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?  

28 comments:

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

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!

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

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!

Olivia said...

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

Cashon&Co said...

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

Natalie {Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers} said...

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

Kathysue said...

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

quintessence said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Ann said...

What a transformation!

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

FrenchBlue said...

Beautiful redo! Simple & raw!
XxOo

The enchanted home said...

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

Stephanie said...

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.

Unknown said...

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

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

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....

Silvia C said...

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.

Stacey said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living said...

Gorgeous fireplace! Enjoy!

The Buzz Blog said...

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

Unknown said...

It looks lovely! Well done!

Unknown said...

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!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

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

Party Resources said...

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

Stitchfork said...

Always love stonework! This looks stellar!
xo Cathy

Maureen Stevens said...

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

Acanthus and Acorn said...

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!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

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

Shwetablog said...

grt