Thursday, April 29, 2010

Fireplace Makeover

Hi everyone,

Well,as many of you know we have been doing some projects in our home and we are almost done of them so I am sharing the makeover that we gave our fireplace. Oh, and while you are here I want to show you our new chair that I was so happy to get. I have been seeing these in some magazines and didn't think I would find one here but my daughter was out shopping and spotted it for me and then called to tell me a couple of days later that it was on sale so that got me moving! I am loving some of these French style magazines and blogs lately.

Now,back to the fireplace first we primed it and then gave it a couple of coats of paint (Victoriana) then we had the carpenter build the mantle out and add a 'box' at the top with three turned posts .Our fireplace has a bit of a corner to it making it a little harder to decorate but I think this works well.

You can see the box at the top with the new crown molding.I also bought a new mirror for over the fireplace.

For once,I kept it simple on the mantle with just a few things-toile plate

a matching bowl

a cherub and some china plates

Before- now it didn't really look this bad but here it is with the wallpaper removed and renovation in progress. Don't worry the mantle was never decorated like this -I just moved things out of the way .Anyway,before pics are supposed to be ugly right. I couldn't find a pic with the way it was before we started.

This is a wood burning fireplace and I lit a fire just for you! Why don't you sit for awhile and enjoy this lovely book Waterside Cottages and have a cup of tea. I will throw another log on the fire.

Now,I can't let you go without sharing a few photos of what is blooming in our garden now.
I am joining Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home again where there is always lots of beauty to see-go and have a look if you haven't already.

I hope you all have a very good weekend
&

Thank you for visiting,
Carolyn

49 comments:

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

Looks really good. I love the chair too. You will enjoy winter in this spot.

Cindy said...

Wow, Carolyn...what a difference! It looks so beautiful now!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Carolyn! Oh, your fireplace looks beautiful! I love it painted white! And that gorgeous chair! I love it too! I know you'll be sitting there sipping tea and warming your tiny tootsies! Do you feel like you have a new house? I love seeing what you've done.
Your blooms are beautiful.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia;)

Shirley said...

That looks so wonderful now!!!!! If mine were brick, I'd paint it white in a second. Alas, mine is made of big rocks and goes from floor to ceiling. Just wouldn't look right painted.

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Carolyn.. Wow! great transformation... the fireplace is so lovely in white & I like the turned poles on the top! A very nice corner to spend an afternoon!
Bella

Sandi (Meme) said...

You made an amazing change, and it looks perfect. Have a wonderful week.

Sandi (Meme) said...

You made an amazing change, and it looks perfect. Have a wonderful week.

Lana Kim White Austin said...

What a magnificent transformation. It completely lightened up the whole room and looks so EUROPEAN and CLASSICALLY ELEGANT now!
Hugs, Lana

bj said...

OMGosh...what a beautiful change. I LOVE your pretty fireplace...Your chair is just perfect there.
I am signing up to follow so I can see more great things from you.
Come see me when you have time..
xo bj

Susan said...

Whoa doggie, Carolyn. It looks FABULOUS. What a difference. WOW! Gor-ge-ous. Congratulations. All that work paid off. Sincerely, Susan

Robin's Nesting Place said...

I love the chair! The fireplace now fits beautifully with your romantic cottage look!

A Garden of Threads said...

Carolyn, The fireplace change is amazing it looks absolutely beautiful. Thank you for starting the fire, the weather has been cool here in the evenings and tea would be perfect. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Katy Noelle said...

Well, WOW! I a loving seeing all of your renovations. I mean, really enjoying it. We bought this house two years ago. I think the only reason that we got it was because it needed so much work! Our fireplace is ghastly! Just horrific! It's a terribly dirty, badly faux colonial brick. I've been begging Tom to let me paint it white. He doesn't like painted brick but I am arguing that this will only be a stop gap until he can enclose it in paneling. Maybe your gorgeous makeover will tilt the scales. Please, cross your fingers for me!

Love, Katy Noelle

Flaviana said...

Dear Carolyn
this is one of the most amazing makeover!
Your home deserve to be featured on magazines..never seen a more beautiful one, honestly!
Wish you a lovely weekend
Flaviana

PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCA said...

I will come and read the book while sipping some good tea!!Congratulations, perfect beauty!

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

such cozy area.. I don't mind spending whole day here.. especially when one can have a cup of tea and fireplace lidded!.. ohhh so comfy!

Andi's English Attic said...

That is absolutely beautiful. I'm very impressed. xx

It's me said...

Your fireplace looks really good!! Carolyn !! what a difference!!

Have a happy weekend !!! hugs from me..........

Crystal said...

What a good idea with the box! It looks much better, like it was meant to be. Like your chair to!

Anonymous said...

Carolyn, when you posted a sneek peek a few months back, I knew it was going to be great.. but it's more than that.. it's gorgeous!!

Just the nice shade of soft white.. it's dreamy and calming and so inviting.

thanks for sharing.. because you inspire us greatly!

with love,

Olivia

Anonymous said...

Hi Carolyn, your fireplace looks so lovely! I love the crown molding,and all your beauties on the mantle....Kathy

Olivia said...

Oh my heavens it is breathtaking now! I love it! I love the mirror and cherub! Beautiful!
Hugs,
Olivia

Victoria said...

My goodness, talk about a transformation! If that was mine I'd be dying for Christmas to come so I could hang out by the fire:) Gorgeous!!!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Absolutely stunning...are you getting ready for a magazine shoot? You should be!! It looks so warm and inviting, thanks for sharing!

Lacy said...

You've decorated it beautifully! Love that chair!

The Charm of Home said...

That is lovely. I like painted brick. It is so inviting with that roaring fire. Just beautiful.

Susan said...

Your fireplace is excellent. Great transformation!!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Carolyn....Your fireplace turned out so nice! I love it! We did a similiar makeover on our fireplace that I posted about last year. Take a look at if if you get a chance. I don't regret painting ours! I love how you decorated yours!~Patti

Beverly said...

Carolyn, I love it!!!!! Wow! It is absolute perfection.

You know I am going to be showing this to my husband.

nannykim said...

Love the mirror, love the chair, and love what you have done with the fireplace--what a wonderful transformation!!!

nannykim/spindlecottage

Terra said...

You have transformed your fireplace into a beautiful adornment that fits your decor. Well done.

Angel-Smile said...

Dear Carolyn,
wonderful pictures!The fireplace is really grandious and the chair very beautiful!!!
Greetings
Brigitte

GLORIA'S STORY said...

Warning, cancer!

Someone in blog lands needs help, go to my blog and read about
Marilyn, retirenowtimeforfun.blogspot.com or just go to Marilyn's blog,
ourvictoriancottage.blogspot.com

Our you people in blog land as nice as you write on your blog?

Denise Marie said...

Girl...it is glorious!! I loves it!! I gotta do the same thing here. It looks like it has always been like that..isn't it funny when we do a special project like that and it just fits.

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Fabulous makeover of the fireplace. Like the chair too. It looks very cosy. Valerie

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

My O MY!!
What a glorious makeover!
I love the color change and the Victorian accents!
Beautiful!!
Debbie

Unknown said...

Very nicely done!

Katie said...

What a great transformation!

Olga Poltava said...

What a cozy place. How lovely it would be to snuggle up with a book by this beautiful fireplace.

Niki said...

Wow, what a change. The fact that the fireplace was in the corner of the room could have been a challenge, but your muted tones were perfect. The way you positioned the chair in front was the perfect accent...making it cozy and inviting. Great Job!!

Paula said...

Dear Carolyn,

Your fireplace makeover is very beautiful! I love the color it is painted and the new mantel and crown molding. You have it decorated beautifully! Your new chair is gorgeous! I am so glad your daughter found it for you. The fire looks so nice and cozy. I would love to look through your book and enjoy a cup of tea in your pretty teacup! I am so happy to see the pretty blooms in your garden! Thank you for all the inspiration you share! I would love to paint my fireplace too! Have a lovely weekend! Love, Paula

Madelief said...

Dear Carolyn,

Love the makeover of your fireplace. It looks beautiful in that new colour, with the French chair next to it. You have a very good taste!

Glad to see that spring has arrived in your garden! It's good to have some colour again and to be able to work outside! I am enjoying every minute of it.

Wish you a happy weekend!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

That was a remarkable makeover for the fireplace; unbelievably well done! White or cream colors do enlarge any space and brighten a room! That, we need especially before the sunny days start, to pick us up.
Loved reading this and great photos too. Thanks Carolyn!

Greetings from Georgia/USA

MariettesBacktoBasics

Fluitenkruid said...

I love this room! Enjoy it, love Jannet

Bring Pretty Back said...

Oh my! What a beautiful difference. So pretty. I absolutely love it.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Carolyn, oh! it looks wonderful. What a lovely place to curl up with a book, enjoying the fire. Well done, it makes a huge difference in your room. xo Lidy

Sanna - My Blueberry House said...

Hello Carolyn,

Very nicely done! Love your new chair and the mirror especially. I really need to feel the warmth of the burning fire today. Thank you.

Have a nice day,
Sanna

mariondee-designs said...

Absolutely love it! What a difference some imagination and paint makes! Love your new chair too.. take care, Maryann

Mikey Fuller said...

Love it! What a HUGE transformation a little paint can give to a room! I'm new to the blogging world and just became a follower of your blog! I hope you'll visit my blog, too!