Slightly OT: My FP design in Fine HomeBuilding Magazine!!

15 years ago

My fireplace is featured in an article on fireplace design in the Dec08/Jan09 called "Kindling Creativity" on pages 84-85. It's the large photo in the middle of page 85.

I'm posting this here rather than the Home Building forum because this is where I hang out and people know me. I wasn't going to say anything until I saw it with my own eyes. I am particularly excited about this because it is formal validation of skills I've been teaching myself for the past 8 years. I'm a geek who has always loved beautiful things but felt I lacked the "artistic talent" to actually design anything. An artist friend challenged me, and I started first by learning all about color. Then basic design. Then architecture. I never thought I would actually be applying these skills to a new home though. I designed the kitchen, fireplace, and many other things.

Someone whom I recently met fell in love with my house and especially my kitchen. She was an editor at Fine Home Building magazine but recently left to be a SAHM. She called her old boss about my house. He asked for pictures, which I sent. Long story short: they weren't going to do an article on my house but would retain some pictures for possible inclusion in the future.

Here's the picture they used:

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Comments (29)

rebeccainchicago
15 years ago
Congratulations! I am so pleased for you. The fireplace and room are gorgeous. You have every right to be proud of your accomplishments.

In particular, I love the patterning in the stonework. I actually had a Proustian moment when I looked at, remembering that as a child I once stared at the lovely irregular brick pattern of the local library when a lightbulb went off in my head and I realized that some design choices make the world more visually interesting.

But back to you: keep up the inspiring work!
elizpiz
15 years ago
Wow - what a great look! Congratulations on being recognised for your talent. It's a really beautiful room...would love to see the rest of the house :-)

Eliz
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Lovely pictures, mtnrd, and beautiful house and garden. I remember some of the pics from the kitchen board. You'll have to post more pics when the leaves change (they have here already in western Canada). Just browsing around online, it occurred to me that a good "placeholder" for the large niche over the fireplace might be some of the large and chunky pillar candle holders you see at Pottery Barn, Pier One, Cost Plus World Market, etc. They'd fit seasonally too for the next while, and would look good with the demijohn, World Market satara holders, www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3596062 Pottery Barn wood, www.potterybarn.com/products/ryland-wood-pillar-holders/?pkey=ccandleholders Pier One wood, www.pier1.com/Catalog/CandlesFragrance/tabid/976/CategoryId/853/ProductId/5852/ProductName/Black-Wooden-Pillar-Holders/Default.aspx I would think metal or mercury glass would look nice too, if you can find them big and chunky. Becky
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sayde - Well, I live in a 1952 ranch that is slightly under 1000 feet. When we moved in, we played up the cottage angle, painting the outside butter yellow with white trim with big window boxes and casual country with leanings to Tuscan and British Colonial on the inside. We are currently residing the outside (with new windows/doors - my slider went in to the DR this week and I am loving it). The siding is vinyl and looks like cedar shakes in a medium cedar tone - paired with thick white trim and crown. So, the 'cottage' is now leaning coastal on the outside and the inside is a blank slate. The only decision point that has been made in the kitchen is the backsplash window - and our plans to tear down the wall separating kitchen from LR/entrance seem pretty solid. (I say seem because I'm really learning I have the capacity to veer off on almost everything). As for style, I suppose that's part of the problem, too. I lean traditional but not fussy. 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And, what's worse, to not make a decision IS to make a decision and often, leaves one in a sea of crappy, limp, indistinct, lifeless vagueness that is not so much an affirmation of anything but an avoidance of everything. I KNOW I don't want that. And I fear I am at risk for it, thus the post. Meanwhile, while I like the blue/white, I'm not sure I want to marry it. lol (I may seem hopeless, but don't give up on me yet!! You can throw a sink at me when I frustrate you, though...) Lisa0527 - Well, you sound like you are being brave. And, if the link is any indication, so is your friend. Holy smokes, I cannot imagine commiting to colored cabinetry like that. And yes, there ARE a ton of amazing colors out there! PS - DH sounds wonderful. dianalo - My mom just put in corian and she LOVES it. I was recently visiting her and I have to say, I was rubbing my hands across hers, too. Often. I read about your GC/contract problems and you have my total sympathy. It sounds like a freaking nightmare. I can't wait to see your reveal someday, complete with these counters. In the meantime, I'll see if I can find more display kitchens. (And what IS it about samples looking nothing like the real deal? The same happens to me with paint chips...We need to figure out a way to fix that! lol) I also read on another thread today that you bought your counters at IKEA, didn't I? How the heck did you get rain cloud there? Or are you talking about another coordinating counter? What did you think about the IKEA counters? rococogurl - Yes, I do think the problem is compounded by the tearing out of the wall and needing to make sure the kitchen will coordinate with the LR/entrance (which joins to the TV room/den) and the DR. I also just realize that my taste changes over time - but a kitchen is probably a one time thing for me. All of that ups the ante and risks me crucializing the decisions. I did take the Sweeny test, and managed to get my partner to answer 3-4 questions before he tiptoed from the room. I sent a few more questions his way through the doorway, which he mumbled answers to before fading out into the tv. lol A review of that is a good idea, as is continuing to pour over pictures for inspiration, and eventually, direction. I really appreciate the post - and advice to cut myself some slack. I really do want to make this fun, especially the "exploring options" part. I am just a person that relishes options - commitment, not so much. That's just how it is. I think I'm wired that way. Pisces, if it matters. lol sophie123 - See, that's just brave. And a lovely, vibrant blue! I do think it makes sense to at least narrow down a few countertops/sample boards soon here before I get to into anything. Luckily, I have some time to play with this, as we are working on the exterior and water heater/furnace for the energy audit and nothing can really happen with the kitchen anyway. I haven't completely ruled out a consultant or even a KD, either. It would really be about finding someone who I really trusted and admired their eye/taste, though. Being able to tease this stuff out and get some feedback is so incredibly valuable. No one in my real life is even remotely TKO and I benefit from being able to process some of this stuff out of my own head, where I can go in circles. Thanks for being companions and making the process more informed and less lonely.
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morton5
15 years ago
Nuccia, this is so beautiful! I love the use of natural materials, the massive feel, the colors, the light the windows offer-- pretty much everything! You did a great job, and should be so proud of the skills you have developed.
malhgold
15 years ago
Congratulations on making it into the magazine and on a beautiful room. It looks like a very relaxing and peaceful space.
igloochic
15 years ago
How fun :) YOur FP deserves publication, but isn't it fun to have someone just say "Gad you're wonderful...let's make you famous LOL" Nice work!!
nomorebluekitchen
15 years ago
Wow, that is gorgeous! You have done a beautiful job.

I smiled when I read your comment that you were posting here because this is where people know you. Sometimes in conversation with my friends i see in person, I'll say "A friend suggested..." or something like that when referring to the GW forum members. I feel like I have a whole bunch of friends here...but I wouldn't recognize a one of you if you walked up to me on the street! Nonetheless, I love the sense of community and friendship here.

Again, congratulations on a gorgeous fireplace!!

Anita
evilbunnie
15 years ago
Congratulations! That FP design is substantial, subtle, elegant and gorgeous. And Fine Homebuilding is my favorite! You should be bursting with pride!
deedee-2008
15 years ago
That is gorgeous! What type of stone is that? A simple veneer or actual blocks of stone?
rnest44
15 years ago
Simply beautiful! Okay, safe to say that you accessorized the fireplace perfectly...with the welcoming furnishings of the room. Congratulations on your accomplishments.
marty_2008
15 years ago
Oh my gosh, it is so beautiful. I would love to sit by the fire with a good book. All that light. I love the colors, the natural stone, the proportions and just everything. Congratulations!
raehelen
15 years ago
Nina,

What a coincidence!

I was just reading that magazine last night, and the pic of your fireplace is what stood out the most!

You may have started a new trend. Once people realize the potential in stone, it may become desirable again!

So, you designed the placement, and then had the stone cutter find and cut stones in those hues and shapes?
busybme
15 years ago
nuccia, it is beautiful! LOVE the entire room! May I ask for details on your floors?

My dh and I stacked our own cultured stone fireplace in our last house: 8' wide x 10' tall. Nearly caused the end of our marriage! (And I'm only half joking about that!) lol

Big congratulations, nuccia! That is a great picture!

Sandy
moonkat99
15 years ago
Absolutely STUNNING stonework! I truly love that fireplace - congratulations on a job very well done, and the publication as well :)
remodelfla
15 years ago
Can I sit in your spectacular room, admiring your beautiful stone, with all the natural light filtering in gently, while munching on a piece of your home made crusty italian bread? PLEASE????!!
lyno
15 years ago
nuccia - your FP is beautiful! I have admired your kitchen; I think you should officially consider yourself to have "artistic talent"!! I already thought you did after I saw your kitchen!
allison0704
15 years ago
Beautiful FP, nuccia. Congrats!
jraz_wa
15 years ago
Truly breathtaking. The word "fireplace" doesn't do it justice! If I were designing my dreamhouse - I would include that and design the whole house around it! =)
tetrazzini
15 years ago
It's beautiful. You should be very proud, teaching yourself stepwise how to create such a beautiful room! Have you posted pictures of your kitchen? I'd love to see more.
kulagal
15 years ago
I have fireplace envy - stunning design! Congrats on a job well done and being published!
cat_mom
15 years ago
It's exciting to be recognized--and what an object of beauty to recognize! Congrats!
caryscott
15 years ago
It is always nice to hear about people enoying and appreciating their own creativity. Congratulations.
nuccia
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you all for the kind words--I'm beaming ear-to-ear!

I've been digging through boxes and boxes of files and paperwork looking for specific information. I'll post that Wednesday. Meanwhile, here are some answers I can give without referencing anything:

The fireplace is full masonry. The stones you see are 6 inch thick granite; the hearthstone is also a granite slab. The stones were ordered split faced. There is definitely mortar holding the stones, but it is recessed about 1 inch giving the fireplace a dry-stacked look. You can also see that the stones are quite close together, further emphasizing the dry-stack look. Overall dimensions are 9 ft high by 7 ft wide with a 1 ft high hearth. The opening is 40 in wide by 38 in high and shallow, like a Rumford fireplace.

It sits in a 3 ft deep bump-out and is surrounded by casement windows.

As soon as I take updated pictures of my kitchen and breakfast room, I will finally post them in the finished kitchens blog.

Tonight is crazy here, but I'll definitely try to answer more questions tomorrow.
vicnsb
15 years ago
nuccia...the coolest part is that it is your design and you
thought you couldn't do it! So simple and beautiful, I love it!
vic
katmandu_2008
15 years ago
I love it! Enjoy being in the magazine!
yoyoma
15 years ago
Wow, that's amazing, congrats!
troubled-2007
15 years ago
That really is beautiful.
casajakada
15 years ago
What a beautiful accomplishment and tribute to your creativity! What also speaks to me is how welcoming the space is, as if I'd enjoy nothing more than curling up with a good book in front of the fireplace. You should be very proud of the recognition.
alice462
15 years ago
What a beautiful room! Thank you for sharing and congrats on the recognition and accomplishment -- well deserved!
kitchenkelly
15 years ago
I love your fireplace! I think the bump out and windows really make the difference.

Congrats!

Slightly OT: My FP design in Fine HomeBuilding Magazine!!

Comments (29)

rebeccainchicago

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Slightly OT: My FP design in Fine HomeBuilding Magazine!!

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