WTMCassandra Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 I am hoping that the file attachment works. If it doesn't, see: Triangle Above Fireplace Well, two firsts in one post--first attachment and first link creation. Let's see if they work! Anyway, I've been stumped about what to do with this spot in our living room (our one sort of formal room). Right now it has only a cheesy WM flower arrangement. At Christmas, it does become a nice spot to display a 3-tiered nativity scene, but the rest of the year it is . . . blank. Since my idea of decorating is mainly to cram as many bookshelves into the space as possible, I am short of ideas. I have thought about installing glass shelves for displaying things, but I strongly dislike dusting and don't want to create a dustcatcher. I also have to take into account the high ceilings (don't get me wrong--I really like them). Hive mind: Rescue me from this decorating disaster! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in Orlando Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Here are a couple of links that might get you started. http://www.daviddarling.info/images/corner_fireplace.jpg http://www.fireplacemall.com/Article_Library/Fireplace_Mantel_Decorating__T/fireplace_mantel_decorating__t.html http://www.hearthtools.com/gas/961lg.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 19, 2008 Author Share Posted January 19, 2008 Thanks. I liked the first two links the best. That 3+1 article is really interesting! And the first picture even has some books in it. Hey, I can do that! The third picture strikes me as a little "heavy" in style, although it is interesting to put two pictures mirroring each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 19, 2008 Author Share Posted January 19, 2008 Anyone else? This fell off the front page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 20, 2008 Author Share Posted January 20, 2008 Bumping up one last time to see if there are any more suggestions . . . if not I will let it go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in TN Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 I like rustic so my idea might not work for you. I would redo it and frame it all the way up the corner and then add brick or rock. Kinda like these: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 I like the photo in the first link AMy sent, and the idea of the 3 in 1. I think you could make two very nice L & L pieces, one for each wall, that would tie it all together- I would use your purple, but contrast it with other colors. Just my thoughts right out of the gate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 I think some mismatched mirrors in different frames would make a nice grouping there and the reflection would make the corner bright. I'd remove the flowers and add some candles in holders of varying heights. Another option (but sans light) would be mismatched, empty frames grouped on both walls. I'd still use candles. It looks like the walls are perhaps beige or light tan and the fireplace looks cream. Is it stone or painted? If painted, it would really pop it to paint it in an accent color. I can't see what sort of color you might have in the room as I just see what looks like a cream chair..... Do I see denim blue? That would be pretty on the fireplace..... If the fireplace is stone, you can get a type of paint that can be used over stone to give it a faux finish, adding a color wash to it. I really like color, so it just seems to me that you need more of that in the room..... Regena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 We have a lot of stuff on our walls in eclectic, non symetrical patterns. I might do something similar here. A medium frame on each side with smaller frames around them. You could do prints of places you've been or art you like or photos of your family. I really miss having a mantel to display photos on. So I would probably go with that, too. Some really knock out frames with great photos on the mantel and then framed items hung on the wall. Sebastian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle T Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 The space just cries out for some color. And then I'd fill up that "shelf" area with plants, candles, interesting decorations. Michelle T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 20, 2008 Author Share Posted January 20, 2008 Oooh (whining), you're always stretching me, and it hurts! Doing L&L for fun is one thing, but I can't imagine doing something I'd be willing to hang center stage like that!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 20, 2008 Author Share Posted January 20, 2008 The fireplace has large cream tiles on it with grout. The walls are actually purple but they look washed out a little because it was sunny when I took the picture. The mirrors with candles are very interesting ideas. I think I like that idea better than empty frames. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 20, 2008 Author Share Posted January 20, 2008 I was wondering what on earth I could do with the walls--thinking that a picture was out of the question and that two would look dumb--but one of the links showed two pictures that are mirror images of each other. That seems like a neat idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 Yeah, I agree. I only suggested the frames because I'm seeing more decorators using them for architectural interest these days. I know that my parents find tons of old, neat frames at yard sales, so I think it's easier to find interesting frames now days. The reason I wouldn't suggest pictures opposing each other here is that it seems that you couldn't really see them. They would be sort of facing in toward each other and the glass might even cause reflections that would obscure the pictures. I like better the photo that someone else found and linked of a large picture propped up with the orchid and books opposite. Good luck! Regena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigi Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 I would keep it simple. I think the more stuff you hang or put on the shelf will draw your eye to the depth and take away from the fireplace. I would find a pretty scupture or wood piece that is tall and then add to that. I am thinking a tall vase but with a deep color and texture. I think you want the height to take the focus off of the depth. I would also add a few things on the ground next to the fireplace so the fireplace remains the focus and brings it out into the room instead of the negative space above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 although it is interesting to put two pictures mirroring each other. My first thought was to put a portrait of your son on one side, and your daughter on the other. Maybe in black and white with matting to conform to your room colors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Oooh (whining), you're always stretching me, and it hurts! Doing L&L for fun is one thing, but I can't imagine doing something I'd be willing to hang center stage like that!!! Isn't that what friends and mentors are for?!?!?:D Did you honestly expect me to say something else?? As for it being center stage, it is all in the way you look at it! You are definately skilled enough for it, and it would look lovely. I do like the ideas of mismatched mirrors, or other art work that pleases you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 I definitely hadn't thought about putting things on the hearth. That's a good idea. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOCA Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I hope you'll show us what you decide! I think a plant in the middle with mirrors or art work on the walls could look great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 Thanks! I will, but it might be a while (like months). We are low on $$$ right now to spend on extras. But I have lots of food for thought and I will keep my eyes open for bargains over the spring and summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich with Kids Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I want your kitchen and your school room in my house when I grow up! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 Thank you! How kind! I've gotten spoiled rotten in this house over the last year. If we have to move, they will have to pry my cold, dead fingers from the doorjamb! I love, love, love that layout--especially the teacher's desk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cin Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I would ignore it and live in the kitchen :D I'm sending my DH the link to it because we are re-doing ours this year. We don't have that much space, but I like the general ideas.....Beautiful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 Ha! That's what i've been doing for the last year or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in FL Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Well, my first thought before reading your post was "what a nice place for bookshelves!" But it sounds like that might not be what you are looking for. Maybe a nice set of different height large candle holders surrounded by a couple of pieces of art? Melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Is put a fav framed photo or small poster on one wall, and balance it with a couple large candlesticks or pottery on the opposite side on the mantlepiece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 The artist in me wants to balance out the angles instead of drawing more attention to them. I would place a large round ceramic, wood, or glass plate (think artsy looking and handmade) on a stand in the middle of the space, then perhaps soften the bottom edge where the stand sits on the mantle with some greenery. Lisa Percytruffle's Place Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 That sounds pretty! I'll start looking around for something inspiring. It might take a while, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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