{renovate} the fireplace

I teased you all a couple weeks ago with the *befores* of my fireplace. I'm here today with the exciting *afters.* How do you all gauge when a project is successful? I deem a project successful when my husband, who has been very vocally against this project, LOVES the results.

Just a reminder of the dark, dingy and dirty eyesore before:

And, the sparkly, clean and sharp after.

 

What do you all think? It was so simple. I removed the screen and doors. Cleaned out pounds of ash and painted it the same shade of creamy white as the trim. And it has made all the difference in this room. I am still floored at how small changes in a room seem to make the biggest difference.

Want to see it again? Because I can't stop looking at it.

             {before.}                                    {after.}

And, the flowers add a sweet spring-like touch, no?

 

Happy Monday to you all!

all projects have to start somewhere

And, this is where the fireplace project begins. If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you'll know that I've have strong feelings against this fireplace.

It sticks out like a sore thumb in the living room. It's a weird color. And, it is in a spot where it can't be a focal point, unfortunately. So I'm finally going to fix that. I'm going to paint it a lovely cream color and hopefully it will blend into the room a whole lot better. And yes. Chris is actually okay with this. Finally.

 

First things first. It needs cleaning. I don't even like to think about how many years this ash has been sitting there. Bleh. So that's where this project is beginning. And, this is how my weekend is shaping up.

What about all you? Any fun and great projects lined up for this weekend?

cozy-ing up

Yesterday I had to go here:


And even at this time of year, it had lots of snow. And it was cold. Really cold. The snow was coming down horizontally. And I was wearing heals. Um, fun.

But inside, there was this:


The fire was roaring. And it was warm and oh-so-cozy. In my dreams I was curled up on that couch with a book, sipping hot cocoa and whiling-away the hours. In reality I gave a presentation to a large group of people. Not quite as nice, I'd say.

But it got me dreaming about rustic lodges and how much inviting they are in the winter-time.


I would love to have dinner in front of a roaring fire on a cold evening.


Perfection.


This would be fabulous for those in between months, when it's cold outside, but not so freezing-you-can't-stand-it cold.


And oh goodness. I would never leave my bedroom.


Good book here I come.

*images via jesse.millan, cepalm, house beautiful, and country living*

the case for painting the fireplace. part I.

Let me begin by saying I LOVE fireplaces. I'll just get that out there from the start. But we have a hideous fireplace. It's dingy pale brown. It doesn't add anything to the room. It's just blah. The problem here is Chris hates the thought of painting brick and has firmly put his foot down. So out of the blue the other night he brings up the fireplace. Chris: Do you really want to paint the fireplace? My brain: omg. yes! yes! yes! Me: Yep. Chris: What color would you paint it? My brain: play it cool. don't make him think you want it toooo much. let it be his idea. Me: The same cream that's on the ceiling and all the trim. Chris: Hmmm. That might look nice. My brain: he's CAVING! Chris: But, doesn't your mom agree with me about not painting it? My brain: ha. my mom has taste. Me: Nope. She told me it's one of the ugliest parts of the house, actually. Chris: Hmmmm. And, he goes back to reading a magazine. Yep, that was the end of the conversation. But, it was a huge conversation because HE BROUGHT IT UP. So, now it's my goal to keep subtly (hahaha) nudging. Partly through negotiation and partly through proof. Stay tuned for beautiful painted fireplaces.