A Fireplace Makeover Completely Transforms This “Dated” Living Room

This article highlights a living room renovation in Newton, Massachusetts, undertaken by soon-to-be empty nesters who opted to refresh their current home rather than move to the city. Designed by Alexandra Bier, the project involved transforming several small, separate rooms into a single, unified living space. International Builders executed the structural changes, including removing walls and refinishing the oak floors, which were stained to a dark hue. A key element of the redesign was the elimination of a bay window and the creation of a new fireplace that serves as a central focal point. Bier selected new furniture to complement the updated layout, including a symmetrical arrangement of curved sofas. These sofas provide ample seating for entertaining large groups and contribute a formal yet unfussy aesthetic due to their tweedy upholstery. To personalize the space and integrate the homeowners' experiences, wooden shelves were installed on either side of the fireplace. These shelves are used to display various treasures collected during the couple's international travels to places such as Croatia and South Africa. The fireplace itself features a unique concrete surround crafted by O.A.S.I.S. Custom Concrete Designs in Fitchburg. The raised hearth of the fireplace ingeniously conceals a small propane tank. The walls throughout the living area are painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, a warm white shade chosen for its ability to avoid appearing stark or yellow. Artwork, including a monotype by Carla Klevan, was reframed by Bier in a simple black frame with a white mat, harmonizing with the refreshed color scheme. Accent elements like throw pillows introduce vibrant jewel tones, such as sapphire velvet, and geometric patterns, complementing the earthy color palette of the room. A Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon fabric, known for its chinoiserie pattern, was incorporated to align with the clients' eclectic taste in decor. The coffee table in the center of the seating area features a teardrop-shaped top, a design choice that echoes the curves of the sofas, creating a cohesive and well-thought-out design. #HomeRenovation #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #FireplaceSurround #CustomFurniture #ModernHome #EmptyNester #EclecticDecor #NewtonHome

A fireplace serves as a comforting warmth provider during winter and an appealing display area throughout the year. If a fireplace appears outdated, various makeover ideas can transform it into a room's central feature. These transformations encompass new mantels, stylish surrounds, cozy hearths, and fresh paint applications, offering numerous options for an impressive fireplace update. One example details a 1930 home's fireplace with charming old brick and a well-proportioned mantel. Initially, a robin's egg blue paint on the surround and trim, combined with dark wood doors, created a disjointed and cluttered appearance, detracting from the brick's warmth and emphasizing an awkward room layout. The transformation involved painting the fireplace surround and trim white, allowing the rich red brick to become prominent. Additionally, an indoor garden was introduced into the firebox, converting a nonworking fireplace into a decorative focal point. Another case study involved an awkwardly positioned corner fireplace with dark brown marble and a traditional white mantel. A modern makeover streamlined its appearance, integrating it seamlessly into a newly designed living room. This update utilized a sleek, clean-lined mantel to reduce the fireplace's visual prominence. Gray-and-white Carrara marble tiles were incorporated into the surround, connecting the fireplace to the room's neutral color scheme. Similarly, a 1907 Craftsman home's fireplace, characterized by dark wood paneling and deteriorating brick, received a contemporary update. The old wood and brick were replaced with a modern, minimalist surround. Simple display shelves were added on either side for storage, with the top shelf aligning with the mantel for a cohesive look. A warm white paint color was applied to brighten the space. A bland fireplace with a plain white surround and mantel blended into neutral walls, lacking distinct features. French doors on one side and smaller windows on the other created an unbalanced room. The remodel introduced a contemporary style with black tile on the hearth and an MDF mantel. The brass fire screen was painted black, and the replacement of windows with French doors and new adjacent windows enhanced brightness and functionality. An uninspired builder-basic fireplace wall, covered in 12x12-inch tiles, featured painted drywall and basic cabinets. Instead of removing existing bookshelves, the homeowners transformed the fireplace and cabinetry with a modern farmhouse style. Reclaimed barnwood planks were installed vertically on the chimney wall, adding texture and emphasizing the tall ceiling. Barn boards replaced standard shelves, cabinet doors, and drawer fronts, while a hand-hewn wood mantel completed the farmhouse aesthetic. An ordinary living room struggled with a large built-in entertainment center competing with the fireplace, creating an off-balance space. The fireplace was repositioned by shifting the gas-burning firebox to the left and adding matching built-ins. A white brick veneer gave the surround a clean look, complementing white-painted ceiling beams. A richly stained wood mantel, designed to resemble antique furniture, became a prominent feature, and new desks and storage units replaced outdated bookcases. An outdated room with uneven, dirty carpet and a nondescript fireplace underwent a comprehensive renovation. The carpet was removed, and the fireplace became the room's focal point. The bump-out around the fireplace was updated with Inhabit Wall Flats, which resemble tile and can be painted. A simple wood beam mantel complemented the streamlined tile, aligning with the room's modern-meets-rustic decor. Another example involved a prior-era fireplace with purple tile and bare walls. This was transformed by replacing the squat mantel with a simple white one, sitting directly atop a white marble subway tile surround. Shiplap was added above the fireplace, and IKEA shelves, upgraded with molding, created the illusion of custom built-ins. An all-over pine-paneled living room with a clunky red brick fireplace was revamped to fit a beachy California location. The brick fireplace, along with the walls and ceiling, received a fresh coat of white paint. A minimalistic mantel was installed, and contemporary armchairs and a slipcovered sofa were arranged around the hearth. Finally, a tall, dingy 1980s brick fireplace, sharp against white walls, was updated. Tearing out the brick created space for a modern fireplace with added storage and style. Custom bookcases and cabinetry were built around the fireplace, providing open and closed storage, as well as a spot for a TV. A sleek gray fireplace surround and contemporary artwork modernized the living space. #FireplaceMakeovers #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #DecoratingIdeas #LivingRoomDesign #HomeImprovement #FireplaceStyles #DIYDecor

The article details the transformation of a family room in a 1980s-era contemporary home in Florence, Massachusetts, that initially felt dark and heavy despite its vaulted ceiling and large windows. The original room was characterized by a redbrick fireplace, stained moldings, and greige walls. Designers Sally Staub and Hannah Ray of Workroom Design Studio initiated the makeover by painting the entire room, including window trim, with Benjamin Moore’s Simply White to create a lighter, airier ambiance. This change was crucial as the dark wood framing the windows previously obstructed the view of the natural surroundings. A significant element of the renovation involved reimagining the fireplace. The designers removed the existing mantel and replaced the surround with sleek black granite slabs, hand-painted Fireclay Tiles, and black metal trim. This minimalist approach for the fireplace allowed for more visual space next to the windows, while the graphic design of the tiles introduced a whimsical touch that complements the nearby kitchen's aesthetic. The decision to use only a single row of Fireclay Tile helped manage the project's budget. To address the challenge of filling a large wall beneath the soaring 30-foot ceilings, the homeowners acquired a painting by Peter Stolvoort at the Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton. This artwork, featuring lollipop-like trees, was selected for its size and its red underpainting, which subtly connects to other red accents in the room, such as the sconces. The use of large-scale art was essential to balance the room's expansive vertical space. Lighting fixtures were chosen to enhance the cheerful and midcentury modern aesthetic. Dutton Brown sconces in a vibrant poppy red were installed, reflecting the clients' preference for bold colors. The designers particularly appreciated the off-center globe design of the sconces and their striking contrast against the newly painted off-white walls. An origami-style pendant light, crafted from laser-cut, folded, and stitched ivory cotton by The California Workshop, was suspended from the high ceiling. This ethereal and crisp fixture effectively fills the overhead space without overwhelming the scenic outdoor view. Furniture arrangement was also optimized to improve functionality and aesthetics. The existing leather sofa was repositioned to face the wall of windows, allowing occupants to enjoy the woodland vista. A module from the sofa was detached and used as a standalone chair to facilitate easier conversation within the seating area. A Kardiel molded plywood coffee table was introduced to refresh the look of the older furniture pieces, contributing to a modern and cohesive design. Finally, an understated hazy-blue rug with a crosshatch pattern was selected. This budget-friendly rug not only reinforced the clean design scheme but also added a subtle layer of color and texture to the room, completing the transformation from a heavy, outdated space into a bright, contemporary, and inviting family area. #HomeDesign #FamilyRoom #FireplaceRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #WhiteWalls #DecorTransformation #LightingDesign #FurnitureArrangement

The article details the midcentury remodel of a dining room in a circa-1951 ranch home located off Collier Road, owned by Laird Memory and Matt Bunting. The renovation aimed to preserve the cool vibe of the era while incorporating modern updates and personal touches. The dining room, which was originally a porch, now boasts impressive 11-foot-tall ceilings and large windows, contributing to an open and airy feel. A key design element is the accent wall, which Laird Memory personally installed with a medallion print sourced from Spoonflower.com, intending to introduce more energy and color into the space. Lighting in the room features multiple globe light fixtures, ingeniously created by covering simple pendant lights with outdoor shades from Ikea, showcasing a creative and budget-friendly approach to decor. For seating, the dining chairs were acquired from Craigslist as former restaurant seats and were subsequently painted gray by Memory, adding a personalized, upcycled touch. An antique French clock, purchased from an antique store, serves as a focal point, valued for its authenticity over mass-produced alternatives. The decor also includes unique, handmade elements such as a mosaic flower pot crafted by Memory and button flowers made by her and her daughter, Raleigh. Vintage glass ashtrays are repurposed to elevate old silver pieces, contributing to an offbeat aesthetic. Architect Jack Davis, who worked on the house a decade prior, suggested wood planking as an architectural feature, a design choice that predated its widespread popularity. A significant piece of furniture in the room is a mahogany chest, an heirloom from Bunting’s grandparents, which underwent a professional lacquering process. It was refinished in a bold red color, with its original brass hardware updated to nickel, aligning with Memory's vision for a striking and inherently showy piece. The article emphasizes that selecting a bold color for lacquered furniture can enhance its visual impact. Overall, the remodel showcases a blend of inherited pieces, antique finds, upcycled items, and DIY projects, all thoughtfully integrated to achieve a cohesive midcentury aesthetic with a personalized and vibrant character. The design decisions highlight how to balance modern updates with the preservation of a home's original architectural style and era. #RoomEnvy #MidcenturyModern #DiningRoomDesign #InteriorDecor #DIYHomeDecor #VintageFurniture #UpcycledDecor #AccentWall #IkeaHack

The Hearne House, a historic Victorian mansion built in Covington in 1874 by Jonathan David Hearne, who was involved in the construction of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, underwent a significant transformation in one of its living spaces. Designer Mandy Lehman of MANMAN Studios, who had previously considered purchasing the house with her husband, seized the opportunity to convert a section of the mansion into a sophisticated condo. This renovation aimed to honor the building's past while integrating modern design elements. The property is currently available for rent through Neat Suites, a Cincinnati-based company. Upon her initial assessment, Lehman noted that the living room walls displayed a medley of colors that detracted from the room's intricate historical details, such as the original plaster ceiling medallion. Her design approach involved whitewashing the walls to create a clean, contemporary backdrop. To highlight the crown molding, a gold stripe was incorporated, drawing attention to its craftsmanship. The focal point of the room, a large mantel mirror, was also painted gold, a decision made to instantly elevate the space and guide the eye upward toward the high ceilings, creating a sense of grandeur. Despite its historic significance and a predominant white and gold color scheme, the redesigned living room maintains an inviting and unstuffy atmosphere. Lehman's distinctive eclectic style is evident throughout the space. Elements like a cow-hide rug placed beneath the coffee table and a vibrant pink floral arrangement emerging from a bar cart introduce a playful and contemporary contrast to the historical setting. These touches ensure that the room, while regal, also feels modern and comfortable. The article highlights several specific design choices that contribute to the room's unique character. For instance, an alcove features what appear to be valuable vases, which are, in fact, upcycled second-hand pieces. These items were transformed by local artist and model Laura Cianciolo, adding an element of sustainable design and artistic flair. Another notable feature is a record player, which is stocked with a curated selection of vinyl records from the 1960s and 1970s, along with some modern tracks, offering guests a nostalgic entertainment option. A significant design decision involved the lighting. A modern chandelier from Modern Forms was paired with the century-old ceiling medallion. This juxtaposition of a contemporary fixture with a historical architectural element creates an unexpected and fresh aesthetic, breathing new life into the traditional space. Furthermore, the designer's approach to the mirrors in the residence demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of mood and function. While the living room mirror was kept gold to maintain an elevated and regal ambiance, the mirror in the bedroom was painted black to imbue that space with a more dramatic and 'sexy' feel, according to Lehman. This customization of elements underscores the designer's attention to detail and her ability to create distinct atmospheres within different areas of the historic property. #Covington #HearneHouse #InteriorDesign #LivingRoom #NeatSuites #HistoricRenovation #EclecticDesign #VictorianHome #DesignTransformation #MANMANStudios