11/01/2009

My Newest Project...A Faux Fireplace

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It's Metamorphosis Monday!
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Hello my friends! It's time for Metamorphosis Monday!
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This fun filled Monday event is hosted by our very own Susan over at
 Between Naps On The Porch. Please go by and see what Susan has going
 on for us today and while you're there...you can check out all of the other
 Met Monday participants!
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Thank you, Susan for hosting Met Monday!
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My Ever-Evolving Living Room
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Do you ever really completely finish decorating? I answer with a resounding NO!
 Well...at least that is how the story plays out at my place!
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I love my home and I love making it a beautiful place to live! It seems like I just
 finish one project...only to move onto the next! I have been working on my living room
 ever since I moved to this home about nine years ago! It has gone through many
 metamorphosis and will probably continue to do so!
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In the Beginning...
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This is a photo of my living room when I first moved into this home.
 It's pretty sparse, however as you can see by the stack of wall art leaning
 up against the wall...I was beginning to decorate!
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This living room is a very long and narrow room...it measures 16'x24'.
 At the far end of the room a wall juts out about  2 1/2 feet (the wall where
 the piano is situated) so this part of the room is really narrow. This has definitely
 presented a challenge...it is really difficult to arrange furniture, etc....but I
 work with what I have and I'm very thankful for my home!
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A 360-Degree Tour
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This photo is taken from the far end of the living room...
standing just inside my dining room.
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As you can see...there has been just a few changes made to this room
 since the beginning! Hehe! The carpet is a dark red color...yet another challenge!
 I decided to use Behr's "River Bank", an olive green, for the the wall color. I
 really do love these deep, rich colors...dark red, olive green, and using
 gold as an accent color!
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Looking into the living room...to the left.
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Two large overstuffed leather chairs..."His & Hers". This is
 where we sit to watch TV...the entertainment center is directly across
 from this sitting area.
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A few months ago, I redid the art on this wall. We recently acquired
 many old family photos. The three larger gold frames were made in the late
 1800's...such a treasure!!! I had always wanted to do a "museum" gallery wall
 and this was the perfect place! I was quite pleased with the outcome!
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*The far end...the narrow part of the room.
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Our sofa and loveseat fill this area...well, that may be an understatement!
 I realize that these pieces are really two large for this small area. I don't know
 why but I always end up picking out "over-sized" furniture. Of course, in my defence...
we didn't have any furniture when I picked this sofa set out...and it fit perfectly!
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I am now in the process of looking for a nice accent chair to replace the sofa.
 When I find the right chair...the sofa will go in the large bedroom located upstairs.
 I think that just having the loveseat and a chair will work out nicely for this area.
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I love my large arched window...this room gets alot of nice light!
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See this wall...this is the culprit for making this end of
 the living room so narrow.
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 Last year, I decided to give in...you know the old saying, "If you can't beat
 em'...join em"...well I decided to just make the wall a "focal point". We added panel
 moulding to the wall. I really do like how it turned out and it certainly
 grabs your attention!
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We have now come "full circle".
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 This is the entertainment center that is located directly across from
 our big "His & Hers" chairs.
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Ohhhh...I Feel Another Metamorphosis Coming On!
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This wall really IS going to be a "focal" point in our living room now!
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 Why...you ask?I have always wanted a fireplace in our living room...
and the time has come! Ohhh...I am really excited about this! Now I must
 confess...a real fireplace just isn't feasible at this time...but I'm getting the
 next best thing...a faux fireplace!
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My New Fireplace Mantle
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I'm sorry about the photo...I took it off of the internet...but I just had
 to show you what it looks like! I fell in love with it the moment I saw it...it's
 gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS!!! It is so ornate...and I love the
 deep, rich cherry finish!
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Below is the same fireplace mantle...in a different colored finish but I
 wanted you to see the entire fireplace without the screen.
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Love that pretty arch!!! This is really a nice sized mantle...it's 50in.
 wide and 46in. tall. It will fit perfectly on that "focal" wall with room to spare!
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*I found this beauty at JC Penneys online...and it was 50% off, plus I
 had a coupon for free shipping! It is regularly $800.00...I paid $399.00 for it!
 I think I got a great bargain!!! It is solid wood and the craftmanship is of
 a nice quality. The carved wood detailing is really exquisite!
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Faux Fireplaces???
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Help Please!
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I must admit that I do not know a thing about a faux fireplace...
other than the fact that I want one! hehe! What I do know is...there will
 have to be changes made to this "focal" wall to make room for
 the fireplace mantle.
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#1...Leave the panel wall mouldings or take them off?
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#2...If I take the mouldings off...then what do I do with
 this wall? I mean...taking the moulding off will require some
 major repairs to the wall.
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a. Leave plain
b. Wallpaper
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I'm up for suggestions!

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Secondly...What to do with the fireplace insert?
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I have included a few photos that I've found while searching the internet
 for ideas. It seems that the possibilities are endless! I would love to hear your ideas!
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Oooh...I just love this fireplace! In fact, I just love this room!
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I certainly don't have all the answers yet. Ohhh my...what to do?
 Ahhh...but then, this is the fun part of decorating!
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Well my friends...I'm so glad that you came by today! I would love
 to hear your ideas...you are all so creative and talented and "two heads are
 always better than one"! I covet your ideas and I value your opinions!
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Anyway...stay tuned!
 The decorating saga of my living room continues!
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Love ya'll,
Chari
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41 comments:

Jewel said...

Wow what a beautiful room! I love those overstuffed leather chairs and especially the rose carpet with the green walls! Beautiful!

And you are too sweet! Thank you for all the sweet comments on my last post! Wow!

Kammy said...

Hi Chari !
Love your living room ! The colors are great and so rich and plush looking... I love that molding....hmmmmm a fireplace ? - is that the only wall it would fit ? I think you are going to have to move the molding...it is hard to say without seeing how big th mantle is...maybe you can post a picture of it when you get it and then try to figure it out....drats ! I am sure you will love it !
Hugs ~
Kammy

podso said...

What a change to your living room! I do like the molding, but wonder how it would look if that was the fireplace wall. Could you put the fireplace on the other wall? Whatever, you are working hard, and it looks good!

Anonymous said...

Hi Chari. I was breathless when I saw your living room. Especially the molding on the wall. Its gorgeous! I sure hope you'll be able to keep it with the fireplace. You are such a talented lady. My favorite insert are the mirrors. They'll reflect more light for you. Your color scheme is marvelous, and such rich colors. I've been drifting away from those colors towards the whites because my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. But those colors are to die for. I can't wait to see your changes.

Rosie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Chari, your home is just gorgeous and you always do such wonderful things. I love the fireplace. I think I will have to see a pic when you get it to know about the molding. Anyway, can you put an electric fireplace with logs in it or maybe some candles, I think I like that look best. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Oh, Chari! Your living room is just beautiful. Love it that your turned your furniture at angles to make the little areas. The color of your walls is so pretty and you really have some nice art work.
The fireplace is lovely! Can't wait to see what you decide to do!
be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Alyssa said...

Your living room looks fantastic! I love the wall color. I also love your curtains...please tell me if those are truly yellow or are they more golden and if you wouldn't mind telling me where your got them? Great post!

Alyssa
lifeoflyssie.com

sarah { abeachcottage } said...

wow, a gorgeous room, very opulent

I think I'd go for candles...


Sarah

Blondie's Journal said...

Chari~~

I have loved your living room since you did your post repeat a few weeks ago on the different vignettes you have. I love the deep rich colors and your plush furnuture. You have many of the problems I do. My living room is so small. I learned my lesson the 'expensive' way and started to measure my furniture, only buying the smallest possible. I try not to put too much on the walls to keep it looking spacious and my curtains are light and airy.

I love the fireplace idea. I would only worry about how far it will stick out. All of the ones you showed are gorgeous!! Let us know what you do!

xoxo
Jane

Salmagundi said...

How exciting!! I always thrive on change - I think you must, too. Looking forward to Thursday; I'm leaving for Mike's tomorrow am. Will call you Wednesday. Take care, Sally

Unknown said...

Beautiful room, a big change since you moved in. I love the big chairs.
Can't wait to see the fireplace.
Thanks for sharing.
Sandy

Its So Very Cheri said...

Your living room is gorgeous/ The colors are so pretty. I know what you are talking about--a long living room is difficult to deal with--our last house had a long living room.

Cheri

xinex said...

Hi Chari, so sorry I cannot help you with faux fireplace ideas. I don't know anything about them. We have 3 fireplaces but they are all wood burning with gas start up. But that mantle you got from Penney's is gorgeous! I love the big columns on each side and all the carvings. It will be so pretty in your living room. I can't wait to see it placed there with all your pretty accessories on top....Christine

susan said...

Chari- I think when you finish decorating, it's time to move to another house :) It looks as if you got a real deal. I don't have any advice, but I really think you are going to enjoy this!--the icing on the cake!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

The wall color is so pretty. And I love the molding!

Sue said...

Chari, Your room is so pretty, but yet very comfortable. The addition of the faux fireplace will warm it up even more. If this is the Easton model that JCP sells, it doesn't look as if you'll have much depth to add much more than a narrow candle holder or a candle log. I like the idea of using a mirrored screen- the reflection will open up the "firebox."

I think that the existing molding will probably have to be moved, due to the height of the mantel surround. Would you consider re-framing new molding above the fireplace once you have it in place?
I look forward to seeing what you decide to do.
hugs, Sue

Sarah said...

The fireplace is going to look great on that wall. It's a shame you might have to eliminate the moldings which are a great accent for the room. Can the molding be moved to another wall in that room? Good luck with this project! ~ Sarah

Tardevil said...

Like those candleholders. Would keep them above the f/p and add molding from the mantel up to the ceiling. Love that shade of green. It works so well w/ your accessories. Your "after" looks so much better than the "before"!

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi Chari,

Your living room is so gorgeous! I love all the colors you chose. the fireplace is gorgeous too, and such a deal! Did you already order it??

I'm thinking what a shame it would be to remove all that moulding, it looks so awesome, but I'm pretty sure you would need to, for the fireplace to be flush with the wall.
Is there some reason you don't want to put it on the opposite wall? I think it would look great there too...
Anyway, I know what a challenge long narrow rooms are too...
I have a long narrow L/R with a fireplace, and I've been struggling to come up with a furniture arrangement that suits me for a long time!

You're doing great I'm sure you will figure things out! Good luck!

Hugs,
Sherri:)

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Hi Chari,
You must be so pleased, your room turned out so beautifully! Warm and inviting. Your different seating area will promote conversation and relaxation. The colors are warm and rich and put together so well.
I love your molding and would keep it at all costs. As for the fireplace. I think you should use candles in it.
Yvonne

Lori E said...

Your green is one of my fave colors. I think you did a great job on the moldings too. I don't know what would be your best choices but I do know that I don't care for the mirror insert. It will double everything by obviously mirroring it. Picture dust, cat hair, anything down near the floor all doubled.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Chari,
I'm Back!! When we flew over Colorado yesterday I waved and was thinking of you! There is a lot of snow on the ground there. Girl. this is a wonderful post! Your new faux fireplace is lovely and you have such great ideas! It is amazing to me what you have done with this room, I bet Russell can hardly recognize it as the same room! Making that an accent wall was brilliant and I would hate to see it go but all your ideas are good. I am going to have to go back and study the pics but I just love the ornate screen inside the fireplace. Just amazing what you have done!! Come visit when you can, hugs, Cindy

Keetha Broyles said...

Oh no! My FAVORITE think in the WHOLE ENTIRE ROOM is the wall color and that focal point wall with the moldings in white. Oh PLEASE do not tear them down - - - they are my FAVES. I think I might CRY!!!

I say, put the fireplace someplace else and KEEP that beautiful wall. Close up that window at the end and use that wall for the fireplace.

Or something.

What about a CORNER fireplace unit - - - I've seen those.

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi again Chari,

I just wanted to tell you that I saw the fireplace you wanted in the Penneys catalog, and that it said that it was for the mantle only at that price...Please double check before you order it, I don't want you to be dissappointed okay!

Hugs,
Sherri:)

Dena Pickle said...

You have done an amazing job it is so pretty you don't even notice the quirky little narrowness. I think home builders should be forced to take a design class or two!
Awesome job!
Dena
sweet pickles and chocolate

Unknown said...

Wonderful transformation, the drapes alone add so much. And I have 2 faux fireplaces. In my old house my hubs to part of the wall trim molding out so the fireplace would sit close to wall. I would not do it again cause when we were getting ready to sell the house when i moved the fireplace the molding was missing and i did not have time to replace it. Looked tacky. Now i just keep the molding ... mishelle

Kelly @ Much To Do With Nothing said...

Chari, I love what you've done with the room. Do I see a painting of a peacock in that beautiful frame. I love bird pictures.
Kelly

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Hey girl...now that's an awesome mantle girl...I was thinking you got one from a yard sale WOW!!...Chari can you switch the love seat and couch and put the mantle on the wall where the couch is...Or get rid of couch?? I would put my mantle on the couch wall and that way I didn't have to ruin my love seat wall it really is a focal point wall...also it would egual out the heavy pieces of furniture that way....Don't touch that trim girl...leave that wall as is...and put the mantle on the oter wall ha ha!! that's just me thinking out loud again...loose the couch first add a chair by your mantle on each side...Thanks for stopping by girl..How have you been my friend...I'm so sorry to hear about your cat...seems we both had a bad animal weekend...Dawna went home yesterday she was a big help to me and Candace came over also...Len went to Reno...so us girls had junk food and movie night watched the note book again, cried again ha ha!!I'm doing a ton better today...you know these bones of mine ha ha!!Told you when we meet in Vegas will probably spend all our time laying down ha ha!! Love ya sis...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Marti said...

What a fantastic transformation! You did a great job with a difficult room. It is très élégant now.

cindy said...

GREAT room Chari. The colors are so happy! Don't know what to tell you about the fireplace...I never know what to do with mine. I love having it, but it certainly poses a decorating problem for me. I'll look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Unknown said...

The "In the beginning" photo and the transformation is awesome. I am definitely clicking on your "Follow Button"; please visit and do the same if you like what you see!

Stephanie said...

Chari,
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such a sweet comment. It was a nice ending to a busy day.
You did a fabulous job decorating your living room. I like that it is not too feminine or too masculine. You got the balance right.
I hope you have a great week,
Sephanie

Sofia Striffler said...

I love the colors you chose. Rich and inviting. I like the fireplace idea but I think you need to see how much wall space it takes up. You may have to take the molding off especially the chair rail molding.

santamaker said...

Great transformation, Chari! I agree, that a fireplace real or faux really warms a room. I liked the mirrored insert!

Melissa Miller said...

Oh Chari what a great idea for the room! I LOVE it! Oh my goodness I'm so excited for you. It's going to be gorgeous for sure. Show us pictures when you are done.
Pretty Please!!!!

I'm having my one year giveaway!!! It just wouldn't be right if you didn't stop by and enter my friend.
I've missed you!

Many Blessings, ~Melissa :)

Wanda Lee said...

Well here I am again at this blog that makes me sigh with the sheer enjoyment of all that you have created and all that you are my dear!.., I still am in love with your blog banner, even after surfing the web and countless blogs; it's truly still one of my absolute favorites!

Have you ever eagerly awaited opening the latest issue of one of your favorite magazines?~Well that's just how I felt, when I arrived at your blog today!..,I could hardly wait to see what you had posted about your lovlye living room! I slowly read all of the captions and writing, drinking in all of the exquisite details of each and every photo, savoring each moment~ You just don't dissappoint!~ Love the tasteful arrangements and those jewel tone, rich colours!..,

I adore what you've done with your living room, (in fact next time you pop by to my The plumed Pen blog), you'll that back a few blog posts, I have a very similar brown leather chair in my living room)!..,

with regard to your fireplace question:I'm thinking perhaps an inset mirror, to reflect all the loveliness of the rooms decor and perhaps some exquisite, richly hued, decorative plates tucked in a pleasing vignette, surrounding your new fireplace might be fab!..,

I adored your comments; they brought tears to my eyes, they were so lovely in fact!

You are, as always, warmly invited to partake in TUESDAY TEA FOR TWO to be held tomorrow at The plumed Pen blog; DETAILS ARE POSTED ON MY BLOG..,

CHEERS AND HUGS FROM SILKEN PURSE

Wanda Lee said...

Oops.., I got so caught up in the reverie of commenting on your gorgeous living room that I plum forgot that I had meant to also thank you for following my blogs~ So thank you my dear lady!..,

cheers & hugs

Julie said...

Hi Chari,What a change....Beautiful just beautiful...I think you will work it out with the fire place... Look at what you have done so far...Just beautiful...
xoxo
Julie

Sandy said...

Wow seems to be the word of the day.
You've done an incredible job.

Tim said...

I am so drawn to the wall with your two leather chairs. That whole look with all of the framed pieces on the wall and the chairs just looks so comfortable and beautiful.
-Angela

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