....to this.
Yes, I know they're not dressed, but I wanted to see my orange shelves before they got covered up with books and things.
There's major editing about to happen followed by a trip to Half-Priced Books to sell my rejects.
I've lived in my house for almost 33 years. Eee Gad!....
with this fireplace.
These are my children who are now 32 and 30 !!
I have almost no pictures of this fireplace because I have hated it that long.
And this weekend, I painted it!!!
OK..I know I need a screen.... and ignore the dog toys and paint cans, and this horrible chair and ottoman that have to go.... but look at what I transformed!!
It took me 33 years to do this! Why???
I really still hate this asymmetrical fireplace from the 60's (who builds these?), but what's a girl to do?
I'd love some suggestions for decorating this weird space,so help me out here.
Maybe a piece of furniture on the hearth, or large vases or a different painting? I'm sick of all my stuff, so you won't hurt my feelings.
Did I mention that I've lived with this fireplace for 33 years!!!
Talk about making a silk purse from a sow's ear..........!!
luv it! really opens up the space.... :)what all i could do to my house with a little $ and little people out of the way?!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad you decided to paint the fireplace, it looks great!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if something like this would end up looking completely weird, but what about a decorative side chair with some accompaniments on the large side? There was a really fun, narrow, teal side chair at the antique mall I gave you the card for.
Can't wait to see what you do with it! I'll drop by to see all of you when I get back.
putting that paint on the fireplace must have been exhilarating! It looks fantastic.. think you should get some pretty birch logs and stack 'em on the left side, or a huge basket filled with logs.. Love the large leaves, perfect scale, flowers would be lost there! Your home is going to be lovely, Sally.
ReplyDeleteSally this looks amazing. I just wrote that I do not like painted brick but his transformation is making me change my mind, what a difference. I bet you feel as if you can breathe especially since you have hated it for 33 years. I love the changes you are making, they are so SALLY!!! The bookshelf turned out great, even the orange,he he. TTYL Kathysue
ReplyDeleteIsn't it mind blowing what difference a coat (or two) of paint can do? Your shelves look so much better, I love the peach back as well! Can't wait to see it dresses (will you post a pic pretty please?!)
ReplyDeleteYour fireplace looks great as well, I love the way you styled it with the collection of white vases and palm leafs!
xo Linda
Believe it or not, I would paint the piano. It can be done. How about a faux tortoise shell finish? The painted brick is a huge step up. Maybe you can find a fireplace surround at an architectural salvage shop, or design a simple one yourself.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to get my mom to paint her brick fireplace for a long time now and she won't hear of it. I will send her this post and hopefully she will change her mind. I agree with Anne-Marie. A big basket of logs would be great! Keep the photos coming, Sally!
ReplyDeleteI love the log idea. Where can I get birch logs in Texas? I have a huge copper pot that is coming out of my soon-not-to-be-country french-kitchen that might look really good there. Thanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI love it but I also lovd the Country French! Great job Sally! you are inspiring me to finish painting my house!! I am into Western now. Painted my white fireplace black, kitchen cabinets black. Goes with the Southwestern, Cowboy theme.
ReplyDeleteWow. What a beautiful job. It looks great. Busy weekend.
ReplyDeleteWow..quite a transformation and the pic of the kids..too cute.
ReplyDeleteIf budget allows I would replace that brick mantle with a piece of aged wood to add some weight to all that white brick and some limestone on the hearth. But if budget doesnt allow that, a big basket of wood on the left side with the large "S"hung above it. I love how you hung the painting there, very unexpeced, but it would get lost with a basket of logs. New screen, of course. Looks like you are on your way to a couple of new rooms and cant wait to see the finished product.
I just painted the back of my shelves too, it really makes a difference, doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteI just finished a book by designer Bunny Williams who suggests using furniture to make a room look symmetrical. I'd love to see the entire fireplace wall so I could see what you have to contend with. If there is a big enoughwall on the other side, maybe you could place the piano there.
Love the painted fireplace. It makes a huge difference. I like the idea of the basket of birch logs. Pretty inexpensive fix. Actually my first thought was a fabulous crest or architectural piece hanging where the picture is. Something at least as big as the picture, maybe larger.Check my post out today for some ideas on that. Then a wonderful fire screen. Of course those changes would demand a few warmer accessories on the top of the mantel. Haven't heard the whole story but sounds like you are wanting to get away from a Country French look. I would take the changes in a house this style to a warmer classic look. Nothing trendy and too modern. My niece lives in Dallas and has this exact scenario for a fireplace wall. Houses must have been built about the same time. Good luck with the changes. Can't wait to see what you do.
ReplyDeleteI missed this post, found it via your post today. WOW, 33 years...there is a lesson there for sure! What a cute picture, a reminder it goes fast...I'll remember that today as I spend the day heading to the beach with the family. And what a fabulous improvement. I see a big something set on the hearth to the left of the firebox...a big cool wicker basket file with wood? Janell
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