Because that’s what I’ve been doing — sitting on the couch and staring at the fireplace. A lot. You may recall that when we moved in the fireplace was a disgusting orangey brick atrocity, a horror of mid 70s suburban design. Well, it’s still brick and it’s still overwhelming, but at least it’s not orange anymore.
Does this fireplace make me look fat? Thanks a lot, wide angle lens. But I digress. Look! It’s white now. Simply White, to be exact. And the wallcolor is Cappucino Froth at 50% formula (thanks, Sanders!). I don’t exactly hate all the whiteness, but what I really want to do is rip out the entire fireplace and have a smooth wall with a regular old mantel. Sadly that’s not going to happen, what with me on bedrest and Ike throwing cookies all over the floor in a mad rush to beat me to the tv (my parenting skills are without parallel).
So let’s discuss what I could do with this white wall of shame. Here’s another view:
Let us not discuss the peskily persistent speakers, the hideous magazine rack, or the fact that my house looks like a dorm room because I can’t have anything on the coffee table but toys. You are allowed to notice our West Elm Niche tv credenza. I think it looks ok, but that wall definitely needs some spicing up. Oh, and we have a new coffee table.
Ok, back to the fireplace. We can’t rip it out, so I’m thinking we need layers. Lots and lots of layers. Perhaps something like this hung just below the top of the fireplace from a quilt rack thingie:
And then maybe a mantel on which picture(s) and small lamps might rest in front of the tapestry:
I would prefer something a little less chunky, but I think a reclaimed beam could add some warmth… not sure how difficult it will be to mount onto brick without cornices, though. Moving on:
A pair of Delft planters (with neato plants in them) flanking the firebox, to cover up the hideous vents that I want to rip out and destroy with the hot heat of my hatred.
You do know that delft is the new black, right?
Whoa there, Mary McDonald. You a little crazy.
And I don’t know. That’s all I’ve got so far. Maybe a sheepskin on the ledge between the potted plants to add some warmth? Maybe the Moroccan tray from our old kitchen, this time perched above the very tip top of the fireplace?
Sigh. I miss our old fireplace.
It might draw your eye up in a weird way, but the space above the new fireplace between the windows just feels blank.
Ok, what do you guys think? Any interim solutions to turn this sow’s ear into a silk purse? Please let it be relatively inexpensive…
Related posts:
1. Your speakers are nowhere near as terrible as mine, so you’re not allowed to complain.
2. The brass thing (tabletop?) that was over the old fridge? Can you mount that over the fireplace? I think that would look grand. I pinned a photo with one of those over a console (I think) but of course cannot find it…maybe later as I can hear someone stirring and about to demand my attention.
(Babies!)
3. What about something bold in the way of window coverings? I think that might give the eye somewhere else to go.
OK, baby up. Looking forward to your thoughts. xoxo
I could put it (yes, it is a vintage tabletop) over the fireplace… no hanger attached as of yet, so a mantel would be helpful.
Window treatments! I knew I was forgetting to discuss something. Yeah, them there windows need help.
First, let me say that the paint is a wonderful improvement! It looks so fresh, fresh, exciting. It’s so inviting to me. Secondly…I’m liking the warm tapestry/reclaimed wood idea. Or how about a nice, big, honking wall sculpture…either right above the the mantel or in the spot above. Perhaps if you hung ceiling to floor panels on your windows, the space would seem somehow less daunting to fill…and I think it would look perty.
I love the idea of super tall curtains, but I’m not sure if I have enough space on the sides… do I?
Just looked at the picture again…not exactly ceiling to floor…but you know what I mean….above the top windows.
I know you’re thinking layers, but i like the way you’ve effectively neutralized that hulkiing beast of a fireplace. It looks very serene and restful now. I think doing long stationary drapery panels, one on each window in a bold print like Rebecca suggested is the way to go. Mount the (very simple) rod a foot above the window, and have the panel pushed to the far right on the right window and the far left of the left window. The pattern will frame out the space nicely.
Hi DWR, do you mean just the bottom windows, or double height?
It’s limited, but I think you do…I have a similar issue in my house, and one panel in a heavier weight fluffed just so provides the right amount of fullness without obscuring the window.
Sorry Erin, definitely double hight.
Thanks, guys! I’ll look into it… gonna be pricey!
The options aren’t particularly inspired, but I got mine from curtain works.com. Cheap. They have 144 inch grommet sheers for $39.99 a panel.
Yes to the tray above the fireplace
Yes to the wood shelf
Yes to delft is the new black
Yes to double height curtains.
I don’t know how I feel about patterned curtains though. Can you give me 67 options to choose from?
How about another Persian?
I kid I kid! Definitely digging the mantel and the Delft planters. I’m a baby stepper, so that’s as far as I can go without seeing it in action. Holy helpful, aren’t I?
You can drill into brick/mortar with a…hammer drill? Some sort of fancy thing. That your carpenter-type guy will have.
I like the wall hanging. Love delftware (I actually have it as my regular dishes, which I registered for in 2005 because I have always been like this).
Mary McDonald is awesomely on acid.
Hey Erin! Sanders hooked us up this weekend! Okay, enough about me. Love the way the living room is turning out. I think the mantel, tray, delft, and double height curtains are great ideas! Curtain fabric and lampshades are kinda my achilles heel though. I never can make up my mind about either.
I agree that the paint makes your fireplace 100% better. It’s very pleasant the way it is, but I do love the idea of sort of rustic wood mantel. Once you get the mantel up, you can see what looks good on it/around it. I like the tray idea. And the delft blue and white. We are definitely on the same wavelength! I’m no help with curtains/drapery/panels/window treatments. My windows have been bare for about 5 years. Yeah, this indecision is killing me.
Support the double height curtains. And while pricey, they will still be awesome whenever you do reno the fireplace. Support the mantel too–its not impossible to hang, but I would need help to do it ( You should submit to Naomi’s “ask Dad” column). Maybe its the symmetry of your photo, but I want a fig trees in front of those drapes. But I think that’s due pinterest flashback (which could be good or bad). I’m con on Delft–seems like a final touch and not a band-aid. Can go grandma or random if you aren’t otherwise ready for World of Interiors, and may cost more than those drapes…..But I don’t have a blog, so all this advice is sketchy.
Thanks, everyone!
ROK, you don’t need a blog to have good eyes
Nice rug! Do you have a roomba over in the corner? I’m jealous.
I think it looks very cool — cool and serene — as is. I’d skip the curtains unless you need them to block the burning rays of the sun. Why NOT a oriental rug hung from the wall above the fp?
Yes, it’s a roomba. You can read about its acquisition here:
http://design-crisis.com/?p=1349
Honestly it’s a pain to use, but it does a decent job.
And listen, don’t get me started with MORE rugs! I would like to stay married…
There is definitely something missing/wrong with that wall. I think it’s mostly the architectural weirdness that needs to be balanced somehow. Doesn’t have to be curtains, but something must be done.
What if you painted the windows, sills, and casings black? It would look really sharp. Reading about roomba now.
I was coming in to tall about window treatments & see its already a hot topic in here!
I love a Roman blind as they are lovely & simple & non in your facey! Also you dont have messy stack back to contend with. A pattern & deeper colour would look awesome me thinks!
oh & id do 4.
just sayin.
If you are looking for an inexpensive option for curtains, check out the World Market website. They have great curtains (or even cotton shower curtains) that you could sew together top to bottom to make double height curtains. It might be cool and cheap?!?!
Erin, the fireplace looks so much better in white, you knew it would.
I do like the idea of the delft urns on other side of the framed painting… on the bricks. You could mount two graphic cubes and put the urns on them. Maybe paint the cubes a light warm gray?
As for the windows. How about roman shades in a four in stripe? Light Charcoal and cream? It would also lend a graphic punch to the area.
Long curtains would cost a fortune unless you made them out of drop cloths.
mb
I love it, Erin! (Maybe something’s wrong with me, but I don’t think you need to do more than hang some window treatments.)
What does Karly think?
xo
I was thrilled to see that you were thinking of using a tapestry-type piece of fabric above your fireplace — which now looks much better.
I love tapestries and think it’s a great idea to hang one above your fireplace. Do you have any other tapestry-use ideas? I
Erin, I love the white! I think the fireplace is looking pretty fabulous…so clean and fresh. If you want to go with a mantle, I would love to see a slab of live edge gorgeousness. You know I’m obsessed with those.
Good lord, look at this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370588970017&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en#ht_1738wt_1113
I’m not crazy about the idea of a tapestry, but I do love the idea of that beautiful brass tray hanging above. As for the windows, I like the idea of simple. I’m intrigued with the idea of painting the window frames black or charcoal. Even a simple matchstick roll up blind could look beautiful. Maybe in a tortoise finish, but only on the bottom windows. I would leave the top windows alone and treat them as transoms or skylights.
http://www.smithandnoble.com/natural-woven-waterfall-shades/shades/natural-woven-shades/10049
If you were to go with curtains, I would actually only do the bottom windows. Again, I like the idea of looking at the top windows as transoms. I think a heavily textured linen with a nice drape in a solid (gray?) would look nice. More for drape and softness than for function. In fact, if you went with curtains, I would keep them pulled open, one all the way to the left, the other, all the way to the right.
I think the delft would look beautiful against the white brick and with an organic wood mantle and that vintage brass patina up above. Also, I badly want to see a Potence-like light swung across the fireplace from right to left. Something like this:
http://completelytotallymadly.blogspot.com/2011/12/fine-dining.html
OR THIS:
http://www.the-brick-house.com/2011/06/potence-style-diy-lamp.html/dsc0919/
From here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/onefortythree
And one last thing, how about one of these furry beauties on the fireplace hearth:
http://www.westelm.com/products/mongolian-lamb-pillow-cover-r643/?pkey=call-pillows
And then on the floor in front, a cushy perch for Ike, like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Peacock-Beautiful-Floor-Cushion-Big-Blue-Couch-Square-Decorator-Pillow-26-/270868871534?pt=Decorative_Pillows&hash=item3f110af96e#ht_3135wt_1113
And that gorgeous little brass stool you have pulled up in front of the fireplace would be the icing on the cake!
So when can I come over? ;0)
xo-nelya
That white looks fierce! Have you considered accessorising with some fireplace’y accoutrements? I think you should get a firescreen, andirons, log holders (even if it’s gas), and a set of firetools. Definitely get some log action there. I love the look of logs in an interior #hipsterdisclaimer. You can always design your own simple fireplace screen and have it made up, for everything else, there’s 1stDibs:
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=548507
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=213916
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=585613
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=598417
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=569853
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=522406
I’m not so fond of the rustic mantel. Rather get this:-)
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=603793
Seriously though, I like the simplicity of the shape, so maybe get a similar frame made up, that fits the black section (I’m clearly not down with the lingo). Hotness? Hells to the yeah!
You dudes are awesome! Sorry I kind of ran away yesterday — dr appt. Anyhow, Pieter I want that mantel in a bad way and I totally agree about the fireplace tools and andirons. Fun! We now have gas logs in the fireplace so we can be flashy (and actually use it).
Still don’t know what to do about the window treatments… curtains or shades? Both sets of windows or just one?
And does the tray go on the fireplace, or above it?
Decisions decisions. I need to sketch it up, but in the meantime I love hearing your suggestions. Thanks!
OK, Yes to double length drapes. Yes to mantel. I would like to see you do something to the hearth. Even if it is only to put a layer of concrete over it like this http://customconcrete.co.nz/products/concrete-hearths
Great rug!
Love the new color, but not loving the tapestry idea. The white looks fresh…the similar colors of white bricks layered on cappuccino froth walls already gives you some textural interest…I feel like adding a tapestry will look odd. BUT I like the idea of a mantle
hello, where did you get that pop chalee print over the fire place. my husband and i have quite a few pieces of hers.
Hi Stacy, I got it at a local consignment store. It was a little pricier than what I’d normally spend on art, but it’s obviously quality.
Hi, I love your site! I live in Austin also, and I’m moving to a new apartment soon and planning a complete design makeover. Your site has been amazing for inspiration, and it’s now on my browser’s tool bar!
I have a question, what kind of rug is in your living room? My boyfriend’s parents gave us one that looks very similar that they picked up in an antique shop in New Mexico, and I can’t really figure out what it is. It’s great quality, but the designs aren’t exactly what I would think of as oriental or persian. Ours has a native american vibe to it. Do you know what style it is? Thanks!
I think you should build a loft library across the room over the fireplace. Make it about 6ft. deep, with a spiral staircase at one end.