Monday, January 5, 2015

Living Room Feature Wall: Part I

Making the decision to move from the city to the country 3 1/2 years ago was a no brainer for us. The only hard part was leaving our historic home full of character and charm that we had grown to love dearly and had fixed up to make our own. If only we could have just moved the house!

Our home in the country is just a few years old which is awesome (the windows don't leak!), but it lacks the character that we really miss about our old house in the city. Ever since we moved out here, we've been trying to incorporate charm into our home little by little, and have always wanted to create a big built-in shelving unit on the feature wall in our living room.

It took us 3 1/2 years to decide what to do, but finally we are getting started! Phase 1 was creating a focal point in the center of the room with our electric fireplace and some old reclaimed wood David received in exchange for helping out a friend with a project last summer (which made our project super cheap - can't beat that!). 


David was the brains and brawn behind this phase of the project, so I mostly just supervised. He gets all the credit here. It turned out great!


The fireplace is at the very center of the living room/kitchen open area and really anchors the space. We are still deciding on whether or not to put a mantle and artwork up or keep it clean and minimal as is. I think as we go along with the rest of the project we will get a better idea of exactly how we want the fireplace to look.

We are getting started on the next phase right now, but this will take a bit longer since it involves more prep work with the materials. Here's a sneak peek - any guesses as to what it may be?? :)


~Tammy

33 comments:

  1. I'm surprised you don't have a wood-burner out there: we had one in the cellar of our old place years ago; that, and gas cooking with pilot lights. During the so-called Y2K (which terrified everybody), we were oblivious and even decided only to light candles for a few days, just not to know if society crumbled when we weren't looking (sadly, it didn't: probably the worst thing to happen this century). I would always be afraid that if the power went out, there was no auxiliary way to heat, except for piles of cats and animals, which is cheaper than wood-burning and better for the environment.
    You could still make hidden panels in that wood fireplace. But the things sticking out of the side, I don't know what they are yet. You guys are always busy around there—you're still so young and full of energy.
    (I see that giant cat in the first picture, sniffing a chair or something.)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love it! Looks beautiful. Great inspiration for in my house as we don't have a wood or gas stove (yet) but have been thinking about an electric one for our lower level. This would be an easy weekend project once we collected all the materials!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's gorgeous.
    But have no idea about the next phase....shelves?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Tammy, happy new year! Loving that fireplace/chimney, it's made it a real focal point for the room.
    Janie x

    ReplyDelete
  5. That is SO creative. It definitely adds massive character!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love it! It gives the room a warm cozy look. Can't imagine what the other part will be.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That turned out awesome. Gosh, what a change! The wood is lovely as is. Doesn't need a mantle or anything else to distract from it. I'm guessing some sort of shelves out to the side. Look forward to finding out. Happy New Year! Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh wow I love it! Definitely transforms the fireplace into the focal point of your room!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well, look who's back! :) Love what you did around your fireplace. Looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, looks great.
    Looking forward to what is next. :-)
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh my goodness-- this absolutely GORGEOUS!

    Well done you two!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. I absolutely love this! What a perfect addition to your home, it seems just perfect! Also, loving that egg photo sitting next to the fireplace :)
    Happy New year!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Tammy, Love phase one, can't wait to see phase 2. Happy 2015!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Tammy, I love what your did around your fireplace. The reclaimed wood looks beautiful. A great makeover.. have a happy day!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looks awesome! The reclaimed wood gives it a really nice look.
    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  16. oh WOW, i LOVE that! can't wait to see the rest and no, i have no idea! happy new year!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Tammy, I think of you often and am so excited to see an update from you!
    You guys did great - I love the look!!!
    You have me stumped on the next phase, my first thought was re-bar when I saw it. I look forward to finding out.
    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  18. It's good to see you back! Hope you had a good holiday. I LOVE the look of it right now. Awesome job David!

    ReplyDelete
  19. That makes quite a statement! So glad to see you posting again. We've missed you!

    ReplyDelete
  20. It's looking so great! I vote to put a mantle in it but I'm just partial to decorating mantles. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Tammy - so happy to see that you are blogging again! Love your fireplace - so beautiful with the reclaimed wood. Glad you are back! xo Karen

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Tammy it is good to see you here blogging again. I love the fireplace makes a great center piece catches the eye that's for sure.
    Enjoy
    Sheila x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love the updates and the fireplace is a BEAUTIFUL focal point in your room. Can't wait to see the rest! :) Missed you my friend, happy 2015!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Whooohooooo You're back! I am so happy to see you. LOVE the fireplace, it looks great! Is that re-bar sticking out of the side? Interesting, can't wait to see phase 2

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Tammy - I'm so happy to see you back, although I've been pretty absent, too! I love your fireplace so far - it's got some great rustic charm. I can't wait to see phase 2!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have always loved your eye for simple style. We live in a newer home also, and I totally get the "it lacks character" feel!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love the way its boarded up above the fireplace.

    ReplyDelete
  28. It's beautiful!! I love the clean, minimal look of it too! Can't wait to see what else y'all come up with!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. My friend!! I so wish your blog had stopped appearing on my dashboard. I always think you've stopped blogging and then I visit and see that you still are. Maybe I need to follow by email or something. How've you been??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just unfollowed and then immediately re-followed. Let's see if that works :)

      Delete
  30. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. ~ Toko Online Jual Lemari Arsip ~

    ReplyDelete
  31. The fireplace is at the very center of the living room/kitchen open area and really anchors the space. Look very good and amazing. Now it's time to avail vacuum sealer bags for more information.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for visiting! We enjoy reading each and every one of your lovely comments.