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

open metal shelving

One kitchen trend I can really get behind is open metal shelving. Whether it is brass, iron, copper or chrome - I love the added interest and texture it brings to a space. Also unlike solid cabinetry, it makes a kitchen feel more open and brighter while still providing a cost effective storage solution. Below are more than a few favorite examples. 

from top left - Hawaiian vacation home designed by Michelle R. Smith via DOMAINE - retail brass shelving via source unknown - commercial brass shelving via DISC JOURNAL - 1930s French Bistro Shelving via Restoration Hardware - LA home of Gwyneth Paltrow via Popsugar - full height iron shelving via COCO COZY - home of Susan Greenleaf via Lonny - industrial kitchen design by Ingrid Oomen via Style At Home - home of Lauren Liess - 2012 Kitchen of the Year via House Beautiful - DIY copper shelving via Apartment Therapy

tips for shopping at IKEA

We are planning a quick trip up to Chicago in the near future and I am debating an IKEA visit. I hadn't trolled the mega store's website in a while and found some pretty cool new pieces that might be worth a detour.

I think the key to shopping at IKEA is to know that it shouldn't ALL come from IKEA. You should be selective and think about what elements you can mix in to elevate a particular item. My big generally rule is to hone in on more accent pieces rather than major staple items as 1.) I would worry about the quality of say a sectional and 2.) their pieces tend to be more on trend and its nice to be able to purchase these types of items without making a huge investment. To further speak to point number 1, I look at items where quality control is maybe not as big of an issue. For example, I probably won't buy a large area rug from IKEA for fear of it shedding all over the place and quickly falling apart. I would (and have) purchase a cowhide as it is obviously a natural material that is pretty much the same whether you buy it for $200 or $1000. To further elaborate on point number 2, I would not plan a space around an IKEA item or if I did I would use it as more of a stand in item while I searched for its replacement. This is because again a nervousness about quality and use but also because I think great spaces are full of items meant to last. You can just sort of feel a richness and depth to a space when it contains pieces that were handcrafted and produced/selected with care. 

Take this MELLBY chair for example. 

MELLBY chair

This is what I might regard as a great stand in piece. You could purchase one or a pair of these chairs and they could look amazing in a space. Upholstered chairs are, however, more of a staple piece than an accent item. Meaning that if used a lot or placed in direct sun it will most likely show wear fairly quickly and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Perhaps with this Goodland chair from Design Within Reach which looks almost exactly like it but will most likely stand the test of time and wear much better. 

Goodland Armchair 

Another example of a stand in piece would be this STOCKHOLM swivel chair. 

STOCKHOLM swivel chair

Now this chair I would guess might wear better than the MELLBY because its velvet and not such a dark color. If/when it needed replacing I would look to something vintage because it has sort of a mod 70's vibe to it. Something like these Milo Baughman swivel tube chairs for Thayer Coggin.

via 1st Dibs

Another vintage inspired/reproduction IKEA item is this ARJEPLOG light. 

ARJEPLOG light

For me, this light is more of an "on trend" item that I might eventually want to replace with something different. However, it is a copy of a very classic design by Stilnovo. 

Diabolo pendant by Stilnovo via First Dibs

Other current IKEA items that I just like and could work as more accent pieces include this funky little outdoor bench...

PS 2014

This interesting floor lamp...

TUVE

And this media unit which I think could be cool used as a bench...

STOCKHOLM media unit

Want to see more IKEA picks? Check out this old post.