Thursday, February 3, 2011

Fireplace before & after

Our basement consists of two guest bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry and a playroom/family room with a fireplace. The fireplace was in need of desperate attention, as this is what it looked like before we moved into our home. 
Before
The day after signing papers of home ownership, I found myself at a stone yard placing an order to create a new look. Since the family room/playroom is on the basement level I desired to create a comfortable, warm and inviting place to gather as a family. Also, I switched out the carpeting for a warmer option and replaced all trim work with six inch baseboard.   
After
Fireplaces in formal living rooms, master bedrooms and dining rooms usually look nicer with a mantel, but for casual spaces I prefer not having a mantel. What a difference a little stone work makes!  Your thoughts on mantels?  
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28 comments:

  1. Kim@ChattafabulousThursday, February 03, 2011

    I live in a 1904 Victorian that has all original mantels, with columns and two shelves. Very tough to decorate - yours looks so warm - love it!

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  2. Amber B (Simple Dwellings)Thursday, February 03, 2011

    It looks great just the way it is! Wonderful stone choice- I love the colors. A mantle could be a distraction from the already beautiful stonework and look of the fireplace!

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  3. OliviaThursday, February 03, 2011

    Gorgeous! And timeless, too. Wonderful job and I agree about no mantle.

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  4. Cashon&CoThursday, February 03, 2011

    i LOVE what you did! I can ONLY imagine having a basement.how nice. you are so lucky!And I don't remember if i told you how much i am loving your new blog design. It's fantastic. AS are the photos of you in the sidebar. GORGEOUS GIRL.
    xoxo
    K

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  5. Natalie {Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers}Thursday, February 03, 2011

    Simply Stunning! I love the stones and totally agree about no mantel. This is such a clean and fresh look!

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  6. KathysueThursday, February 03, 2011

    Lisa, Love the stone you chose and for your home it is perfect, you always make the best design decisions!! For my own home I love a mantel , in fact I must reallllly love a mantel since my mantel is 17ft long, now that is a MANTEL!!! xo Kathysue

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  7. quintessenceThursday, February 03, 2011

    Lovely - great warm touch and love the way it walks the line between traditional and modern.

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  8. UnknownThursday, February 03, 2011

    I love your choice of stone and also skipping the mantle. I think you're right...in a more informal space you don't really need one.

    I love everything you do!!!
    xoxo Elizabeth

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  9. AnnThursday, February 03, 2011

    What a transformation!

    I like mantels, but it looks lovely here without. You can always add in down the road, no?

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  10. FrenchBlueThursday, February 03, 2011

    Beautiful redo! Simple & raw!
    XxOo

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  11. The enchanted homeThursday, February 03, 2011

    What a transformation! Love the stone, so warm and cozy...great looking!

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  12. StephanieThursday, February 03, 2011

    I am impressed with the before and after, but really? The day after closing? The day after we closed, I was too completely overwhelmed to do anything at all! I am doubly impressed by your initiative and your style.

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  13. UnknownThursday, February 03, 2011

    Wonderful tranformation! Because I am kind of a minimalist, i prefer no mantle, its just a place that people put a lot of junk on.
    *kisses* HH

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  14. Susie @ Maddie G DesignsThursday, February 03, 2011

    Love it! We have a fireplace in our kitchen that I am tossing up either redoing or possibly just scraping. Love what you have done here and I agree, no need for the mantel in a more casual space....

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  15. Silvia CThursday, February 03, 2011

    That looks fabulous, Lisa! So warm and inviting.
    I like mantels in any kind of space. What I don't like is all the knick-knacks people tend to put on mantels. I'm much more of a "less is more" kind of girl when it comes to decorating.

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  16. StaceyThursday, February 03, 2011

    It's stunning and so warm too! Love it!

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  17. AnonymousThursday, February 03, 2011

    Such a great makeover but then again I love anything you do! xo

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  18. Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living Thursday, February 03, 2011

    Gorgeous fireplace! Enjoy!

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  19. The Buzz BlogThursday, February 03, 2011

    I'd take a fireplace with or without a mantel!
    xxoo

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  20. UnknownFriday, February 04, 2011

    It looks lovely! Well done!

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  21. UnknownFriday, February 04, 2011

    Its perfect just the way it is - great job! I do like a traditional mantle in the right space but think that yours is just beautiful!

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  22. Kelly Frances DunnFriday, February 04, 2011

    That looks fabulous! I love your fierce eye for editing. Leaving out when there is no need to add in!! Gorgeous :) XO

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  23. Party ResourcesFriday, February 04, 2011

    This is the perfect update! Love it! Stay warm and cozy in front of the fire and Happy Weekend! xx

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  24. StitchforkFriday, February 04, 2011

    Always love stonework! This looks stellar!
    xo Cathy

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  25. Maureen StevensFriday, February 04, 2011

    with or without mantel, this fireplace is gorgeous!I would love to sit in front of one right now! brrr...happy weekend!

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  26. Acanthus and AcornMonday, February 07, 2011

    Looks great Lisa! I say rough hewn log or something sleek and modern in a dark wood...it could take either and still look fabulous!

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  27. Mary Ann PickettTuesday, February 08, 2011

    Both ways. We don't have a mantel in our bedroom though, just marble with an oil painting above. I like the simplicity.
    Following you.
    Mary Ann

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  28. ShwetablogMonday, January 30, 2017

    grt

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