Hi! So I'm not much help with paint color, but wanted to share two things that we did which you might consider: first, we got a high-heat black spraypaint (Rustoleum from Home Depot) and painted the fireplace face plate (the brass part) black, which instantly updated our fireplaces for about $10; second, I did not care for our red brick fireplace, and hand-painted it to look like a different color of brick. Without priming, I hand painted each brick Benjamin Moore Eagle Rock, then sponged on a lighter grey (Willow Creek) and a darker grey (Ironhorse, I think). Later, I decided it needed some brown, so I sponged on a bit of watered down brown paint (can't remember the color). I took care not to get paint on the mortar. The whole project took about a day. It came out great and I get tons of complements. If you are at all hesitant about getting the "painted brick" look when you do it all in one color, I would consider tying this method first. 99% of people would not know that the brick had been painted. If you don't like the way it turns out, you can always go back to your original plan!

Thanks!!! That looks lovely...!! Unfortunately the white counter wont work for the kitchen im planning - abundant turmeric in Indian cooking precludes any soft colour.. Went out today and got myself a black countertop with white veins (I HATE granite), and am now planning white shutters to go with it instead of the grey... Any other thoughts? Am not mulling over the backsplash...

White for other walls.

Hello Rahul, limiting to your query on granite - It is quite a beautiful, natural and hard material. For applications in kitchen, store and balcony they would do good. There are some points you should consider for granite application - - Granite usually occur in dark shades so consider the lighting in the area of application. - Ask the vendor for iron content in any natural stone for avoiding rust marks. - The process of application and polishing is cumbersome but thank god in India, craftsmen are easily available. - Do not go for a elaborate gloss polish to avoid skidding/slippery floors. - It is also advisable to re-polish/reseal them every 3-5 years. Thanks, Nitin CORNERSTONE DESIGNS, Bangalore.