The fireplace in this house was actually a selling point for me, I loved it! The centerpiece of the living area, while helps define the separation of dining and living, it also helps unify the space. But there was one small problem, I despise, no I loathe the color red. Unless it is on my finger nails or lips, I just do not like the color at all. Luckily for me white paint can be a cure-all! Before painting the exterior, I coated the inside with a black paint specific for heated areas and then coated the outside with my wall color, Behr's Decorator White but in a semi-gloss versus eggshell finish for ease of cleaning...and I absolutely love the final product.