Looks great

Yes, very nice change!

I like the wood on the mantle MUCH better. And I agree with Darzy about the layout of the furniture re: how it faces your main entry and the dining area. Good move!!!!

See these designs, they might inspire you!

Thanks everyone. I actually do like it. I need to readjust my area rug and center the framed picture on the wall. I still need to pick out stone for the fireplace. I will send pictures before purchasing. You guys have been with me from the beginning. I need you to help me through until the bitter end.

@ Angelica - I like the first photo with the dark stone. I worry the dark stone would be too much of a contrast in my room though.

The natural wood mantle and legs are gorgeous! As well as those barn doors! If your looking to reface and even extend the fireplace to the ceiling, stone veneers would be the way to go. We have done many fireplace refacings over brick and existing stucco or tile. Here are some examples of refacings, either half or full length, all done with 100% natural stone. Would definitely suggest keeping the natural wood mantle. For more examples click here.

@ ErthCoverings - Wow! Great examples. I am drawn to the dark stone. I also like the very last one. Can you give me the names of those? I would like to get some samples. THANKS.

Hi Carrie, the darker stone is the 18F Springwood Black 3D, the darker brown stone is the 24F Outback Brown 3D and the last image is the 40F Cream Quartzite. For samples you can go to our website and include your address and the samples you would like and we will gladly have them sent to you! The form to fill out is here

I just filled out the form online and am looking forward to receiving the samples. If I like one of them, can I order directly from you? Thanks.

Hi Carrie,

Thank you for acknowledging our comments. It's very gracious.

This may already have been mentioned. I noticed a comment about how we were redoing your whole house!

Everything is so beautiful in your home. In keeping with my first comment, the example of the stone fireplace in a photo, the walls and windows are painted the same color, and even though there is a lot of detail in the millwork, the fireplace stands out.

The wall looks a bit crowded, and I don't know if the TV needs to stay. That's BIG factor.

I would suggest some consideration of getting it to flow a bit better by maybe painting the wainscoting a bit closer to the wall color, use shades closer to the wall color, and stone that has variations of lighter color, so there are not so many distinct elements.

I'm not suggesting painting the wall, because I'm thinking it would be a huge job, although maybe the best solution............Ill have to study it a bit more.

I think if that wall was a bit more monochromatic, not so much contrast, the TV would be okay on the stone if it has to be there.

Your room is challenging BECAUSE it is so pretty, and everything has such a quality look, also your beautiful recessed lighting....................

I redecorated a small bathroom years ago.

My boyfriend's house had he main bath in the main hallway near the living room. A NW contemporary split level built in the 70's.

My pet peeve is a bathroom that has a towel rack and toilet paper on the far wall that faces the door. Who wants to look at a towel and the toilet paper when they walk by?

The master had a full bath, and there was one downstairs. The tub and shower in the hall bath had a glass door with towel racks that were plenty.

I removed the towel rack and toilet paper dispenser on the wall. I then cut a small piece of wallboard to fit in the remaining hole. I put a big screw in the middle of the piece so I could fit the piece really tightly, and not have trouble pulling it in and out while fitting, painting, etc.

There have spray can texturing that will match most texture on walls. I spackled and sanded the piece, sanded the screw holes from the towel rack, etc, sprayed the textured very lightly (I had almost a whole can left over) and painted the wall..................................8 times!! It took me forever to find the color I liked.

I put the toilet paper dispenser on the sink cabinet next to the toilet where it was just opposite where it had been, but hidden. Then I put a fabulous painting on the wall! It was so much more pleasant to pass by, and looked so much nicer in that hallway. However, I think the room lost about a quarter inch of length with all those layers of paint!!

Thanks again for allowing our commentary!

I didn't notice the photo of the furniture rearranged. It looks fabulous! The fireplace wall looks great and not diminished by too much decor that was on the left wall, that I see made a big difference in making the fireplace wall looking a bit too overwhelming.

@ smdrovetto- thanks for your comments. I couldn't imagine going through all that to get your bathroom looking just right. That's great that you preserved & was ultimately happy with your outcome. Bravo! The idea of repainting my walls is monumental to say the least. Ha Ha! I like every other aspect of my living area except the fireplace. We spent so much time & money moving the television last summer. My husband wouldn't be happy if I suggested we move it back. However, I do agree that it's not the "ideal" location for most people. It works super well for us. I can cook & watch the news at the same time. That's a win-win for me.
@ ErthCoverings - I'm so excited to get your samples. I just got notice today that they're on there way to me in California. Thank you!!

In the meantime, I went to our local stone yard & gathered some more samples. I am posting a picture to get your feedback & suggestions. The samples are on the top between the tile and television labeled 1-4....(@ STUART MAC TILE --- option # 2 was your recommendation. It finally arrived).

The ones on the hearth are no-go's...

Yes, we took the wood down...but only so my contractor can get to working on the stone veneer. I'm am eagerly awaiting for more samples that are coming in the mail. Will post those pictures as soon as I get them.

Hi Carrie, sorry I've been out of the loop for a while. I have Fibromyalgia, and some times it knocks me down for a while (more often than I'd like to admit).

Any who, you've been busy. I LOVE that you moved the couch! I knew moving it was a good idea, but you took it much further. Way to go. It opens up the living area and is now even more inviting. The position before seem to block off the room, almost gave the feeling that pony walls were built around it.

You did a great job on the wood around the fireplace, it looks like you went with a charcoal color, but it's hard to tell on my screen. I don't think anyone liked the xxxx.

Regarding the brick, even though I think a lighter color would be good, I like the #1 in your photo. Do you have a preference to shape? Even though you have some rustic wood elements in the room, I'm looking more at your couch, chairs and coffee table in choosing the rock. I'm thinking that the smoother edges and the more symmetrical lines (like the first 3) of the stone would be better than the more rustic look of the 4th one. I'm also thinking the smaller rock would be too busy (though I like the color). Third one might blend in too much with paint color on the wall.

Are you happy with the way things have been moving along. That, of course is whats most important. Your doing an amazing job. High five to you, girl!

Oh, by the way, your decor for your entry way is beautiful.

@ Jo - Thank you so much. I am sorry to hear about your Fibromyalgia. I know that can be painful. I am glad that you were able to check in on me and provide feedback. I love the stone cut on #1. I fear it may be too dark. I am still waiting on some more samples. A fellow Houzzer is sending me samples from Canada. ;)

Please stay healthy and come back soon.

The space looks better. I think you should put stone on the fireplace. Less is definitely more. Big improvement.

Oh, I would add a grey stone to blend into the room and not create a huge contrast. Have you looked for ledge stone?

The time has finally come! A huge thanks to ErthCoverings for sending their stone samples. They came so professionally wrapped and presented very well on boards. I'm impressed! I have a total of 5 stones to choose from. I also have hearth choices. I need your help. Please let me know what you all think. This is decision time!!!

The mantel is going to be cut to fit the space. It is also resting on it's side therefore it looks out of proportion. I sanded the heck out of the wood and it's in it's "natural" state. I put a sample stain on the far end of it.

The stones are labeled in black and the stones for the hearth are labeled in blue.

I am looking forward to seeing what you all think. Thanks.

I'm thinking and still deciding on your stone choices. But, I went back and looked at your last photo with the new layout. I must say your rework on the wood mantel looks quite nice and works with the current tile beautifully. Are you sure you need to replace now that the mantel is different?

@ Darzy - I've missed you. Thanks for coming back. Yes, my husband dislikes the peachy toned tiles and frankly, so do I. In looking at the picture you just posted, I must say, it looks good. The mantel will be dark again. I look forward to hearing what your thoughts are. Have a great day.

Here is a picture of what the stones look like up close:

From ErthCOVERINGS:

From my local stone yard:

The stone is a much better option compared to the current tile

@ ERT Architects Inc. Is there one stone in particular you like best for my house? Thanks for the comment and yes, I agree.

Oh my! On my laptop, your current tile looks nice. On my desktop computer it is definitely an unwanted peachy tone! I vote ErthCoverings number 3, Nice texture, and the color works nicely with the sofa and rug. Plus, I like the contrast with the dark wood mantel. Plus, it's a bit more transitional than rustic and you already have plenty of rustic features.

@ Darzy - and in person it is really "peachy"

I love #3 and my husband wants #1. What's a girl to do?? I will keep you posted.

Number 1 was my second choice and I could state my case for #1 as well. I love the interesting variation of colors, the rustic look works with the mantel and also the barn doors. If you want to lean more "rustic" than transitional, #1 can work beautifully as well. Do you like #1 too? It will, of course "darken" the area but that may not be a bad thing.

@ Darzy - I do like #1. My contractor has a stone guy who can cut the stones to create a straighter/cleaner line (thus a little less rustic). I don't think we can afford to go all the way up the wall, so it will only be a small amount of stone.

Yep - #1, is my vote.

Carrie, my first choice would be #4, I like the variation of colors in it and it certainly goes with the room. However, I see your between #1, for your husband and #3 for yourself.

The color he likes will blend in more to the wall coloring and the room. The effect would be very subtle compared to the white that you like, which will stand out beautifully, especially with the creamy white couches in the room.

(I do think the cleaner lines on #1 would be a good idea if you went with it)

Would your husband hate it if you went with the white? Because you have to live with him :)

@ Jo -

My husband let me pick the tile and he has never let me forget that. Ha Ha. I think he is going for subtle more than contrast. We are still discussing stone choices. I hope to have the decision by the end of this weekend.

I haven't posted in a while but I've been watching your dilemma and I'm so impressed with how far you've come. I like #4 because of all the different colors which bring in the many colors of wood you have in the room. The lighter colors are very pretty but I'm afraid they'll look blah. I know whatever you choose, will be gorgeous. Can't wait to see.

It's been a week and all is quiet. How are you doing Carrie? Just checking to see if your o.k.. Hope you're not exhausted from all of this.

@ Jo- hi there! I've been a busy bee. My fireplace is almost done. We went with stone #1. It was local and our contractor got a great deal for us. It's almost ready to debut. I hope you all love it lol me I do. It should be completed by tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Yippee! It's going to look great! I was going to say I wanted to change my vote to a firm #1. It will be great with the mantel too.

Can't wait.

We are all waiting on pins and needles!

Okay - It's not 100% finished but it's close enough.....

Yikes...I'm scared for the feedback. Good or Bad....let me know.

I love the stone on the fireplace. Not crazy about the hearth, but my husband LOVES it, so having him happy, makes me happy. He added stone enhancer to a few stones on the hearth. Some are darker than others. It won't stay that way.

Tada...

Gorgeous!!!

NICE!!!!!!

Absolutely stunning. Congratulations. I hope you're feeling good about it. Love the hearth too.

I had to scroll through to see what you finally did, what a cliffhanger. Looks beautiful. I doubt I would be nearly so nice with people telling me to move this and edit that when you asked a simple fireplace question. Personally if I was going to leave it as the before I would of painted the mantel monochromatic. But there is no right or wrong in decorating, just your happiness. I am gonna replace my fireplace tiles as I despise them, with stone, I love your new look. Here's where I am now, I completely redecorated this entire house, I married into it and my husbands ex wife had the kitchen painted the color of baby poo. lol

Oh Carrie, it looks so beautiful. You made the right choice, the stone looks wonderful in your living room. It's the crowning piece in the room, it now looks complete! Sit back, put your feet up (which I'm sure you have already done) and RELAX......

I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who helped and guided me through this process. It wouldn't have been accomplished with our your suggestions.

Not to worry, we had allot of fun helping. We enjoyed talking with you.

God bless, Jo

You're the best OP I've "met". Great attitude and very receptive to suggestions. And, your feedback was really appreciated. Best wishes to you and your family.

Because we had SO MUCH success with our fireplace, and lets face it, our Living Room remodel too, my husband and I want your advice for our "office/extra room" space. I will start a new thread, but want to make sure you guys are involved. How do I do that? Stay tuned. I am sick right now, but as soon as I feel better, I will take some photos and we will let the decorating begin.

Oh goodie. A new Carrie Sty dilemma. Feel better Carrie. I'm just now feeling better after three weeks. Hope you don't have the same thing I've had. Before you leave this thread and start your new one, post one last comment here and we'll all get a notification so we'll know you've started your new one. We'll be there with you. Thanks for your confidence in us.

You may want to consider changing the proportions of the vertical side wood to balance with the width of the horizontal wood . This will make it feel more substantial and less brick exposed.

Tarey

just change the tile and get the big heavy stuff off the mantel

Thanks jtconst35. We did exactly that. ;)