the next coat (here’s where the patience comes in).

I ended up doing (3) coats until I didn’t see any streaks or brass peaking through and I didn’t take any pictures during the process. I usually get caught up in what I’m doing and forget. I can’t even find a good after without my kids posing in front of it.

Here’s a recent photo below. Since painting the fireplace insert a few years ago I’ve also whitewashed the brick + slate completely transforming our room.

photo credit: Jessie Wyman Photography

What small impact are you working on right now?

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