How can I re-vamp this fire surround? Ideas needed.

[dailymaillazyjournos]

I particularly don't like the silver trim going round it. I am not crazy about the marble either or the pebbly things in the actual fire. I don't use it ever but can't afford to have it taken out and plastered in. I just can't think how to make this look better. If I paint the surround I don't know what will happen to silver trim. I don't know how to disguise the marble either and how to change/cover over, the actual fire. Any ideas welcome.

I like Scandi and Shaker styles of decoration and furniture and the room will be re-painted probably in a greeny/grey colour. TIA

[VulcanWoman]

Could you post a photo?

[dailymaillazyjournos]

Arghhhh! forgot to attach it!

[SunshineOutdoors]

Can you just Annie Sloane the surround white?

[lucy101101]

I had exactly the same problem! I painted the marble with blackboard paint (with a small roller) so it looks like slate and painted the surround white... but you could paint it any colour that works with your walls. If you use a good primer on the silver trim the paint should be fine.

[SunshineOutdoors]

You might be able to buy a coal effect insert instead of pebbles if the pebbles come out easily.

[VulcanWoman]

Oh, I like it. If you sand it down, including the silver strip, I can't see a problem with that. The actual fire would match your grey theme, it's just the marble really, but it is quite neutral though. I suppose you could cover the marble in hardboard and paint. Is it an electric fire. Double check with the old fire hazard with the hardboard though. What about sheet metal to cover the marble. Just a few ideas for you there.

[Notsosmartagain]

Annie Sloan the surround Paris Grey. I think once you have done that the marble will look a lot better and the surround will look lovely!

[dailymaillazyjournos]

Oooh thanks all. Didn't expect any replies! I will check out Annie Sloan colours. I've painted my coffee table in that and found it quite hard to apply though. Its mainly the metal trim on the actual surround that I have taken against :) Interesting that a primer would cover over that. I think I'll sort the surround out and then see what the marble looks like. I wouldn't have thought of blackboard paint for marble though. Could be fun for when dgd visits! The fire is gas but I never use it at the heat just goes straight up the chimney rather than out into the room. I never thought of hardboarding over it either! Thanks so much.

[lucy101101]

You can paint straight onto the marble, you don't need to cover it with hardboard. I painted my marble surround 5 years ago and there isn't a scratch. It doesn't look like blackboard, I am sure people think it is slate.