need help with fireplace

14 years ago

last modified: 14 years ago

I am having trouble completing the fireplace. It is asymmetrical and just does not look right to me. Help...what can I do to make it look better?

Featured Answer

charleee

14 years ago

The mirror doesn't work for me either, but not because of it's size or shape. You have many beautiful "rustic" elements - the stone, the pottery, even the basket. The mirror is too contemporary looking, and a mirror should reflect a thing of beauty, not just be a mirror.

Try replacing the mirror with a picture, something that includes the colors of the stone and pottery. It needs to have a substantial, but not ornate frame.

The white vase on the mantle is beautiful. Try replacing the white branches with natural ones, and more of them. Bring it and the candleholders closer together. Change the candles for a darker color.

I can understand why you don't want the basket closer to the fireplace but that blank space is bothering me. Perhaps you could exchange the basket for something larger and less flammable?

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Comments (9)

Emma Grinshtat
14 years ago
Your mirror does not work here, it should not repeat shape of the fireplace.
Place wider and shorter mirror or picture symmetrical to the mantel, the top of it should
be either lower (or much higher) than adjacent door frame.
I would print couple pictures and draw some sketches, play with the shapes. You'll figure it out!
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christyhennessey
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you for your comments!!!
PRO
Vikrant Sharma Homez
14 years ago
Hi christyhennessey , please stop being Modest , it looks amazing , but the mirror is boring , have a Abstract Art there , there is a renowned artist Shari Look for her work on Houzz .
feeny
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
Hi Christy,
I agree with others about everything looking great except the mirror. First, having the mirror repeat the exact shape and size of the fireplace isn't as effective as using either a thinner, more horizontal shaped work of art or using two or three smaller pieces in matching frames. You could even do a mantel with no artwork above it, only well placed pottery (see below). Second, the style of the mirror is more Hollywood glam, whereas the rest of the fireplace is all natural materials and more simple style.
Portola Valley Residence · More Info
michigammemom
14 years ago
Love your stacked stone fireplace! I'm in agreement that the mirror is the wrong size and shape...it duplicates the size of your firebox. If you wish to hang a mirror I would suggest a round one.
Round Seaside Mirror · More Info
User
14 years ago
I love your mirror! I think you are being too hard on yourself. I think perhaps if you had a larger object (rounder) or vase on the left side of the mirror perhaps that might be more effective. What about something with color? But, cannot tell if you are using color in the rest of the room. If you are interested in perhaps something that would add color and could become a heirloom, check out the Blenko website. They are one of the last companies in existence in the US that do handblown glass items. I have had a beautiful blue vase since the 70's -still looks modern. They have many shapes and colors.
christyhennessey
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for all the comments! They are very helpful. I actually have a large piece of artwork on the wall that is left of the mirror. There is a slip covered couch there with a large 60X40 colorful piece of art. So the art idea above the fireplace doesn't work I think. I tried a round mirror, the Cyrus mirror, which is a starburst style but more contemporary and it did not work. The style through it off but it was difficult to balance the round with the asymmetry of the fireplace opening. So, I switched it out the the rectangular mirror. Possibly a round mirror that is more rustic in style would be better. But then how do you balance the asymmetry of the fireplace opening?
michigammemom
14 years ago
Center a round mirror over the firebox opening keep your vase and candlesticks.