who likes to decorate? Help needed :)

[shortstax]

I'm embarrassingly inept at decorating. because of my lack of decision-making on decor, our home is still really bare. anyone want to help me decorate with suggestions?

first up--something to go over our fireplace. it's a huge space and I've been putting off decorating it for years.

budget for artwork would be approx $250.


any ideas, links,or suggestions?

ps- the mantle is just an odd shelf hung by the prior owners. any suggestions of links or inspiration to change that is absolutely welcome as well

[Deleted]

What kind of artwork are you into? Colors you would want? Is it important to you to have something original?

[dr.girlfriend]

I would use that cash to build a real mantle. It would have a much bigger impact on the room.

hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com/2011/10/revisiting-our-fireplace-diy-projects.html

[shortstax]

Dec 29, 2012 11:12:22 GMT -5 @ruralrabbit1 said:

What kind of artwork are you into? Colors you would want? Is it important to you to have something original?

thats the thing, I'm not really into art. DH has requested nothing floral. I realize color is absolutely needed in the room, so suggestions are welcome

[rubytue]

I'd put up a real mantle. Do you happen to have an architectural salvage store nearby? We have an awesome one in Baltimore, and if I didn't have a mantle, I'd be picking up an antique one there.

[shortstax]

Dec 29, 2012 11:15:24 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

I would use that cash to build a real mantle. It would have a much bigger impact on the room.

hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com/2011/10/revisiting-our-fireplace-diy-projects.html

I like that mantle. many I need to check out more blogs for inspiration.

[Deleted]

What style is your house? I'd get rid of that shelf and buy/have someone build a simple fireplace surround before buying anything to go above it.

Something like the image I attached from this website.

tileartcenter.com/fireplace-tile-installation-in-fort-collins

Then once that's done, I'd probably put a large mirror above it. I can offer more specific options once I know what style your house is/what you like.

[ssmjlm]

I agree with Dr. G, I would build a surround and mantel.

DH rebuilt ours a couple years ago, it's 100x better than what was there. www.wivesunscripted.com/2012/07/26/fireplace-upgrade/

[Deleted]

I'd redo the mantle first if possible. I'd go for a large mirror, probably set onto the mantle and leaned against the wall. Color can come from what's on the mantle, make sure to add some height and dimension to it. Tallest towards the outside.

[shortstax]

you ladies are right. thanks for the new perspective. while standing here looking at it, I think I've been putting off artwork/decor selection because I hate what would be under it.

can any of you suggest any other decor blog to look at to decide what I want one I've updated the mantle situation?

ps- my house doesn't have style yet. pottery barn ultra light, perhaps

[shortstax]

we do have an arch salvage. I'll check that out!

[Deleted]

I just search pinterest.

[thatgirl]

Have a entire fireplace surround built, I would strongly consider floor to ceiling.

Put up WINDOW TREATMENTS. The color and texture will help fill in the void of the space.

When it comes to decor. do not get hung up, buy it, try it, move on. I have had custom things made, created for our home and my LOVE for it faded over a few years and I get ready to try something new or our needs change. I donate the $$$ to charity, they auction off the items as part of fundraising.
Remember it is just stuff! Good luck

[mellymel]

Yes, absolutely build out that mantle and surround first. It will add so much to the room. A big framed mirror would look good above the fireplace, or Pier 1 has good large impactful art in your price range that may also look great above it.

[mellymel]

Or for art/decor, check out Home Goods for good bang for your buck. And like PP said, that way if you don't love it anymore in 5 yrs you won't feel guilty about trading it out.

[WOT?*]

i also like www.houzz.com for ideas.

I'm with those who said build a mantel for impact and get rid of that silly little shelf. Put up window treatments on the windows flanking the fireplace and go from there. Our old house had oak floor-to-ceiling and I loved it in the center-hall colonial we had. The style wouldn't be cost or time-prohibitive either since it was primarily panels and molding. Our current house has a niche above the fireplace where our TV is placed and oak floor-to-ceiling wouldn't match so while I love the look and the idea it depends on your taste and decorating and house styles.

[hbomdiggity]

Dec 29, 2012 11:15:24 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

I would use that cash to build a real mantle. It would have a much bigger impact on the room.

this. a mantel/surround is needed before any artwork is purchased.

[stephm0188]

Yes, yes. Mantel first. The curtains.

What's across from the fireplace? A mirror should reflect something interesting. If I hung a mirror over ours, it would reflect the hallway to the kitchen and garage door. Not really something I'd want to highlight.

[Deleted]

Something that has helped me decorate a very neutral house--try to stay with same neighborhood of colors for the house as a whole.

Then find something you love for each room (big or small) and decorate around that item--otherwise there are just too many choices.

[dr.girlfriend]

Can we see the larger room? It reminds me a lot of the living room of myst33 on the old boards, she had great taste.

myst33.weebly.com/