tv above the fireplace

We have a couple of friends who are working on hanging their TVs over their fireplaces. I say working because its not a simple hang job. You have to mount a TV bracket which is a pain in itself let alone when going into masonry. You then have to figure out what to do with the cords which involves some crafty thinking and finish carpentry. Not easy but worth it.

In most cases, the fireplace is the natural focal point of a room. That is until you introduce a TV. Then, of course, it steals "the show" - get the pun? So if a TV and fireplace are each in their own respective locations, you not only have two focal points you also end up ignoring the second runner up - the fireplace. The furniture layout also becomes awkward because you either are trying to orient to both the fireplace and TV or its like the fireplace (or maybe the TV in the rare case) becomes out of place in the room. This is all to say, that I am a proponent of a TV over the fireplace - one focal point with a clear room orientation. I won't pretend that a TV doesn't take away from the architectural beauty of a fireplace because it does. But for me (a person who watches TV), the practicality of incorporating the two together wins over this particular aesthetic point. I also think that people who have their TVs over their fireplace end up making more fires (which I am also a big proponent of). There is a caveat to this design solution which is your room has to be deep enough so that you aren't straining your neck to look up at the TV. And your TV also obviously has to fit above it. Finally, I will say there are no strict design rules as each room, its function and its users are unique so first and foremost do what works for you. 

With a TV over a fireplace, you really have three design approaches. One, you can hide it. 

Two, you can completely own it. Yes, I watch TV and there it is!

Three, you can minimize its effect. 

I think all three can work and it really just depends on the overall room design for what makes the most sense. I will say that cords always should be hidden!

Have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!

hiding TV: via Elle Decor - via Carla Aston Designs - via House Beautiful - via A Thoughtful Eye
owning TV: via Lonny - via Lonny - by Urrutia Designs - via I'm Busy Procrastinating 
minimizing TV: via The Little Green Notebook - source unknown - by Emily Henderson - via Carla Aston Designs

fixer upper season 2

I must not have been the only person to enjoy the pilot season of HGTV Fixer Upper as Chip and Joanna Gaines are back for round two. Airing Tuesday nights at 8 PM central, the show's format is pretty much the same as the first season which I think is a good thing (see my original post about the show here). Chip and Joanna are just so easy to watch as they seem to be genuine people who truly enjoy what they do. Below is a selection of my favorite home transformations from both seasons one and two. 

This house was maybe in the worst condition of any of the homes featured on season one. The house had been abandoned for several years and was probably close to being condemned. Miraculously, Chip and Joanna were able to bring it back to life and make it a great home for their carpenter and his young family. 

In episode eleven of season one, the Gaines undertook this outdated country home and I just love the exterior transformation. And that tree!

The last episode of season one is maybe my favorite to date.  The architecture of this particular home was just so unique and desperately needed to be saved and preserved. 

In the first episode of season two, the Gaines did a really nice job of giving back character to this historic bungalow. I especially like the paint color with the natural wood accents as well as the landscaping.

In this week's episode, Chip and Joanna were tasked with renovating this horrible exterior very clearly from the 80s. And while its still not great (bad bad bad proportion and scale) its about a thousand times better. 

If your interested in seeing more - watch the show! And check out the Magnolia Homes website as well as Joanna's blog.

Have a great weekend everyone and happy watching!