Here's the scoop....this fireplace has been a MAJOR eye-sore for me for 5 years now. No one else in the family is that bothered by it....so....I have been patiently awaiting my moment of pouncing so I can change it. The time has finally arrived!! HURRAY!! The only catch is that we have come to a complete stand-still on the design. I have been awaiting a revelation from Heaven but sadly have to admit that this is something not really important as far as my eternal salvation goes....although, I think it is. - ha! So I am begging, pleading, crying, begging and pleading again that anyone who is breathing at this moment will give their opinion....even if you are just a stalker scoping out blogs that you shouldn't be. Here's the "opinion needed" background......We are going to center the fireplace and have a mantle around it. We are going to put shelves/cupboards on both sides of the fireplace......OK....so, here's the hold up.....the top half. Should we
- Leave the top as is...a large decoration holding shelf?
- Lower the shelf a little and put a large plasma TV up there (we are probably the last family our age on earth that hasn't bought a large plasma yet.....so when we do....we're going to need an "entertainment" type place to put it....this could work????
- Take the windows out and make the entire thing into a bookshelf type thing surrounding the fireplace with no TV up there.
- Any other idea that I have not mentioned yet.
I know that you want to run away right now....I'd be turning of the computer real quick if I were you.....DON'T!! Neither Bob nor I have an opinion one way or another. If we stay at this state for much longer I will loose my opportunity....all that pouncing strategy for nothing - how sad. So, if you care about my life at all......let me know what you think...You can even disquise your name if you want.....put the joyful journey thought is from Ralph or Mildred. :)
15 comments:
I'm a HUGE fan of windows...love all the light. So, I can't believe what I'm about to say...but my first opinion would be to put the shelves around the fireplace, take out the windows, and still put the TV above the fireplace. From what I recall...wouldn't that be easier TV viewing from the kitchen/dining areas?? I say take the windows out because I don't think I'd like to have a ton of sunlight glaring out from behind the TV...never really experienced that...so don't know how bad it'd really be. Maybe that's no problem at all. Otherwise, I like your third idea. Letting the fireplace be the focal point of the wall. You really can't go wrong there!Overall...I think all of your ideas would look great. You're such a great decorator, so I'm not worried at all!!! I'll agree with you though...centering the fireplace would really be nice!
Thanks Jamie! I like your ideas. You thought of things that I didn't even think of...as well as hit on things that we've been discussing. Soooooo helpful to hear someone else!! We feel like we've been looking at it way too long.....need lots of fresh eyes and thoughts!!!!!!
I would take out the window, put the TV and definitely center the fireplace. I love shelves on the sides. I think it would make it more cozy.
Shelly
I would center the fireplace...you are right...it could drive someone wild for years and years...Keep the shelves and the open bay above. Your decorating is cute, and you got to keep that around those open spaces. Plasma TV? Why not? (we don't have one, so you are not alone!)
AHA!! Shelly and Angie, you are fantastic!...thank you, thank you, thank you!
Well...I feel like I need time to process this and get back to you. Jamie is right, you probably don't want the windows if you put the TV in. I think if you don't put the plasma in...you will find another great place for it later. Book shelves would add a cozy, study type feel. Heck, I don't know. I love the windows and the large decorative space (especially during Christmas). Is this the project that you have been working on and are announcing soon? This response didn't help at all. You better call Martha Stewart...oh wait, that's you! ha ha
How exciting--I know this has bugged you for a long time. I doubt I have any superb thoughts to help you out though. I like the idea of centering the fireplace and having shelves on the side. I also like the idea of putting the television above. My only concern with the television on the top is that you wouldn't want it to dominate the wall and make the fireplace seem small and insignificant. Plus, would it then look top heavy? Maybe you could recess the wall above the mantel a bit so the TV would sit back slightly from the fireplace. Or, build out the fireplace with a stone surround or something to draw the eye there and give it some heaviness. I've probably led you totally astray! I too like the windows--more windows/light is always a good thing in Oregon!
Oh-Ho! Great ideas Holly and Cyndi...I can't believe all that I never even thought of...this is soooo helpful! You are the BEST!!! I'm starting to get jazzed about thinking again.
Julie- you are so funny. I would center it and keep as much of the window as you can. I LOVE windows and would live in a glass bowl in the middle of no where if I could. Whatever you do please take a pic.
Hey Julie--one more thought! I was at my neighbors today and they have a large picture above their fireplace. It made me think of you. Their mantle surrounds the entire fireplace and the picture doesn't seem "top heavy." I think you should go for it--you are very talented!
Julie,
I just got addicted to the blog thing and Lisa Everton sent me her blog address so I am that crazy stalker who knows you but I am laughing so hard at this blog because I have this wall in my house. My fireplace is on the opposite side and instead of having cabinet doors I have a huge square hole. I dont have the three window but have a tall space the same shape. I have been staring at that wall for two years and havent figured it out yet either. I think a mantel above the fireplace is a good idea. I like the light that comes in from your display area. I agree with you that centering the fireplace would look better but that is a massive undertaking. If I were you if I changed it at all I would make the fireplace the focal point. You should see if they have any home decorating shows in Portland. I think they always have the cutest ideas. Keep me posted on what you do. I really have no desire to own a large tv so I dont know what to do with the large square whole? Currently my kids use it as a stage.
Emily Mellor
Wow, you only asked half an hour ago and you aleady have half a dozen people voting for a plasma screen. I concur. I thought I would be the only one to say "ditch the windows" in favor of a big screen, but in that space it just makes sense. You have other windows in the room, so why not? Wouldn't it be great to cuddle up in front of the fire and watch a movie at the same time? Fill in the window and go for it!
Apparently I misread . . . you do have some votes against a flatscreen. Personally I watch zero TV and only the occasional movie, but when we settle down I do want a flatscreen in a prominent place so I can display family pictures and my favorite pieces of art. Let's face it--I would love to own a gallery of originals but I'll never be able to afford it. Digital representations will have to do. Just one more idea think on. It just depends on what you most want to see every day, and where.
Erin...what a brilliant idea!!! I didn't even think of showing my pictures on it. It would just be one big picture frame when we're not using it as a TV. Thanks for sharing. You're amazing.
Emily....good to hear from you. I'm glad Lisa pointed you my way! Thanks for stalking :) hee-hee. Are you the Emily that use to be in my ward? I absolutely loved that family! If you're that Emily...let's keep in touch!
Hi Julie
Yes, I used to be in your ward and I invaded your nursery class with all my kids last October the Sunday you had all your family in town. I did activity days with you when you came up with the cute fashion show idea which was the cutest idea ever. Our blog is http://houseofmellor.blogspot.com/ We are headed to Washington DC this Spring to stay with Sarah and Benjamin Pierce before they head to Armenia this coming summer. I like the idea of building out the fireplace with stone. My bestfriends mom built their plasma tv into the wall above the fireplace and then when they are not watching tv she sets a giant mirror with a beautiful frame around it so you would never know a tv is even there. So my plug is to center and build out the fireplace. Have a mantel above the fireplace with a custom made spot for your plasma tv above the mantel so when your not watching tv you can set a picture framed or mirror framed infront of the plasma and then have bookshelves on the side and if possible keep two of the windows on the exterior. If not you can always buy more lighting. Hey when your done with your wall you could always come and fix my wall? Just teasing! Emily
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