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

wood stoves

One of things we are most excited about with our new (old) house is the wood burning stove. We got to try it out this weekend as it was a bit chilly and it did not disappoint. It warmed the whole house quite nicely and produced a lovely smell that made me very much look forward to colder months ahead spent by the fire. 

from top left - source unknown - design by Nicoline Olsen via Bolig Magasinet - source unknown - styling by Hilary Robertson via REMODELISTA - via Sugar & Charm - via Mechant Studio - via House to Home

fireplaces part 2

The two fireplaces I am working on are similar in the following ways:
- made of brick
- there is A LOT of brick

House A's fireplace is in the main living room, made of a white, gray brick and is double height so probably 20' high by 8' wide. The house is undergoing a complete remodel for a young family who want an open concept home that is a mix of modern and traditional. House B's fireplace is a pass through design placed between the formal dining room and the kitchen, painted a taupe color and is probably 10' high by 12' wide on both sides. This home is in an updating stage (changing paint colors, planning for a large kitchen remodel etc.). The couple who just happen to be my parents (hi mom) have always been unhappy with the fireplace - never the right color, barely used etc. I would describe the current decor of our family home as "traditional - comfy". My mom would like to start to move away from the traditional to more of a "transitional - comfy" style.

For House A, I am thinking that the fireplace should be more of a subtle statement. The shear surface area of the the brick is rather overwhelming and to make it a real statement piece would greatly restrict the design and selection of other elements in the room (furniture, lighting, flooring etc.). I like the idea of it blending in with the walls either by covering it with drywall or maybe just painting it a high gloss white. I also think moving the hearth off the floor could go a long way to update it. Sort of like these images:

1. East London fireplace of Abigail Ahern via SF Girl by Bay  2. Brick House by Clare Cousin Architects image by Shannon McGrath  3. Interior design by Studio Bakker  4. Karlavagen 76 (Oscar Properties) via Husligheter

For House B, I am less sure about what my parents are really looking for as the fireplace updating is part of a greater remodel that has not yet been totally worked out. One option would be to do stacked stone which I know my Mom really likes. For this approach, I would suggest keeping it to one color tone most likely a dark gray. Another option, would be to do a wood treatment like images 3 and 4 illustrate below. Lastly and most simply, the fireplace could be painted either white or a dark gray and a simple wood mantle could be added. I have also encouraged my parents to consider changing the form of the fireplace by either removing one side or face of the firebox (the one that faces the entry) to open it up a bit or even moving the whole firebox up so that it is roughly 4' off the ground. See below:

1. Open Mills Valley Home by Tineke Triggs image via Houzz  2. Fireplace design by Charles Rose Architects image via Houzz  3. Villa V by Paul de Ruiter Architects image via ArchDaily  4. Catherine Memmi Summer House image via Houzz  5. Image via New England Home  6. Portola Valley home by The Office of Charles de Lisle  7. Nicklas Rudfell via Apartment Therapy  8. Canadian House and Home  design by Sasha Seymour