Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Main floor update: fireplace ideas

Mark and I have been throwing around ideas for a couple years now about what we'd like to do with our massive fireplace on the main floor. I say massive because it's basically a wall of white brick and it's a bit much for the room. Some people seem to like it, but we're looking for a bit of a change.

For the longest time we were thinking of adding drywall to the top, redoing the mantle and adding mouldings to the bottom. Mark even had it taped out. But we never did anything about it because I don't think we were totally into the idea.

The other week I thought it would be fun to cover the existing brick with some other type of light stone. Similar to what we did here in the basement, but more of a whitewashed stone.


Then we'd fill in the sides with MDF to make built-in type shelves.


Here are some photos I found for inspiration.
Via


I actually really like this too but it may be too modern for us! Via

What do you think? What would you do to this wall of brick?

12 comments:

  1. We tiled our fireplace in white glass tile - it has a bit of iridescence, and it's so pretty! It's one of my favourite parts of our house now. But I love the first one you have here, with the shelving on either side. Can't wait to see what you do!

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  2. I actually love the look now, but I think adding some other kind of neutral stone would look fabulous. I love the marble too, but maybe in another room. Can't wait to see what you decide!

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  3. It is fantastic as is!
    I know it's not your thing, and shelves on the sides are always useful! but don't make extra work for yourselves!

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    1. Thanks Shannon! It seems a bit drab in person - but maybe it's the yellow coming from the windows - ahhh decisions!

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  4. I actually really, really love it as is. Like... really :-)

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    1. Ha! You guys are making this harder - not easier haha!

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    2. Okay fine. You can only change it if it is a full slab of calacatta marble :-)

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  5. Sorry to be one of the ones making this harder, but I love the brick fireplace as-is! I think it's nice and modern painted white without being too stark. Before jumping in to a remodel, I'd play around with the things on and around the fireplace and mantel. All of the inspiration photos you've got have nothing or very little (two plants or two lanterns) on the mantel. Maybe trying something like that would give you the change you need?

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    1. Yes honestly I am a bit tired of the way things are placed in the room. Nothing beats having a refresh! I was thinking of also moving the couch and chairs around to see if that helps freshen it up.

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  6. Wow..all they are looking so beautiful and charming houses pics. I am glad to know about this blog.Thanks for sharing.

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  7. These houses are really lovely and charming.All want to look around them.A great architect can best guide?

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