Fireplace BEFORE-
Fireplace AFTER-
Let’s break it all down by why each change made the space cozier. Because all of these textures really are what make a room.
Window Treatments-
Bamboo Blinds
Even just removing the wood blinds they had made a difference. The room feels taller now, cozier and more custom. I was thrilled to find the exact size they needed for these small windows that mount inside the molding. Find the exact Bamboo Blinds HERE.
Window Treatments-
Curtain Panels
Again they had wood blinds on these windows that we removed. They actually have a really great front porch that is covered and between that and the blinds not a lot of light was getting in. I found black curtain rods HERE at Target and THESE really great white curtain panels. If you are unsure of what window treatment to do and the specifics you can never go wrong with a simple black rod and white linen panels.
Curtain Panel Tip– When hanging your curtains have the leading edge line up wth the outside of the window so you don’t block any of the window. This will also make the window feel larger.
Darker Rug-
The first reason for the rug change was that the old rug was a trellis pattern and it was really similar to the new deco tile. I don’t love the same pattern so close together like that. Also I thought a darker rug would really contrast the light sectional they already have really nicely. And it really worked! We found the rug at Target! You can find it HERE (on major SALE today only).
Pillows-
We pulled in the darker navy in the rug onto the sectional with some Indigo Mudcloth pillows. Those were mine that I have held onto, you can find similar HERE. I took off the small pillows she had, on a large sectional I suggest nothing smaller than 20″ and also to “bookend” the pillows. (Find more of my pillow tips HERE). Also her sectional is from Lillian August Outlet Center (5 years old).
Eclectic Fireplace Decor-
First of all we switched up the mirror to THIS mirror from Target. Mirrors are not always the best solution for a fireplace but it works in this space because it doesn’t reflect anything weird or distracting. I also layered THIS frame and added THIS print from Katherine Jury inside it. Layering a piece of art over the mirror really adds a lot. The pop of pink makes it playful and eclectic. Books are Good Will finds, I had them saved for a navy project! Jars found at Target too. When I shared this on my Instagram Stories I had a lot of questions about the yellow flowers, they are called Billy Balls, you can find them HERE.
**UPDATE- You can see the new chair we added and console under the TV along with a Gallery Wall HERE
Fireplace Makeover-
Fireplace Makeover Tips-
These are in my friends words (tried make sense of it- but I thought the photos above were super helpful!)
- Used Primed White Pine 1 x 8 and 1 x 4. Ripped the 1 x 8 down to 6 3/4″ making the top and sides all the same.
- The part covering the brick is a 1 x 6- glued onto the brick with liquid nails.
- He cut all pieces on a 45 degree angle, so they fit together.
- Primed White Pine 1 x 8 again ripped to 6 3/4″.
- Sides are 40 1/2 the next piece was 6 3/4 and the top was 6 3/4″
- Mantel is made out of THESE Common Boards pieced together.
- The top piece is glued together, then nailed it, hollow in back. He sanded it a lot to make the edgers rounded, then used a chisel, hammer, screws, etc to distress it.
- Stained in Minwax, Special Walnut with a Polycrylic over the top.
- Mantel top is 54″ off the floor.
I hope that helped all your fireplace needs. You can subscribe to my blog below to see how I can answer a design question for you!
Make sure to pop over to Target HERE to find a lot of the pieces I used on SALE today!
(Love that bench we added under the TV, find it HERE).
man!!! This is oh so good!!!!
Wow I loved everything you did! The space is so much brighter now and feels instantly fresh! I love the wood mantle!!!! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! I love the wood too!
I love the changes! I, however, would reverse the items on the built-in cabs. By putting the larger and heavier looking plant on the other side, it would balance out the weight on that side of the room.
Thank you! I had it that way but it was too heavy on the greens on the one side- I balanced out the plants by putting the plant on the opposite side of the one on the mantel.
Its interesting how you have your sofa against your window wall in your home, and its also done here. I have a huge picture window in my living room (almost floor to ceiling), but enjoy looking out the window so my sofa is across from the window. I can see if my soft was in front of the window I’d have room for more furniture. Do you recommend that to most of your clients?
That is true- the reason it was done in this room was because they needed a spot for the TV and they want to look at a TV rather than out the window (but I am sure they would really enjoy looking out the window!)
In our front room I don’t have a lot of space so if I took up the wall to face the sofa out the window I would have zero space for a secretary desk.
But we can look at the window on our sofa and really love having an up-close view outside!
Looks fantastic!! Love the new mantel that they put on!! Gorgeous!! Amazed how changing the blinds, something simple, changed the feel of the whole room.
Thanks Christine!
Love it!! Beautiful job!! What did you put the twinkle lights on inside of the fireplace?
Thanks! They are sitting on the iron for the wood. Then I just attached them to an iron piece inside the fireplace to bring your eye up!
Absolutely love it Brooke! You did it once again!
Thanks so much Megan!
Beautiful as always! Love this transformation!
thanks Sarah!
Beautiful room & amazing fireplace makeover! 👏🏻👏🏻 Where did they get their sofa?? (I love it!) Also, I love the way you styled the mantle! You mentioned where you got the pictures and flowers. Would you mind telling me where the voltives, large glass jar and clay pot are from? Btw, your post yesterday inspired me to move my sofa against a window/door in our family room. I liked the idea of a focal point and I think it’s looks better than when it was facing the window. You have a keen eye! Great job styling your friends living room!
Thanks Lisa!
All of that is from Target! The sofa is Lillian August (5 years old).
Did he make the mantle top too or just buy a beam and place it on top? Looks so much nice car this way. Love everything you did.
Disregard my question about the top of mantle. I read it and found the info. Thanks.
yay!
The room is so off balance with the couch in front of the window and the tv just hanging on the wall. I know that is the homeowner’s decision. I love the new windows, but the old fireplace surround with the pretty molding was stunning.
I see what you are saying but it does not feel that way in the room. And they don’t have the money at this time to add a chair and tv cabinet right now.
Oh that will make a big difference when they can afford it. The before and after pictures really show how decluttering can transform a space, too.
Love seeing how you transformed a “normal” room using things that are accessible to most people. Looks awesome!!
Thanks Tammy! That makes me so happy!
Great makeover! Thanks for the tips. The new blinds are very stylish and really do add another layer of texture to the room. I’m also really liking the black basket on the fireplace hearth. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jolene! I agree! I love the bamboo shades!
I am in love! What is in the tray on the coffee table? Thanks!
Thanks! Right here- http://rstyle.me/n/cw6442b5qwf
Hi Brooke,
I love what you did with the mantel and the room! I have a design question and would like your advise for a difficult wall above our couch. I’m not sure what you charge for that but could really use your help. Your design page wasn’t working.
Let me know and I can send photos of the room so you have a idea of what is needed.
Thanks so much,
Cindy
Hello! I am not taking new clients right now.
You can join our FB and get help that way! http://nestingwithgrace.com/join-nesting-grace-community/
Love it all! Any idea what the wall color is?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but I like that you are showing what these people could do now (vs. saving for ALL the things they may want to add in the future and waiting to do so). BHG magazine used to have a great feature that would show a ‘now’ and ‘later’ version of a room- what could be done in first and second stages of a room renovation/makeover. It is approachable! This room is pretty- the rug really adds a nice warmth and I love the pillows too! 🙂
Thank you! Yes- there is of course more you can always do to a room. And why not share it along that way.
Thanks!