Embracing Change: The Journey to a Painted Stone Fireplace

Last week, I took a leap that some might find controversial, but it was a step I needed to take to honor my personal style and the essence of our home. After two and a half years of living in our farmhouse, built in 1836, I've learned the invaluable lesson of staying true to myself in how I decorate our space. So, with a mixture of excitement and nerves, I decided to paint our stone fireplace, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the result!

Before and After: A Stone Fireplace Transformed

Let's take a moment for a before and after comparison, which will give you a glimpse into why I felt compelled to make this significant change.

Why Paint the Stone Fireplace?

• Historical Accuracy: Despite our home's age, we believe the stone fireplace isn't original, easing my decision to paint it.
• Decorating Challenges: The dark, uneven colors and massive size made it difficult to decorate the mantel in a way that felt cohesive with the rest of our home.
• Room Harmony: After updating our dining room, the fireplace felt out of place, like an elephant in the room that no longer matched the area's aesthetic.
• Selective Transformation: Our home features four stone fireplaces. While we whitewashed one in the living room, I had no plans to alter the others in our family and homeschool rooms.

I understand future owners might question this choice, but for now, this decision has made our dining room feel lighter, brighter, and more spacious.

Taking the Plunge

This transformation was not impulsive but a thoughtful conclusion after six months of contemplation. It was about overcoming the "what ifs" and embracing a change that would make our home more reflective of who we are. The result? A painted stone fireplace that I absolutely adore.

Your Home, Your Rules

Do you have a space or feature in your home that doesn't quite sit right with you? Have you been pondering a solution but feel hesitant to act? My advice: go for it. Make your home a space that brings you joy, regardless of trends or the opinions of others.

If you face criticism, remember you're in good company. You can always say, "Well, at least I didn't paint my stone fireplace like Little by Little Farmhouse did!" But know this: I've got your back, and I believe in making choices that make your home feel truly yours.

Embrace your style, embrace change, and let your home be a testament to your unique vision.

xo,

Leigh