Help for the Family Room

13 years ago

I need some serious help in decorating this family room. Eventually, I will get custom drapes, an area rug, a cabinet, and a coffee table, but here is my issue.

I hate (well, seriously dislike) the fireplace. Our house was a new build and it came out completely different than I pictured it. Since it's too late to turn back, thought about restaining the trim and shelves a different color, repainting the bricks, etc. Need suggestions please! I also have no idea what to put on the shelves by the fireplace. I've been trying a few different things, but I don't like any of it. The empty space above the TV where the two windows are is driving me crazy. Should I put something there, or leave it as it is? Thank you!!

Featured Answer

nikitasmom

13 years ago

If I hold my hands over the shelving the fireplace looks very nice. I would add doors to the bottom shelves and add shelves to the uppers. Or you can add metal art as seen here. http://gresshomestay.com/2012/12/great-room-design/designs-with-tv-and-fireplace-great-room-designs-living-room-designs/

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Comments (8)

glillian
13 years ago
I would paint it the same color as the walls. Leave the wood as is... Just my opinion and not a professional at all! Good luck.
Jen
13 years ago
Wow this is a great space! If you don't need the storage space you could make the boxes on either side of the fireplace into photo shadow boxes. Another option would be to paint the inside of the spaces to create a defined shelf/built in bookcase type thing and add a shelf in the middle of each one mirroring the ones below. For the windows you could create a border around each of them that is the same color as the shelves using the same paneling that is around the floor. This could be done around all of the windows as well. If you use appropriate colors this has the potential to make the existing fireplace look appealing.
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shionan
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks glillian that's a great idea, I was thinking about that. They have a paint specifically for the stone work that I have been researching. Jenhendricks, that's a great idea. Maybe that would ease some of the pain of trying to find accessories for all those shelves. I have plenty of pictures! :) Would you recommend painting the inside of the areas where all the shelves are or jus the top ones?
shionan
Original Author
13 years ago
Oooh, I like that nikitasmom! Thanks for the link! I think the doors would probably give it a little more character. So maybe it's the shelves that are the problem and not the fireplace.
Jen
13 years ago
I would say paint both to give it a more tailored look. But I like the idea of the doors. If you get cabinet doors that are not flat front you could paint the inlay to match the upper shelves to, again, make it more tailored. Also if you can't find a great color you can also whitewash or stain the stone on the fireplace to get it where you want it.
Jen
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
In the upper shelves you could put in recessed lighting and use opaque glass shelves so the light could filter down but not reflect. Kinda like this
Peter Danko Kitchen · More Info
shionan
Original Author
13 years ago
I love the idea of the recessed lighting. I already have a few outlets on the shelves so maybe that would be an easy fix since the electrician could tap into the existing outlets. Thank you so much! I'm going to get an estimate for that. I think I'll also do a search on built-ins as well.

You all are so awesome. Thanks so much for your help. I've gotten some really good ideas.