skip to main content

Home Decorating

Need fireplace surround & mantle help

9 years ago

Hi! My living/dining area needs help, and while I welcome decor suggestions of any nature, I'm most concerned right now with figuring what to change my fireplace surround and mantle to, as well as a color or finish for a new entertainment center.

Colors don't translate well in my pictures, so this is what I currently have...

Not changing right now: Lenox Tan wall color, Beige carpet, Dark brown furniture, rocking chair

DEFINITELY want to change: fireplace surround, mantle, and decor, tv stand (and what to put above it), dining set, art and plants/shelves on dining wall, front door window covering, end tables

I'd also be willing to change my dropcloth curtains (although they don't bother me), and pretty much any decor or accessories.

I don't have a "style" (which is why I'm here), but I tend to like "natural" things, and the colors blue and green. We like casual, and even "country-ish" or rustic stuff. We have a small house with young kids, and I just want help making it comfortable. If you made it this far, thanks! Oh, and please ignore the sloppy photoshopping of clutter above the tv stand!

ETA: Please scroll down to see a couple of things I found on craigslist to see if you think they would work. :)

This post was edited by 30something on Fri, Jul 18, 14 at 10:54

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

30something
Original Author
9 years ago
Another view
User
9 years ago
What a great space. I love the rocking chair and the upholstery!
As for the fireplace and ET center, have you thought of building in some cabinets on either side of the new surround?
Related Discussions
Vintage Fireplace Mantles and Surrounds
Q
Comments (1)
Its hard to find a fireplace for a old mantle, its much easier to go the other way. You will be lucky to find a fireplace that fits perfectly inside the mantle openings. Your best bet is to plan on puting tile inthe gap between the legs of the mantel, the apron of the mantle, and the fireplace frame. The hardest part is getting it all even. The only thing you need to check is the fireplace's clearance to combustables, which is unique to every fireplace that you pick. MSG
...See More
Photos of Fireplace mantle/surrounds painted dark with light wall
Q
Comments (1)
oh, rats. I meant to post this in Home Decor, but maybe ya'll can help me anyway! sorry about that.
...See More
Rebuild fireplace surround that wraps around. Need mantle ideas too!
Q
Comments (2)
This is the fireplace from a distance. The floor is travertine. The other picture is the view from when you walk in the door of the back of the fireplace.
...See More
need help updating/brightening fireplace/mantle
Q
Comments (14)
Pleasant looking room. You might experiment with different colored bulbs for your ceiling/spotlight and find a light that could be more of a whole room light than either your spotlight or ceiling fan without being s glaringly bright when you don't need that much light. There are floor lamps with two lights -- one lights up the ceiling (conversation lighting) and the other is flexible/adjustable (reading light). Using less intense indirect lighting instead of the spotlight or overhead light could give your room a more relaxed and comfortable vibe. https://www.amazon.com/Floor-Lamp-Light-Accents-Torchiere/dp/B0085NX9B6
...See More
Annie Deighnaugh
9 years ago
I know you said that you aren't changing the carpet, but might you consider it? Only because, I'm assuming that is a gas fireplace, there is no need for a large tile area in front. You can go for a narrow hearth or no hearth. If you wanted to do that, unless you have a large scrap or can match it, you're stuck with the large hearth.

I like the idea of doing built-ins. As they would be asymmetrical anyway due to window placement, you may just want to build in on the right to accommodate TV and components and leave the left side as is.

Not that I'm suggesting this style, but just to illustrate a tv next to fireplace built in, one side only. Something like this might work for you, but without the overmantel. Note that this tile surround is very similar to your hearth tile. If you like that look, you could get more tile, perhaps and then tie it together that way.

[Eclectic Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2104) by Shallotte Fireplaces COASTROAD Hearth & Patio
30something
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions! I had not considered bulit-ins, not because I don't like them, but mainly because I was hoping for something my husband and I could do ourselves. I actually do like the look of this, but I don't know if it would look right in our living room? If so, I could check around for prices.

Is white the right color for a mantle and surround for my room (to match the trim)? Or should I go for something else, like a darker wood? (Real wood fireplace, btw, so I guess I need a hearth.)

I ran across this old dresser on a garage sale site. Do you think it would work for a tv stand? It will be basically as wide as the space from the side of the fireplace to the window, and it's 32" tall. (Maybe too wide for my tv?) If so, what color shoud it be painted?

Thanks! :)
User
9 years ago
Annie, great inspiration picture.

30Something, there's a possibility you could use your existing ET center, modified and painted to match your trim as the built in on the side.
In looking closer to your photos, I see it would probably be better to do it just one sided. If you take a straight on picture I could do a virtual or two to show you what I mean. I won't be able to get to them until Sunday evening at the earliest as hubby is home this weekend. Just popping in now before I head to bed.
I personally don't think the piece you found online works with the rest of your room. Sorry. I do like that idea though.

Related Stories

FIREPLACES Sleek, Beautiful Stone Slab Fireplace Surrounds

By KitchenLab Interiors

Refresh the look of your home's fireplace with a stone slab surround

REMODELING GUIDES Surround Your Fireplace With Tile, Brick or Stone

By KitchenLab Interiors

Freshen up your fireplace with a crisp, colorful or dramatic new look

LIVING ROOMS A Living Room Miracle With $1,000 and a Little Help From Houzzers

By Mitchell Parker

Frustrated with competing focal points, Kimberlee Dray took her dilemma to the people and got her problem solved

LIVING ROOMS 11 Popular Materials for Fireplace Surrounds

By The Inman Company

Whether industrial steel or classic brick speaks to your style, one of these materials is sure to set your heart aglow

FIREPLACES Surrounding the Fireplace with Texture

By Becky Harris

REMODELING GUIDES Design Details: Tiled Fireplace Surrounds

By Becky Harris

Give the Hearth a Beautiful Finish With Colorful Glass, Ceramic or Classic Stone Tile

SMALL SPACES Downsizing Help: Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Look under, over and inside to find places for everything you need to keep

Help! 5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Do You Have an Answer for This Week's Design Dilemmas?

DECORATING GUIDES Decorate With Intention: Helping Your TV Blend In

By Laura Gaskill

Somewhere between hiding the tube in a cabinet and letting it rule the room are these 11 creative solutions

EXTERIORS Help! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors

Sponsored

More Discussions

Bathroom Design Dilemma

11

solid wood walnut table

4

Anyone bought the Chicory.com washable outdoor furniture sets?

0

Styling Dark Brown Couch

1

Kincaid Summit Collection Symmetry table and chairs

0