As regular W&D readers will know, my approach to home design this year has mostly been to tackle fewer projects with more intent. One of the areas we are focusing on updating in 2022 is family room in the basement. I updated the layout of the space to make it more conducive to both family time and hosting larger groups of people. Next, I added another finish to the large brick area around the fireplace, which is the natural focal point of the space.
Originally I was going to treat the tiles with slaked lime, but recently I came up with another idea: smoothing, plastering the tiles.
Today I’m sharing the choice I made for our basement fireplace brick finish!
Let me guide you through my decision-making process on whether to change direction for this project.
Why am I considering a plaster finish for tiles
As I put together several mood board options for a recent project I realized that I wanted to seriously consider getting rid of the brick pattern almost entirely. Both the floor and the tile in this space are very busy right now. I think that covering the brick will help reduce the visual competition between the two elements.
This is why I decided to finish with plaster
Ultimately, I want this space to be in the long run. I think the Spanish inspired style of the plaster fireplace will allow us to highlight the floors, which are original to the house and which we do not intend to replace. Although it will be a lot more process than originally planned, I want to do it the way I want the first time instead of doing the job twice.
We also plan to leave some of the bricks exposed as decoration and possibly whitewash these parts. I think the combination of brick and plaster will feel really complementary. I’m really inspired by the updates Kirsten Grove made her fireplace and have that on my mind as inspiration!
What is the new timeline for this project?
I originally planned to do all the work myself by the end of July. The deadline will now be extended by about a month. I will also ask our maid. He’s coming to the house this month to install Durock, a brand of cement board, on the fireplace brick. The Durock purchase, cut, and installation process will likely be analyzed in three days or so. He will also remove the heater in the process.
Once he’s done, I’ll do the prep work and apply the plaster. I hope to finish the entire project by the end of August, with some flexibility if a little longer is needed. I’m excited to share before and after it’s done!
What about the brick in the rest of the basement?
We plan to do the same plaster finish for the rest of the tiles in the family room in the basement. There is no set schedule for this right now. Because the fireplace updates will include both plaster and decorative brick, I think the combination will work in the meantime!
Kate is currently learning to play the ukulele, leaving her husband, children and dogs desperate. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
