well to get the modern look, i would change the light. modern craftsman is what i would look for. maybe slip cover the chairs to the table . for the fire place maybe build up the mantel surround to soften it, but i wouldnt paint it.

This is a lovely pair of craftsman rooms and I am thinking about how to get them to read as one space. I know you're not crazy about the yellow but it does look quite harmonious. What if you considered a less mustardy yellow for the lounge room walls, with a low sheen to bounce a bit of light around. Then, do the ceiling in half strength of that, but in a flat. Take the grey-blues in the fireplace and lounge chairs into the dining room with accessories-table mats or vases or somethings in grey-yellow-white. Take the mustard of the dining room into the lounge room with accessories- cushions or vases or somethings in mustard-yellow-grey-white. Can you run to a new floor rug as well? I'd like to see your lounge furniture grouped around a rug towards the bay end of the room. And the rug? You guessed it: grey-mustard-yellow-white. Love your floor lamp. I agree with flair lighting don't paint the fireplace! Your grey accessories would harmonise with it. Thanks for sharing your rooms.

I would paint the fireplace brick a charcoal grey and the room a lighter gray. Spray paint the fireplace doors stainless steel.

Yes, I would paint the ceiling the same color as the walls.

You could also consider painting the fireplace the same color as the walls, but painting only the mantle a dark gray.
[houzz=][houzz=][houzz=[houzz=]

Your ideabook shows you like wallpaper. How about picking out a fabulous wallpaper for either the top or bottom of the chair rail in the dining room, then use one of the wallpaper colors in the living room?

Yes I like the idea of painting the ceiling the same as the walls. I agree that brick look doesn't belong. Consider tiling the brick instead of painting.

Thank you, how can I get that glossy look in the attached Family room photo on the fireplace? Is it a glaze? I couldn't find exact details on how to recreate the look?

the glossy look is just the sealant on the brick it's. It's a high gloss finish

Here is what the architect says:

"it is Endicott Manganese Ironspot face brick, thin."

So, the brick is not painted. It is glazed brick. See how there are variations in it. You could get somewhat a similar look by painting it and glazing, but you are never going to get the richness and variations that this brick brings.

More comments on your fireplace....just my observation....I don't think it was well-thought out. It looks like it doesn't "fit" the angled space. Here is why:

-note how the hearth does not return to the walls. There is an odd gap between the end of the hearth and the walls.

-same with the brick

-I can't tell on the mantle.

-the fireplace is too diminutive and traditional compared to the very heavy beams.

If you want that fireplace to be a real showpiece, I would recommend getting it refaced and these angles corrected and/or bringing the new brick/stone up to the ceiling.

Here are some angled fireplaces that feel like they fit in the space. Not all your style, just showing how they worked with the angles.


[houzz=[houzz= https://www.houzz.com/photos/210-cranston-gate-se-contemporary-living-room-calgary-phvw-vp~2623979[houzz=]

Really lovely Craftsman rooms. I believe fireplaces are generally designed to be the focal point. Yours looks a little lost. The furniture does not focus toward the fireplace and appears scattered in the room. A rug would help to ground the furniture. The chairs and ottomans just seem to fight with the Craftsman style. I don't think refacing the fireplace to a more modern style is appropriate for the room. Check houzz photos for Craftsman fireplaces- you will find lots of inspiration, as well as furniture ideas.

An area rug would help to ground your room and bring everything together. We have many rugs in our collection that may work for you. Here are a few ideas:







Feel free to check out our profile page for more ideas!

Good luck,

Capel Rugs

Thank you all for your ideas! The previously posted photos were with the previous owners furniture. Here are some with what I have so far. I do need a rug. I am thinking greys and mustard to tie into the adjacent rooms? I am planning to replace coffee table with an upholstered ottoman but will hang on to these sofas for now.