what do I do around this fireplace? make an accent wall? built ins?

6 years ago

Shiplap the wall, add built ins (we’re trying to avoid this) paint the wall dark? Would love ideas to warm up this space! Thank you!

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Patricia Colwell Consulting

6 years ago

Get rid of the clock the lamp is too big for that table and you NEED a chandeleir. In fact get rid of that little table and what looks to be a chair in the other corner. No ship lap some art hung on either side of the fireplace and that is it.

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Comments (34)

User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I think the clock there makes the ceiling look low I would add a plant up there and a family photo at least, maybe a tall candle holder or two to give it some height and the overall fireplace is lacking in accessories(the shovel, broom set) and I do not understand the grey paint color of the mantle and base. I don't feel like that round clock and end table go with the straight edges of the fireplace or table in there. Maybe it would help the tufted chair if there were seat cushions at the dining table, and a throw. That space doesn't need that lamp unless it's maybe a standing one behind or next to that chair with a small table there for reading. If you shiplap the wall I think it will be beautiful. I also think a bench seat in front of the window with coordinating pillows and valance would look nice because it's a great space to gather with the fireplace being there and the dining table needs a runner I think because it looks bare.
mquint472
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you. None of the items on the mantle or table will stay there, the room is not done at all. Including the tufted chair and lamp/table. I’m looking at what to do with that wall, add texture? Two matching chests on both sides? So built ins? I wish there were windows but were not going to go down that road. Thank you!!!
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Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
6 years ago
No shiplap, please. Joanna Gaines might make it work in every house, but it truly does not belong in yours. No built ins either, but two low cabinets would work. Also, remove the clock on the mantle and I would avoid hanging anything or putting anything tall there. It will just make your ceiling feel lower.

The paint color also seems a little off but I can't put my finger on why. it's coming off as kind of a warm purple-beige which is clashing with the gray mantle.
mquint472
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes yes yes! The paint is off!!! A light purple comes thru and we are redoing the paint! It’s driving me crazy! Love the idea of 2 chest/cabinets. How tall is t safe to go and then to I hang matching or complimentary prints on the wall above them? We are going for a lake house kinda feel (year round not summer house) and we are boaters. Thanks so much!
Denita
6 years ago
Agree with Sina. Also, the thing that is missing most is your DR chandelier! That will warm up that entire area. No to shiplap. No to built-in's. I would put large canvas art above the FP and remove everything off the mantel for now and definitely remove the clock and lamp and table at the side. All of that distracts from what could be a beautiful focal point.
PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
6 years ago
Something about the height of that small table is good. Keep tall items off of it so that the fireplace appears taller and makes the room feel taller. Hold off on putting up canvas or mirrors above them until you see how they interact in the space. Also, so glad you're repainting!
mquint472
Original Author
6 years ago
Sean and Denita thank you so much! My husband wants to do a wall of reclaimed wood-thoughts? And yes we def need a great chandelier, I’m having a hard time choosing one but am looking. A designer charged me $45G to do this space and we would rather try ourselves!!! Wall color suggestions are welcome, we failed with angrey(that was the designers recommendation!!!) and want a warm neutral. Have a great day and thank you
User
6 years ago
What about log storage like this, I think that would be very nice, and you could go all the way up but I still think your idea of the shiplap would be very nice and there is no better spot to use it in your home than near your fireplace.
mquint472 thanked User
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The fireplace I think would stand out more but this would also create a blend more with these areas if it was finished to match all your other wood also.
mquint472 thanked User
Anthony C
6 years ago
I like your dining table. the small table and the lamp dont look right with it and neither does the chair. Clock is really in your face big :) Love the fireplace
mquint472 thanked Anthony C
ks92
6 years ago
mquint472 love the rug under your table -- any specs please? Thank you
acm
6 years ago
I think the stone is focus enough -- reclaimed wood or shiplap will just make the wall feel busy and the room feel smaller.

Agree with either two small prints above mantel, or two larger prints to either side. Could have almost no furniture, or chair/floor lamp on one side, and low table with print above it on the other.

Chandelier will make a big difference. Also, I'd want to break up the large brown expanse of table and chairs, either with fabric seats or something like a runner down the table center.

Honestly, I'd be putting more energy into the LR right now -- that large empty wall over the couch is crying out for a substantial piece of art, and that may color your choices in adjacent spaces...
decoenthusiaste
6 years ago
I think the person sitting with their back to the fireplace better wear asbestos pants! If installing a chandelier in the prepped spot above the table, you might want to consider turning it all the other direction so no one burns their bum!
Denita
6 years ago
No reclaimed wood on that wall.
mquint472
Original Author
6 years ago
Ks92 the rug is a piece of carpet from carpet store that I had cut and edges finished for temporary use until we decorated. Funny now everyone compliments it!
jay06
6 years ago
I would place floor to ceiling bookcases on each side to kind of frame the entire fireplace area, or lower cabinets about the height of the top of the stone. Just curious--Was that room originally intended to be a dining room or a living room? I like the look of a fireplace in a dining room, but houses aren't often built like that.
lshack17
6 years ago
OP clearly says the room is not done, knows she needs a chandelier, clock is just temporary ect. Yet so many people comment on what should be done with those things and ignore her question of what should be done on the sides of the fireplace. I think two matching cabinets with vertical almost to the ceiling mirrors would look great. Would add height to the wall and add functionality. Maybe on one side you could do a dry bar with glass shelves displaying glasses and liquor. On the other side you could do the same and display china if you have it or maybe do wine storage. All of the above is contingent, of course, if you drink. Or maybe a coffee bar for after dinner coffee, would be convenient for dinners served there.
erinsean
6 years ago
Love your dining room and the fireplace....is there one in the living room also? I guess I am wondering if you could switch your rooms and make this the living room., though as I said...it is a very nice dining room. I like the little person on the floor...I assume she is watching TV.
arcy_gw
6 years ago
Nothing or matching buffets. It stands alone.
User
6 years ago
I still think a log holder wall on the right where you can see it from the other room and how about a built in shelving on the other wall where you have the chair which you could add more decor to and cozy up the area a bit more.
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Lumar Interiors
6 years ago
Are you able to put in a chandelier? We recommend taking down the clock and removing the chair and table on each side of the fireplace. Then add artwork above the fireplace. You might also either look into painting or getting a different rug, they seem to be clashing.
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dragonflywings42
6 years ago
You've gotten lots of great advice already, but I'm going to suggest something a bit different. With the comfy chair, table, and lamp, it looks like you were starting to create a lovely, cozy area where the fireplace could be appreciated and enjoyed. I would think about taking that idea further with another chair on the side with the table and lamp and a bookcase on the side with the chair. Perhaps the chairs could face each other. Tie it together with a rug to make a separate cozy area.

Yes, you would have to move the dining table to the right to make space for this and if the table must be centered on the windows and you don't want to swag your future light over the table or move the box, then just file this under "nope, not in this house".
shwshw
6 years ago
following...
katinparadise
6 years ago
I agree with matching chests about the height of the table there currently.
PRO
STUDIO MB
6 years ago
If your keeping the blue sectional, I would paint the wall that deep blue color. This will make the fire place pop! Add two sets of vintage blue herbs on each side for that added vintage touch. Good luck!
tfitz1006
6 years ago
Have you thought about switching the rooms? I'd love to sit in front of that fp on a cozy couch.
l pinkmountain
6 years ago
A. Why dining room in front of house? Why not center couch around fireplace?

B. Looks like the next room - current family room has the clear space for a reclaimed wood wall.
mquint472
Original Author
6 years ago
I appreciate the comments so much and am having fun with trying things out! We will be painting soon! We can not flip the rooms bc the entryway is there and I don’t want to enter into the dining room. I added a few pics, the entryway is done. The living room is NEXT! Thanks
PRO
Reflecting Design
6 years ago
Perhaps switching rooms would be a good idea. I cannot say I like the cobblestone fireplace. It feels quite detached from your aesthetic. Even though I do business selling mirrors for mantles I think you might be better leaving this space empty. I feel like your wall could use some prints. You need something beautiful - like this.
jlj48
6 years ago
Love the fireplace. Can you pull table farther from the fireplace and place a couple of chairs near the fireplace for s cozy conversation area? Have you tried rotating the table? Sorry if you already answered this question. I haven’t read all the responses
jay06
6 years ago
Seeing more pictures of your beautiful home, I'm wondering if that room was originally intended to be a family room connected to the kitchen, with a formal living room at the entrance. It looks like you have a smaller table in the kitchen area near the doors. Would there be room in that space to place your formal dining table? I know your original question was how to warm up the fireplace wall. Changing the use of the room, if possible, opens up a whole lot more possibilities. Sorry if I'm overreaching! Just a thought.
mquint472
Original Author
6 years ago
To answer questions, yes we gutted and opened up this home. We want our family room just inside the front door as it functions well for watching children playing outside. (Rather than a formal living room, but we want to create a NICE space) The dining room has the fireplace and is open to the kitchen, which has an amazing 10’ island with a bar height side with 4 seats and then a counter height end for food prep. We’re loving the kitchen tho still waiting on light fixtures and backsplash. The flow is working well for us but the furniture placement and how to highlight the fireplace and it’s area is the challenge! Thank you BTW we DO have another room that would serve as the formal dining room but we don’t have that need at this time and are using it as a lovely home/mom office and playroom, so toys stay in there and not all over the house.
User
6 years ago
I have already added my two cents about the log storage and built-ins on either side of the fireplace, but I just thought that something similar to the fabric your using for the rug and stairs I think would look great as curtains in there. You have a great space!