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You guys have opinions. This, I know. When I asked you to weigh in on my scarlet-red kitchen, you didn’t disappoint. I was thrilled with the feedback and ideas that you shared!
So here’s another decorating dilemma begging for your two cents: my fireplace on the far corner wall in my living room. Lemme tell you what I like about it. It’s a great focal point, the variation of color in the stone (cream, warm brown, charcoal) and the large maple mantel.
Now, what I loathe about it. It’s the focal point of the room, the color variation in the stone has dictated my boring beige walls because I’m not sure what other colors might work with it (so I’m playing it safe), and the fact that the large maple mantel doubles as a perch for all my beach-bum vacation finds (shells from our annual trip to Sanibel Island; a way-to-small piece of expensive artwork from Provincetown, Cape Cod; and a metal stork from a jaunt across the barrier islands in Georgia.
I don’t know, guys. It’s just too themey and, frankly, lacks personality. So what would you do with it? Can I keep my shells, pretty please?
Anything from one our fireplace galleries or fireplace accessories post that you think would work for me?
Tags: fireplace, room ideas, ugly room s.o.s.
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September 27, 2011 12:51 PM
Your fireplace is beautiful! You could add more mass to the mantel, to balance the mass of the large stones, and really make it stand out. If you keep to the beachy theme, a large driftwood or salvaged grey-ed beam would work, or even just build up what you have (wider, higher, deeper). Possibly consider white to make it stand out. And, perhaps even, 'legs' of wood coming down to the floor on either side of the stones. I love the idea of a large, beveled mirror above. Grouping the decor items (three groups, tallest on the left), follows. I am new to the blog, but hope to find 'after' shots of both your fireplace, and your kitchen!!
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September 23, 2011 3:35 PM
Definitely keep your shells! I'd put a larger painting above. It's getting dwarfed. Then, add a few more framed things to layer. Finally, group the shells and candles together, rather than spreading them out evenly across the mantel. Something like slide 7 here, maybe? http://www.freshhomeideas.com/Room-Ideas/Living-Rooms/Living-Room-Decorating/living-room-fireplaces
September 22, 2011 2:18 PM
Paint the fire guard a bright (but not too bright) yellow. Larger scale picture, fewer decorative items. The plant, the bird and the vase of rocks on top of the books would be plenty.
September 21, 2011 1:49 PM
I like the idea about painting the back wall, and I am with the others on the picture/mirror. How about picking up the lite pink/peach shade from the shells and doing the baseboards.....or something minor along those lines....you need more color and a pinkish tone would add a nice contrast!
September 21, 2011 1:16 PM
I agree with the others! You can pull from the stone and do a mushroom colored paint, or a slate blue or a dark grey. Seems to be lacking scale - needs a larger picture or mirror to reflect light, variation in height and visual weight (lots of small things currently), and fewer items grouped together. Bring in a pop of color with yellow or rustic orange flowering branches in a vase? Or hang a Fall wreath in front of a mirror. Add pictures and graphic art to reflect your personality. Would love to see the results!
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