Large feature wall - light or dark mantel/bookcases?

12 years ago

We purchased a 1979 ranch style home. The attached photo shows renovations made by previous owners - painted the brick wall white, turned the original wet bar into a reading nook (interior wood painted white), and added a dark mantel.

I like the painted brick; however, the overall look seems unbalanced and the mantel does not fit the overall style of the home.

How would you transform this space while staying true to the more modern style of the home? (We are leaning towards having symmetrical bookcases built on either side and replacing the mantel; however, I cannot decide whether these should be stained a dark brown to stand out or painted white to blend with the brick.)

Featured Answer

vsraymer
Original Author

12 years ago

Thank you so much for your ideas! It is especially helpful having a visual of the dark wood idea. I only found examples with painted wood online (see attached):

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Comments (9)

PRO
User
12 years ago
even the mantel is a different finish lol. i would have them all match the color of the mantel
PRO
Sustainable Dwellings
12 years ago
I would paint the other shelf unit and add a brushed stainless face on the fireplace.( You could sell that surround on Craigslist, or somewhere). I would stay away from the "sunburst" mirrors and such.
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PRO
Warner Decor
12 years ago
LOVE Flair Lighting's idea of a round mirror over the mantel! Here are a few that I think would look good:

http://deciture.com/lux-coco-shell-round-mirror/ (Love this one because of how unique it is)

http://deciture.com/serenity-wall-mirror/

http://deciture.com/sophia-embellished-wall-mirror/

I think these would make a real statement in the room! Hope this helps you!
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
The two unmatched shelving systems are really making it seem unbalanced. I'd put the TV installation in the one on the left. All the mechanicals for operating TV can go beneath behind the doors. Then put full doors on the right one for a useful closet. Remove the surround and install a ventless gel or alcohol insert if the FP is really only decorative and not for serious heating.
PRO
PPF.
12 years ago
The 2 spaces look to be different widths -- are they? Will you have a TV somewhere?

The raised hearth looks out of place
vsraymer
Original Author
12 years ago
We have our tv in an armoire on the opposite wall; however, the previous owners used the bookcase for their entertainment center. Our thought is to have bookcases built with a deep base to make the raised brick stand out less.
vsraymer
Original Author
12 years ago
The bookcase is 6 inches wider than the recessed nook. Also, the fireplace opening is not centered between the two sides - about 4 more inches of brick on the nook side.
marshc05
12 years ago
I would paint all white or off white; you wont notice the difference in the one bigger than the other when they are lighter and it's nice not to have matchy matchy all the time; also I would put a flat screen on top of FP..with the FP painted white as well. It will give the room a French country feel but modern with the flat screen and white paint. I did this with our bay house and got white pleather chairs with chocolate brown accents..it's beautiful..good luck.