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emehouse1

Does the fireplace look like a toy ?

10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago

Hi, I've been fortunate to get lots of help from houzz on getting this old house together. On one occasion long ago I posted a picture of this living room and someone commented it fireplace looked like a toy I abandoned this formal living room project but I want to revisit it. I am now willing to accept that it may not be the ideal focal point of this area. Any ideas on what I can place here instead? I am also looking for pillows? I'd like to get something muted that pulls in the rug and maybe a small framed Parisian wall art to put behind the candles if You all think fireplace is ok ??? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance .


Comments (44)

  • 10 years ago

    That seems an odd description, but the low narrow mirror does give the whole thing an odd proportion -- I'd think about a piece of art instead, and probably place it a bit higher in this context. Your arrangement seems the right approach overall.

    emehouse1 thanked acm
  • 10 years ago

    No, I do not think it looks like a toy fireplace. My suggestion would be to have a shorter mirror, even a round one You didn't ask but I can see that you like things symetrical. How would it look if you put your table and lamp on the other end of your love seat? Light blue pillow would look good and maybe use the same color candles in your holders with a pretty low blue dish/bowl on the mantle. The orchid is beautiful but a little tall for your coffee table....maybe carry your blue there with a tray or box or something. May I ask why your drapes are only one way draw? I would prefer a drape on each side of your window. Your room looks so nice and clean and light...I like it.

    emehouse1 thanked erinsean
  • 10 years ago
    Maybe add a credenza...Black would be wonderful...big mirror and lamps like this image!
    You probably can use the existing lamps...look for a larger rug with punches of your favorite colors anything goes when using Black and white..maybe something more traditional and classic to ground the room...have fun it is really a beautiful space to work with.
    emehouse1 thanked zzmom40
  • 10 years ago

    Unfortunately, i am feeling a bit self conscious about this fireplace and I am leaning toward getting rid of it. I like the credenza idea especially since it's so glam :-) we live in Miami beach so Art Deco is the go to style here. Do you really think black would work in this space? I have a credenza in the dining room I maybe able to convince husband to move over to get an idea of preferred size for this area. Would side tables need to go?

  • 10 years ago

    Hi Erin. You are correct I love symmetrical. But the wall space isn't symmetrical so A person on houzz a while ago suggested I push curtains to the side.I have 2 boys ( 2 and 4 years old) tables with lamps on other end would be trouble. I also love the fireplace but I am rediculously bothered by the fact that it isn't real. This is the first area ppl see when walking in so I want it to be impressive.

  • 10 years ago

    I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a toy, but it is a smaller scale than the other furnishings in the room. Could it be raised and/or built out? Unless you really enjoy using it I think I'd just take it out altogether. I see mirrors and/or silver... blue accents.


    emehouse1 thanked ecpt
  • 10 years ago

    Well, you certainly don't need the FP for heat, so removal won't be a great loss and what you replace it with could really be a stunner , with a stunning price tag too, but worth it!


    Living Room Vignette · More Info

    Argentine Buffet · More Info

    Spectacular Sunburst Front Sideboard · More Info

    emehouse1 thanked decoenthusiaste
  • 10 years ago

    I'd consider getting a hanging chandelier in place of the flush mount.

    emehouse1 thanked ecpt
  • PRO
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    If the fireplace is just a plug in type, then get rid of it because it's way too small for the room and your furnishings. If you like the idea of a fireplace there are large 72"+

    electrical horizontal styles that could be purchased to replace it.

    Otherwise, the idea of a credenza with art or mirrors hung above would be a good way to proceed.

    emehouse1 thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    The fireplace does not look like a toy, but how often do you use it in Miami? A mirrored credenza would definitely glam things up. Consider a soft color on the walls such as Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams or something similar (would pull in the color of your lovely rug).

    Move the end table and lamp to the other end of the sofa near the patio (so there's a table/lamp on each end). Add a table behind the sofa nearest the dining area.

    emehouse1 thanked Jillian - Interior design student
  • 10 years ago
    The scale of the fireplace and mirror is off against the scale of your sofas.
    emehouse1 thanked jlhewie
  • 10 years ago

    the main problem is that its setting there, without the baseboard removed behind it, looks like. you can do better with your lovely room.

    emehouse1 thanked Judy Mishkin
  • 10 years ago
    Yes black would look absolutely beautiful!
    Yes the end tables will not be necessary once you put the credenza on that wall and move lamps onto it.. Your cocktail table is sufficient for entertaining and can be used for a place to set beverages. I would get a new mirror doesn't have to be black but has to have some bling to it! Love the black if you would consider it. Once you do that you will need a rug with black accents to Anchor the room. If not traditional go for a big large print more of a glam contemporary style.
    emehouse1 thanked zzmom40
  • 10 years ago

    Hi thanks so much for all the feedback. I'm loving the idea of glam. I absolutely love the black idea but i am feeling a bit shy about such a bold look. I like the mirrored credenza idea and I toke some shots of my mirrored vanity in place of the fireplace. Is it too blah. Would accessories do the trick. I really like zzmom's idea of Being bold. Can the mirrored credenza do the trick with maybe some framed art work and accessories? ive been online browsing and moving somethings around in the living room with the ideas you've all shared. Tell me what u think? Thanks in advance

  • 10 years ago

    My mirrored vanity ( 42 inch wide) with side tables behind couch.

  • 10 years ago

    Mirrored vanity in place where mirrored credenza would go. With side tables at other end of couch

  • 10 years ago

    Credenza found on line which is 70 wide 38 inch high.

  • 10 years ago

    I love all these look. Can my small place pull this off? I like Parisian street or NYC street art . Maybe with some gray/ blue to pull in rug?

  • 10 years ago

    What if you painted the wall a glossy black and then got a mirrored credenza like the third image ecpt posted above. Move your lamps on top of that. Bonus points if the lampshades would then cover up the air vents. Those are bugging me.


    You already have black -- the pillows and your dining room chairs, no?

    emehouse1 thanked Jennifer Dube
  • 10 years ago

    Or something simpler like these

    or black?

  • 10 years ago

    Your room is uber elegant. I found a picture that shows the balance with a credenza and how nice it could look in your room.

    This is not like your room except that it is! Two long seating pieces with credenza as long as the seating pieces. So it could work in your home. Just keep a balance whether it is symmetrical or asymmetrical as shown below, they both work.

    Portland Apartment · More Info

    emehouse1 thanked Susan Davis
  • 10 years ago

    Something like that 70" credenza would be great (where you currently have the fireplace)! I think you should try putting both end tables together behind the sofa closest to your dining room. I don't like them out there in the walkway, but that's just me. Then get some nice silk (or silky) drapes in a pale or silvery blue -- if you don't want them on both sides of the window, how about doing a scarf effect so that it hangs halfway down on the door side? Something like this:

    emehouse1 thanked ecpt
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I can see a large sunburst type mirror over the fireplace or a larger piece of art a little wider than the fireplace. Or a group of various sizes of art in an asymmetric arrangement. Don't worry, the art piece does not have to be smaller than the fireplace. The mirror you have is too small for that big blank wall. And you can always flank the fireplace with 2 matching tall vase/pots if it needs it.

    emehouse1 thanked Lisa Stultz
  • 10 years ago

    Hi jennifer, I would love to make those air vent blend in. They are pretty high up. Here is the measurement of the room.

  • 10 years ago

    On the opposite wall from the fireplace, how about a black bench to replace the small white one you have?

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    No it doesn't. Consider painting the wall charcoal gray.

    emehouse1 thanked Gray & Walter, Ltd.
  • 10 years ago

    How high up are the vents from the floor? How tall are your lamps (I love those lamps by the way).

    emehouse1 thanked Jennifer Dube
  • 10 years ago
    I think the vents are only noticeable because the fireplace is low and the mirror isn't that tall. It leaves way to much blank wall space above, and in that area there is no crown to distract.

    I think if you get rid of the fireplace and replace it with something more substantial, the vent issue will resolve itself.

    The fireplace is definitely too small, but what I really can't get past is that is doesn't look like it is attached to the wall! I have never seen that.
    emehouse1 thanked janedoe2012
  • 10 years ago

    Hi Jennifer, I hate the air vents too. It would be amazing to make them blend in some way... Air vent is 85 inches from ground. The lamps are 38 inches tall.

  • 10 years ago

    The dinning room table,chairs and buffet are a very dark mohogany brown.

  • 10 years ago
    Please no scarf effect on window!
    The small piece of furniture you moved from another room is to small it gives it the same effect the small fireplace did. You need a much larger (longer) piece there. Don't use the small end tables they just don't work in the space...especially if you do get a larger credenza for that wall.
    emehouse1 thanked zzmom40
  • 10 years ago
    Have you tried moving your large credenza from dinning room onto that wall...seems tight in the dinning room...might really do the trick..especially if on tight budget.
    emehouse1 thanked zzmom40
  • 10 years ago
    Hi zzmom,
    I'm willing to invest a bit. The credenza below is 70 wide and 38 inch tall.
    Im still considering some black.
    Willing to change rug if needed. I don't feel comfortable painting a wall black though as some have commented. Place is small and I like the white creamy walls.
  • 10 years ago
    70" is a perfect size..what a impact it could make. I worry a little about mirrored furniture because it is a bit trendy...but very beautiful..if not a Hugh investment mirrored is fun. I agree taking the plung with black walls it a big commitment...wouldn't suggest It for your room right at the front door. Love the creamy white it just needs a burst of dramatic design. You might want to still consider a black classic designed credenza it would be a statement piece for sure.
    emehouse1 thanked zzmom40
  • 10 years ago
    Couple pieces I think would work great in your space....
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I definitely think the fireplace is too small for your big sofas. They're over powering the focal point which is not what you want. You can either get a larger fireplace mantle or you can replace it with a deeper console that you can decorate, a big piece of art, mirrors. There are a lot of options, but I definitely think the fireplace has to go.

    emehouse1 thanked Hibou Design & Co.
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I'm into dark walls; just painted my bedroom Valspar's Urban Pulse (deep charcoal.) The iron bed will be high-gloss black with a charcoal spread. Wing backs at game table will be russet and every available wall will have a floor to ceiling art gallery. That's the plan until I run into some kind of snag. I love black walls too. I went with this charcoal because it appeared to be on the brown side. Not sure that is really so now that it is on the walls. Wanted my brown, olive and russet drapes to work with it and I think they will.

    emehouse1 thanked decoenthusiaste
  • 10 years ago

    Hi Everyone! Thanks for all your feedback. The fireplace is definitely being replaced. I love all the ideas and have been browsing for items/looks that appeal to me. I'll start a new post soon to get advice on what pieces to invest in to achieve the glam look. Thanks Everyone

  • 10 years ago


    Rosewood Media Console · More Info
    I'm leaning towards this console table currently

  • 10 years ago
    Beautiful choice!
    Let the GLAM begin!!
    emehouse1 thanked zzmom40
  • 10 years ago

    Oh the only thing is the regency console is only 34 inches high.... Does that work ?

  • 10 years ago

    Ill start new post now though... Fireplace is gone. Thanks zz mom hope you'll follow