Fireplace ideas

last year

Interested in views about whether and how we should paint or tile/surface the fireplace surround. A major redo is not in the cards. Some background:

The entry of our house is both a foyer and a game room. It may be surprising, but tons of people come into our house and don’t even notice the pool table - we intentionally oriented the rug and entry table for that reason.

The wall to the left (with the mirror) will soon get the wallpaper pictured below. The main photo is taken from the center of the entry door - and if it seems like the fireplace falls halfway between both the “foyer” and the “game room” area.

So - do we paint/resurface the face of the fireplace? And if so, ideas? Or do we leave it as is since it spans both “rooms”?

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Comments (9)

tracefloyd
last year
last modified: last year
First of all, that fireplace is absolutely STUNNING!!! I wouldn't do a thing to it.

And now the pool table...just because no one mentions the elephant in the room doesn't mean they don't notice it lol. The pool table is the main element in the room and there really is no way to work around it. Remove the rug from under it, the placement is awkward. Those nice wood floors will help expand the room visually and lend some cohesiveness throughout the space.

Your foyer area looks like a waiting area for playing pool. Ditch the console there, you already have one to the right. I think with your new wallpaper, play that up with a pair of comfortable upholstered armchairs facing each other against that wall. Move the cowhide to center the chairs on it. Add a coffee table. Use pieces with legs that show off the hide.

Remove the bench under the dartboard. Who would want to sit there? Even if no one is playing it's a bad look. Place a tall plant in front of that far window to draw the eye and add some softness to the room.

Start with these ideas and then see if there's anything else to warm it up a bit. I know, a big bold colorful painting over the mantle with some blue in it to tie in the wallpaper. Move the picture that is to the left of the fireplace. Hang it over the console to the right of the entry or somewhere on that wall.
elisejames
Original Author
last year
Here is one more perspective that may be helpful. This is the actual entry view - the other pic was a pano.
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elisejames
Original Author
last year
And thank you @tracefloyd. We are pleased with all the other elements and don’t plan to chance them. But I do appreciate you taking time to comment.
shirlpp
last year
It could be subjective, but I don't consider a foyer to be a room. Since the entire area including the pool table area is one big space, IMO you walk right into your living space.

Not sure why you feel a need to wallpaper just "that" one wall.
tracefloyd
last year
last modified: last year
Sorry I was blunt but trying to add a bit of humor at the same time. ;-) I appreciate your reaching out and pleased you liked my approach because this room has obvious uses and I was working with what you like about it. I edited some small details in my original post.
elisejames
Original Author
last year
Thanks shirlpp for taking time to comment. We are using various design elements to create two different areas. You are right - they are not “rooms” but they are two areas that serve different purposes. The entry wall will be wallpapered because it will help further the look of the separate areas. If you have suggestions about the fireplace, I would love to hear them. We are happy with all the other design and layout aspects of the room.
tracefloyd
last year
last modified: last year
Yes I get it...a game room plus foyer. But your foyer is being used as a waiting area and will always be part of the game room. Changing the fireplace won't fix that. Don't you agree that a conversation area on the hide and under your new accent wall would be more pleasant and inviting to await your turn to play? It would create the new separate area you are seeking. Yes, you will have to walk around it but there is no rule that says one must walk in a straight line to maneuver around the house. Choose any three tufted items from below:
shirlpp
last year
It's not the fireplace that needs revamping, it's the entire space.

If you insist:
tracefloyd
last year
last modified: last year
Wouldn't something in modern neon be great on your accent wall? Neon is in now. It will blow your guests away for sure! Lots of other very cool designs/colors at Canvasfreaks.com searchword 'neon'.