Or you could cover the fireplace with MDF or something and paint it black to make a blackboard for the girls to colour on

You could put (secured obviously 😀) toy storage shelves/units on the hearth to make it actually functional. Like IKEA pax etc. The space on it is useless so that way you can store more toys and free up floor space.

What if you painted the gold decal around the fireplace black to match your bookshelves right next to it?

Its looks amaizing😊

🌹🌹🌹🌹

You did a fabulous job. With an older home, you never know what you are going to encounter. Great attitude and great video.

great improvement .good for you

You could take the brass fireplace screen off and do a cute DIY cover to keep the girls from climbing in. I think it all look great!

I would paint the brick a light pastel accent color, like a super light cornflower blue ☺ or whatever color you like. Then it's still light and not too contrasty but still more appealing to the eye!

Updates look really good! If there really is hardwood on the treads, a runner would look really cute and I think can be done pretty cheaply with store bought runners and a staple gun. I saw one KZbinr do this and she also laid down carpet tape under the runner to keep it in place while stapling- genius! The risers might be plywood but if you painted them black they would probably look ok. For the fireplace, maybe paint the gold matte black. That might make it look a little more modern. The mismatched brick really does not look bad. And maybe you could diy some kind of mantle. That might make it look more intentional. And finally are those ceiling tiles in the laundry room or a closet? You could take one out of a less noticeable area and replace the missing one above the fireplace. I LOVE watching your videos! Post anything, I am here for it!❤

Journey over destination! ❤

The reason why the fireplace area looks "off" is because of the scale. The gold part where the actual opening is, is very small compared to the white part and bench area. If you do not plan on using it as a fireplace paint over that and it will become as close to invisible as possible.

Definitely do progress videos! That white paint really brightens up the room, you’re going to need a new nickname! Idk about the fireplace, I do wonder what the brick would look like against the white paint. But the whole area looks way fresher. I’m also curious if your toddler notices the renovations

I love watching your vids. But I've never messaged. I don't mind fire place. I'd suggest a mantle. Similar to your living area with a mirror above so it looks more defined. You are funny...when you say you ramble etc. I don't think you are. I used to follow Denise bangiyev but she's not on anymore.....and I come across ur channel. Timing was perfect. Love your videos. Sp therapeutic xx

Love this video. My basement is wood paneling as well and i was never confident about painting it until now.

For the fireplace, would you be able to just block it off with some plasterboard and make it “look” like a seating area??

The room looks so bright & fresh now. You should paint the gold on the fireplace black.

I love a progress video!

I remember those book shelves. They look gorgeous on the wall with some toys ❤

The fireplace looks great in that the light colour brings light in . Love the idea of videos in progress. It helps us to see someone going at a realistic pace. The children have super parents ❤

Looks great Allison!❤

Fireplace looks good for now.

Room looks so much brighter. Great job

I've learned that when there is an elephant in a room, rather than avoid it, just paint it and add some jewelry. Then it, at least, becomes something interesting. I agree with those who are saying to dress it up--a large mirror, clock, wreath or artwork, a mantle, some plants (you have plenty of light coming in) would be a great addition and take the focus off the size and the mismatched brick. Also, you might think about toning down the brass fireplace trim. That might help make it not stand out.

Hi guys just checking on you to make sure that everything looks good with your family and friends and everything

I would leave the carpet on the stairs. Allison you are doing an amazing job. Love all your ideas on decorating. Always look forward to the next video even if it’s a simple one. Have a great day.!

Happy to see another mom working after bedtime 🥴. The struggle is real.

OH! MY GOODNESS ALLISON! I WANT IT TO BECOME INVISIBLE 😂😂😂❤

👍🏻❤👏🏻🙂🙏🏻

the white looks so good. try painting the brass surround black .

Maybe a cool mantle would break up the difference between the brick and tile. Worth a shot! Good luck!

Looks awesome ❤❤❤

I love seeing the progress, always. An idea for the fireplace: you could hang a curtain rod with some curtains over it! Or hang some sort of textile over it, a chunky macrame of some sort that fits the measurements of that space between the wood paneling where the brick and fireplace is.

I think once you put a wreath or picture above fireplace you won't notice the 2 different bricks. I love the swiss coffee color. The basement is looking good.

Cant you take out the panneling? And leave just the brick portion?

Looks great 🎉

You could find another beautiful mirror to hang over fireplace-it would break up the different looking brick (which really doesn’t look bad at all btw) and a mirror would also have the added benefit of reflecting more light in the “dungeon”. (Lol)

Add a wood mantel separating the two brick textures

I love seeing your progress! No need to wait until there is a full makeover. Sometimes all I have time for is a short little 10-15 minute video and it’s great to watch content I enjoy. ❤

Personally I loved the brick before you painted it but can understand that it wasn’t really your style. I just love brick in that pattern. Since you aren’t quite happy with it, maybe put art or a tv up there to cover it a bit?

What's difference the paint makes to the basement. Brightens it tremendously. Much more pleasant for you all to spend time there. Most of us can"t afford to renovate the whole house and it takes times. These smaller Reno's allow us to use space until we can do that area. I put my bookcases in a rainbow sequence. I love the whimsical look of it. Definitely adds interest to the room.

Add a mantle and a mirror or some art work over your brick fireplace- it help hide the different bricks and putting up something you like will help you relax in your new room.

Maybe dot sponge paint the fireplace brick with the creamy mushroom color you used on your trim upstairs? Then mount a TV there?

For your books maybe you could do a color blocking type thing? Same colors with same colors and make either like a rainbow or something out of them?

Can you put some kind of fire safe drywall over the brick? I don’t have any better suggestions, except painting the entire fireplace a darker color so that the different textures aren’t as noticeable.

I think working on the in between is super important. It shows consistent progress!

Maybe consider doing a larger picture over that fireplace and hide the brick some...

Mount a TV and add a mantle

Yes! I love progress videos it’s so realistic :)

I know you don't want to draw attention to the fireplace but if you painted the gold thing a bronze or black it would update that area some. Maybe hang some art on fireplace.