Last Updated on December 24, 2015 by Kristi Linauer
My living room is dressed in its new paint color, and I love it so much I could cry! Seriously, when I came into the living room at about 10:00pm last night after the paint had dried, and I flipped on the light and saw all of that gorgeous color surrounding me, it’s like my mind let out this huge sigh of relief. I finally felt like I was home. The power of color is truly amazing.
So here’s how my walls look now, dressed in the gorgeous rich teal called Mythic Forest by Behr.
Isn’t that gorgeous?! And isn’t that so much more “me” than the brown?
I think it definitely reflects my personality much more than the brown did.
And of course, the sun wasn’t completely up when I took these pictures (yes, I took them at about 7:30 this morning), so the room will be even brighter during the day. But even in the early morning hours, it’s still not dark and depressing. It’s inviting and cozy.
This time I painted all the way around onto the entryway wall. I only had time to paint the teal, though. I still need to paint the white on the lower portion of the wall. Right now, it’s still the original antique white, which is a very depressing color to me.
I apologize that I didn’t clean up my mess for you. 🙂 I almost cleaned up this morning before I took the pictures, but I decided nope, I’m keeping it real. When you finish painting at 9:00pm, and don’t start re-hanging window treatments and putting furniture back until 10:30pm, this is the reality of the situation. So welcome to my reality. 😀
Anyway, I couldn’t be happier with it. I just want to sit in there and stare at it and drink in all of the awesomeness that is teal.
I’m still trying to figure out the whole table lamp/end table/floor lamp/console table situation. I was trying out some different things, so we’ll see where I land on that.
But moving on to the fireplace!!!
I decided to go with an electric fireplace insert for this room, and then build a fireplace around it. Several things went into this decision.
- I didn’t want to pay to have the plumber come out and run gas over to that area. My plumber has gotten quite enough of my money lately, so no more for a while.
- I didn’t want the increased cost of having to build an actual fireproof fire box.
- I didn’t want the potential hassle of having to hire a contractor to build an actual fireproof fire box.
- This room really doesn’t need additional heat. When the furnace is on, I get hot in this room, even when other rooms are colder.
- When we remodel the sunroom and turn it into a family room, we’ll probably spend more time in there, so that’s where I’ll spend the money for an actual gas fireplace.
Since I don’t need a fireproof fire box, that means I can just worry about the pretty stuff! And I can build the whole thing myself with no concern about whether or not it’s sealed/ventilated/fireproofed properly.
First, here’s the electric insert I purchased:
I got it from Electric Fireplaces Direct, and it’s the Duraflame 20-inch insert that costs $139.00. I watched so many videos, and read so many reviews, and I finally decided on this one because I really liked the design of the “metal grate”, it has really great reviews for the most part, and the price was right. But my favorite thing was that it didn’t have a back on it, so I think it looks more realistic when not turned on. As much as I’d love to have one that has the realistic steam mist “fire”, there’s just no way I was going to pay over $1000 for an electric fireplace insert. Heck, I didn’t even want to pay more than $300. So this one was a good choice for me.
And now comes the fun part. Planning the design of my fireplace!!
I spent a couple of hours scouring Houzz.com and found some great ideas. I have a folder filled with ideas on my computer, but I can probably sum up everything with two pictures.
This one is probably my favorite:
I really like the simple style and clean lines of the trim on that fireplace, and I also like the tile around the firebox. I found the perfect tile at Home Depot that I think I’ll be using on my own fireplace that looks very similar to this one.
The one thing I’d change about that one is that I’d widen the upper part (not sure what the correct term is for it, but the part that goes from the mantel to the ceiling). I don’t like it when that area is narrower than the part below the mantel. But overall, the styling of this one is definitely what I’m looking for.
One other change that I would like to make is the mantel. White mantels that blend in with the rest of the white fireplace aren’t really my thing. I think they’re very pretty, and I do love traditional style, but those are just a touch too traditional for me. I love the look of a stained wood mantel that contrasts with the white, kind of like this one.
So that’s where this project is headed. I might have to do it in two stages. The first stage will be building the main fireplace, but the part that goes from the mantel to the ceiling will have to wait until we’ve leveled the house (how tired are you of hearing that?! 😀 ) and I’ve had a chance to remove the polystyrene ceiling tiles, as well as the 1x4s that they’re attached to.
But I’m so excited to get started on this!! The credenza will have a new home, and I’ll no longer need a “stand in” for the fireplace. Things finally feel like they’re headed in the right direction in this room!
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
140 Comments
julia
January 28, 2014 at 10:31 amim so in love with every project you do. i wish i could have you as neighbor im moving in a new ome my home. and im terrible as decoration. i do really hope i can learn some stuff watching your projects.
Becky NEal
January 28, 2014 at 10:35 amLOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!! I just redid my family room in similar colors and I want to paint now!
Debbie
January 28, 2014 at 10:36 amI am going to buy one of those fireplace inserts, too! I didn’t even know that existed. We don’t need the heat and we don’t have gas, so it’s perfect! I love the teal color on your walls. I wish I was as brave as you are about colors.
mike
February 11, 2014 at 4:34 amThey sell them without the heater and a crackle sound . Saw them on a home improvment site.
Ms. Jackie of all Trades SpoolTeacher
January 28, 2014 at 10:38 amhow about using the antique credenza behind the sofa and putting the tiled lamps back on the sofa table.
Kim in Houston
January 28, 2014 at 11:02 amI like that idea! I keep looking at the lamps next to the chairs and the seem to be getting lost against the boldness of the walls and the beige chairs.
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 12:39 pmI actually tried that, but any lamps behind the sofa create a kind of “lamp in your face” situation when you walk into the front door. I don’t think I’ll be able to put anything right behind the sofa.
Alta
January 28, 2014 at 3:55 pmHow about just a table behind the sofa, sans lamps?
Ms. Jackie of all Trades SpoolTeacher
January 28, 2014 at 7:07 pmLamps on the sofa table, not credenza. That could stand alone for keys, goings and comings things and only low profile “stuffs” otherwise on the top surface.
Read more: https://www.addicted2decorating.com/new-teal-walls-and-plans-to-build-a-fireplace.html#ixzz2rk1JWC6s
Angela
January 28, 2014 at 10:40 amOh Kristie, it’s gorgeous! So much better than the brown! Just love it! Can’t wait to get the instructions on how to make the fireplace! I bought an electric fireplace a couple of years ago and I love it, but might try to build another one for another room later, if its not too complicated! LOL!
Yay for you Kristie!!
Rebecca Heinzeroth
January 28, 2014 at 11:01 amThere are some things in decorating my husband will not allow and painting our oak woodwork is one. I have discovered that darker paints actually accentuate the oak.
anonymous
January 28, 2014 at 10:41 amI love the new color! Your tan window drapes stand out so much better! The room looks so much less bland, more inviting and fun 🙂 Good work!
Lori
January 28, 2014 at 10:41 amSooooooo much better than the brown! 😀 I love it! I also like that you included the entryway this time instead of treating it as a separate room – much more cohesive.
Can’t wait to see the fireplace!
Angela
January 28, 2014 at 10:42 am*Kristi* oops, so sorry!
Lisa E
January 28, 2014 at 10:43 amLooks beautiful and I am so glad you are content with this color. I know colors can show differently on the computer but I’m curious to why you are calling this teal and that is not a criticism. I always thought that teal had more green in it. Am I totally wrong?
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 12:44 pmIt’s funny, because when I used this color in my hallway bathroom at the condo, most people just referred to it as navy blue. If you look at it by itself, it does kind of look like navy blue. But if you were to hold up a true navy blue to it (like the one I’m going to use in my bedroom), you can see that this color actually has a ton of green in it. It’s definitely teal, and not navy blue. 🙂
Kay
January 28, 2014 at 3:43 pmI have been looking for the perfect navy blue for an accent wall in my master bedroom but can’t make up my mind. Would you mind sharing what color navy you plan to use in your master bedroom? It would sure help with my indecisiveness! 🙂 Thanks so much!
Sheila F.
January 28, 2014 at 10:48 amWonderful. The new color is the perfect backdrop. The mirror shows off against the teal and your pretty chairs show off. And the inspiration fabric shines! You continue to amaze. Can’t wait to see the fireplace and sofa done ! You are my favorite guilty pleasure!
Kim
January 28, 2014 at 10:53 amI love this!! I love everything that you do!! And thank you for addressing the “Negative Nellys” of the world!! I can’t even imagine what their houses look like!! You truly have a gift!!
Sindy
January 28, 2014 at 10:54 amKristi! This is fabulous! I admit I just can’t keep up with you–you are so full of energy, vision, creativity, and well, just plain smart. Your solutions are incredible–love the teal and the insert. I hope you will do a step-by-step for the fireplace because I unashamedly plan to copy it in my home. I think some design company should ask you to do a furniture line for them, too–look at those lamps, look at that ottoman, look at that mirror, look at those end tables! Been followin’ your blog for years and I’ve never been disappointed :).
Blessings,
Sindy
Sharon B.
January 28, 2014 at 10:55 amGahh! I LOVE the walls, they are so you and so colorful and warm! I’m SO glad you painted over the brown, it really wasn’t you. I’m excited to see your fireplace project, especially the mantel. I’ve been wanting to update ours for awhile now and the style you chose is very similar to the plans we have. Whatever you do it will end up looking beautiful.
Rachella
January 28, 2014 at 11:00 amLOVE LOVE LOVE the paint color! I also love the mirror above the credenza, where did you get it?
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 11:04 amOh, the lotus mirror? I got that at a very exclusive, high-end boutique called Addicted 2 Decorating. 😀
Here are the instructions if you want to make one:
https://www.addicted2decorating.com/diy-40-inch-metallic-lotus-flower-mirror.html
Rachella
January 29, 2014 at 9:01 amI love it!! I just recently found your blog on FB 🙂
Kim
January 28, 2014 at 11:01 amthe ’tile lamps you made on the console!!!! gorgeous room!!!!
Sally B
January 28, 2014 at 11:02 amOh, this will be gorgeous! I think you will love having a fireplace. You will have so much fun styling the mantel too (one of my favorite parts of having fireplaces.) After many, many years of no fireplaces at all, my house has TWO, which I am thrilled about, even though one we almost never use (wood burning) and needs fixed up (loose glass enclosure, etc.) and leaks cold air. My other fireplace I use constantly, it is a gas insert that is ventless and has a remote. I love to sit by it and read or watch tv in my ‘momcave’.
Anyway, you will really love having a fireplace, I’m thrilled for you:)
Deb Thalasitis
January 28, 2014 at 11:02 amI ABSOLUTELY LOVE the color. I am going to use it on a piece of furniture that I’m redoing with the watercolor tile trick you showed us. Definitely more my colors as well. So glad you went with your gut and did what makes you happy!
Julie
January 28, 2014 at 11:07 amThe second one is gorgeous. The stones really gives it a natural look.
I had to laugh when you said you have files for your projects. I do too. My new house (very, very old) has 16 rooms plus the attic and basement and I have files for each and every room. Yes, even for the attic which will be turned into a library (dream come true !!!) and the basement, which has a lower ceiling so I decided to decorate it medieval style, and will have about 6 rooms (playroom for the little boys, game room for the big boys, doll house room for the girls, family room, cellar, cold room, and furnase room. And a small room for my photography room. I have plans for everything, pictures of what I want, paint & fabric samples, everything. Just need to wait until it warms up a bit before I go and start renovating it (1h45 minutes away from my current house).
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 12:48 pmOh my goodness, I can’t imagine having all of those rooms to decorate! What fun, Julie!! 🙂 So jealous that you have a photography room, too.
Tammy
January 29, 2014 at 8:03 amHey Julie, we would like to follow you on your journey too….!!!!
Krissy Buck
January 28, 2014 at 11:08 amI love the color you picked! We purchased an electric fireplace for our basement, and couldn’t be happier. No mess, and it has a remote. Anything with a remote is good, right?
Toni
January 28, 2014 at 11:08 amBEAUTIFUL!! It looks like Kristi, all grown up! The mirror looks AMAZING on the blue. The console table is fabulous. So, So, so happy you have found your way once again.
ChristiGrace
January 28, 2014 at 11:18 amLove the color of the room! And the green accents speak to me- blues and greens are my favorites! As for the fireplaces, I am partial to the bottom choice. I agree with the stained mantle-looks warmer and stands out more, and I think the field stone echoes and compliments the wall color you’ve chosen and has such a wonderful textural interest to it.
Sue
January 28, 2014 at 11:20 amI’m probably the only responder who likes the brown better but if you’re happy with the teal color that is what matters. : ) I do love the tile lamps in the living room better than the floor lamps. I’m sure you’ll find another place for the floor lamps. Would it be possible to make another tile lamp for your entry table? I have an entry table and have one lamp on it. I use art work and seasonal decorations to balance it out. Just a thought.
The fireplace will be wonderful in the living room. As for your beautiful credenza, you can also use that in another room: As you create these beautiful pieces I’m constantly amazed by your creativity. You are such a talent!
Genelle McDaniel
January 28, 2014 at 11:23 amKrisit, I love the fireplace design. And the stained mantle really adds to it. Your color really looks great. I love your change of direction, and your ability to step back and take a second look. I’m waiting eagerly to see that new fireplace. The overmantle can easily wait, no one would every know it’s missing if you hadn’t shown them, since most fireplaces don’t even have an overmantle unless it’s an antique. Personally, I think it doubles the magic of a fireplace.
Laurie
January 28, 2014 at 11:25 amI love it! I knew I would! It’s probably a good thing I don’t live in TX. I would be peaking in your windows for sure! lol I’d LOVE to see it in person!
MaryLynn
January 28, 2014 at 11:26 amLove the room! Teal and white are so lovely together. Like the chairs with the small end tables and table lamps best. Like the floor lamps in the entry space. Can’t wait to see the whole thing completed. Just beautiful!
Lisa
January 28, 2014 at 11:26 amAaaaahhh! So. Much. Better!!!!!! The new wall color is perfect! It’s not that it looked bad before, but it somehow didn’t look quite “right”. Everything is fresher looking now and pops just so much more. Great choice! I totally know what you mean when you say the place feels more like you now too. I love color too! My LR is orange with a copper glaze over it that we did ourselves about 7 years ago. It may not be for everyone, but every day when I walk into that room, it makes me so very happy! And that’s how you should feel with whatever choices you make for yourself. You are clever and talented and I am looking forward to seeing the next thing you do. One of my favorite blogs!!!
janpartist
January 28, 2014 at 11:29 amDynamite color! Does an MUCH better job at bringing your composition together! And, it’s happy!
Sandy
January 28, 2014 at 11:36 amLove the color! And now the green credenza looks really good in there lol especially with the lamps. I know it’s not staying but I really love this room. Great job!
jenw
January 28, 2014 at 11:42 amOh, I love that color so much more than the brown!! And it really makes the drapery fabric pop!. I also like the table lamps much much more on the side tables. The open work of the tables made it look cluttery to me with the floor lamps behind them. Lastly, excited to see the fireplace take shape. I like the one you picked out!
Our house has a gas insert and it throws out so much heat it’s crazy! We rarely ever get to use it as it’ll run us right out of the room. Though, it has seen some use during these subzero temps that’s been plagueing Indiana lately!
Angela J
January 28, 2014 at 11:50 amMy friend is an interior designer and her husband is a contractor and as a duo they fix up homes for a living. Often times there is an update on a mantle, and a lot of them reminded me of your inspiration photos, so I’m going to send a few your way. I hope you like them!
http://lindsayandandrew.blogspot.com/2013/12/alden-ave.html
http://lindsayandandrew.blogspot.com/2013/12/honeycut-mantle.html
http://lindsayandandrew.blogspot.com/2013/12/woah-welcome-back.html
Caroline
January 28, 2014 at 11:53 amI thought I really liked the brown walls, but man, I LOVE the teal. Amazing difference.
Becca
January 28, 2014 at 11:56 amLove it! I think the room looks bigger too! Can’t wait to see the fireplace!!!
Mrs Mike
January 28, 2014 at 12:00 pmThat color is beautiful and it pulls the blue in the drapery shades perfectly! I thought the brown was “ok” but now that you have the blue (teal) it’s more vibrant and inviting. Great choice!
I love the fireplace with the white hearth and the wood mantel. I’ve been wanting do something with my 80’s wood hearth and mantel that don’t match the rest of my room, but I still feel guilty for painting wood – even wood I don’t like! This though, is the perfect middle point. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sharon Garvey
January 28, 2014 at 12:08 pmI love what you do, it’s so interesting to watch the progress from beginning to end. There’s one thing that my eye keeps going to and that’s the gorgeous mirror you made. Kristi do you think maybe raising it a couple of inches would bring the eye up more? Just a suggestion and definitely not a big deal but I think it would look good without making the mirror like it’s floating over your fireplace. Love your blog!
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 1:04 pmI’ll definitely move the mirror eventually, but I want to get things a little more settled so that I only have to move it once. That thing is super heavy!! 😀
Genelle McDaniel
January 28, 2014 at 9:23 pmAnd, depending on how high you build the fireplace, you may want to move the mirror over the console. The one thing that’s certain is that is should stay in this room on those teal walls. So beautiful.
Laura O'Connell
January 28, 2014 at 12:09 pmI really wasn’t sure about the colour of teal that you picked. I had opted for the very light shade as my pick — I am VERY conservative — LOL! But when I saw your choice on the walls, all I could say was WOW! And that’s why YOU are the decorator! I like your choice of fireplace insert and your reasoning behind going with electric as opposed to gas. I do have a question for you: We have a 2-sided fireplace, one side is in our living room and the other side is in my office. Do both sides of the fireplace mantle and surround need to be done exactly the same? This house is only 14 years old (built in 2000), but when we purchased it, everything in it looked like it came from 1970. I am OK with how the office side looks, but really dislike the living room side. You cannot see both sides of the natural gas fireplace at the same time. Thanks for your input.
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 1:05 pmLaura, I certainly don’t think that both sides of the fireplace have to be done the same, especially if they can’t been seen at the same time. I say make each side customized to fit that particular room.
Ellen
January 28, 2014 at 12:15 pmI so love this! I want to be like you—brave!! I’ve been dancing around a shade of blue like that just lately and trying to figure out where I can use it.
Donna
January 28, 2014 at 12:18 pmLove, Love, Love your whole room! It amazes me each time I see another post. The teal color is beautiful! I’m so afraid of color and love that you show how it can be used to enhance a room rather than over power it. You are truly an inspiration to me. I’m slowly adding color to my home when I see what you do with it. Thanks for sharing all you do!
Angela
January 28, 2014 at 12:27 pmI absolutely love the new colour. It seems brighter somehow.
Jennifer
January 28, 2014 at 12:27 pmAbsolutely gorgeous. Perfect.
Melanie
January 28, 2014 at 12:36 pmLove the wall color!!! Can’t wait to see what you do with the fireplace!
Tish G.
January 28, 2014 at 12:36 pmI LOVE it! Great choice. The color is so vibrant and really does make a statement. But the real reason I’m commenting is to say that I love how your cats always seem to sneak into your pictures. My cat used to photo bomb everything…… even before it was cool. Anyway, keep up the good work.
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 1:10 pmOh, those cats make me laugh and frustrate me at the same time. 😀 I tried to get her to move, but if you have/have had cats, you know that they’re the boss. She’d move from the credenza to the back of the chair. And then if I tried to shoo her away, she’d move right back to the credenza. But she was sitting up there cleaning herself,and sitting in a very…ummm…immodest position. So I had to sit there and wait until she was through with her morning ablutions before I could snap my picture! 😀
Karen calladine
January 28, 2014 at 12:40 pmI think the room really sings now, loving the colour and it pulls everything together beautifully 🙂 but u already knew that 🙂 🙂
Shirlee
January 28, 2014 at 12:40 pmLove it. I think the new colour makes the room more inviting and lively.
Thank you so much for posting about the electric fireplace inserts. We have an old open flame gas heater (circa 1948) in our fireplace and have to have it removed as it’s considered illegal these days. Unfortunately the box is too small for a modern day gas insert so we’ve been trying to figure out what to do with it. I found the perfect sized electric insert on the website you posted plus it’s available in Canada.
So glad I discovered your blog!
Have a great day.
Lori
January 28, 2014 at 11:52 amI love the blue precisely 32 times more than the brown. And yes, much more “you!”
And your fireplace plan looks lovely. It actually bears some similarities to my somewhat more casual/simple version. Sorry it’s just an instagram pic (but I am WAY fun on instagram if you’d like to follow!) http://instagram.com/p/edFVrHoiXj/
Also, I’ve been meaning to ask for an update on the condo? Any excitement there? Is it on the market? Maybe you found a way around the stupid association rules and decided to hang onto it? I apologize if I’ve missed an update somewhere!
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 1:00 pm“…precisely 32 times more than the brown.” LOL! That made me literally laugh out loud. 😀
And I LOVE your fireplace! I’d love to see a straight on view of it, because I think the upper part is closer to what I want to do.
The condo still isn’t on the market. Grrr! I have projects I need to finish up over there, but I HATE the thought of leaving my house and working on the condo. 😀 I definitely need to make it a priority, though. The prime time for selling will be coming up shortly as students look for housing for the summer and fall semesters.
Pam
January 28, 2014 at 12:52 pmWOW! The new color is amazing! Can’t get over the difference! Can’t wait to see the fireplace in the room!
Jenn
January 28, 2014 at 1:10 pmI love this! I’m trying to decide on a bedroom color (we work nights) this would be perfect! Love your style! Thanks for sharing!
Racheal
January 28, 2014 at 1:24 pmThe living room looks amazing your so great with colors. I do have to say the view OUT your windows depressed me a little, it’s so cold and snowy up north right now that I’m crazily jealous! It makes me miss living in Texas. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for your fireplace.
Cathy
January 28, 2014 at 1:37 pmWOW!!! Absolutely amazing! Love the new color!
Christine
January 28, 2014 at 2:15 pmWow Kristie, the dark teal looks amazing in your living room, love it! I can’t wait to see how your fireplace turns out, both inspiration pictures are gorgeous. That’s just the inspiration I’ve been searching for with my own fireplace makeover.
Chris
January 28, 2014 at 2:30 pmWhat an awesome shade of blue! What a difference to the brown! It has a very rich and homey feel to it even from my house lol.. Great color choice! Remember don’t be reading troll posts lol Oh, and I like fireplace #1.. I like clean lines also:) keep up the great work! Always exciting to see what you do next and it keeps me motivated!!
Amy
January 28, 2014 at 2:36 pmKristie! I can actually picture the whole room in my mind and it’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the fireplace with the board and batten the best! I know you’re doing wainscoting on the walls but it would still look really nice! What i’m really waiting for is the couch recovering! Can’t wait to see how and what you do with it! I have one I want to recover but never did anything like that before, so i’m waiting to see what you do first! LOL So glad I found your talented self!!
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 2:46 pmI’m so anxious to get that sofa done, too! I probably would have at least started it by now, except that I blew right through my decorating money this month. I have none left, and that’s very unlike me. 😀 So I have to wait a couple more days and get next month’s “allowance” before I can even order fabric. 😀 I’m usually so good and responsible with my decorating money, but wow…I must have really had a blast with it this month! LOL!
Amy
January 28, 2014 at 6:29 pmAre you kidding me?? with the million of things you’ve done so far, i’m surprised you haven’t dipped into next months money!! Ok, so maybe I exaggerated a wee bit on the “million things” comment, but you did do tons! LOL
I know when that couch is done and that fireplace, you’ll have to stand there for days looking at it, I know I would!!
[email protected] Let's Get Crafty!
January 28, 2014 at 2:41 pmI LOVE the teal! If you were selling your house right now I’d buy it just because of that room!
Christine
Mary Stewart
January 28, 2014 at 2:49 pmThat new color changes the entire feel and look of the room. I LOVE IT!
Linda
January 28, 2014 at 2:55 pmLove the blue! Ties all the other together I think! Love the fireplace also. I have a real brick fireplace that I plan on covering to look like the first picture you have. Don’t want to mess up the brick in case we sell the house someday.
Jacqui
January 28, 2014 at 3:00 pmThere you are Kristi, that colour is you! Love it
Linda
January 28, 2014 at 3:03 pmYou were so right about the color change! This is incredibly beautiful!! It just makes everything better, the console table, the beautiful fabric you bought, the ottoman you made. Wow, it just brings everything out and makes it almost glitter!
Sharon Emanuel
January 28, 2014 at 3:04 pmi also think the blue looks a lot better than the brown. Much more fun!!
Barbara H.
January 28, 2014 at 3:12 pmI liked the brown – until I saw the teal! Fantastic. Love the tables with lamps rather than floor lamps behind them. It opens up the room more. I know you don’t have the greatest view out the front window, but the window even looks good bare. The picture with the wood mantle reminding of the condo end wall with the built ins that you made. You are rolling right along, Kristi. Congratulations!
Andrea
January 28, 2014 at 3:35 pmThe wall color is GORGEOUS! When I look at it I go… “ahhhhh”, it’s definitely more relaxing than the brown. Which is fascinating. I had a similar color ( I think it was Cafe au Lait by Valspar)in my master bedroom (which was tiny) at my old house and had it trimmed in white and it looked surprisingly warm and cozy and relaxing, everyone who saw it said it felt like a retreat. But just goes to show- size, lighting and purpose of room can greatly change the feel of the same/similar color. My fireplace is also flanked by windows- but I also have windows in adjacent corners. ugh. My window sills will be cat perches- because they are deep and low. lol
Anyhow- I knew you’d pull it off. It’s just a matter of watching it play out. I truly enjoy your blog.
Kay
January 28, 2014 at 3:36 pmI have to say when you told us you were going to use navy blue grass cloth on the walls I almost squealed with delight! One of my favorite rooms that I’ve ever seen Sarah Richardson do is a dining room where she used navy blue grass cloth on the upper half of the walls. Here is a link to the picture…it’s the 4th picture down. http://decoratingfiles.com/2013/08/blue-dining-room-ideas/
However, I am also LOVING the color of blue you’ve chosen to use until you can put the grasscloth on! I love it so much I’ve decided to use it as the accent wall color for my master bedroom.
Thanks so much for continuing to inspire us day after day! LOVE YOUR BLOG!
Kristi Linauer
January 29, 2014 at 4:41 pmOh, I’m so glad you gave me that link!!! I absolutely LOVE the first picture on it, with the teal/turquoise grasscloth and the white wainscoting. That’s going in my file for sure. 😉
Brenda
January 28, 2014 at 3:37 pmTeal>>BINGO!
Kismet
January 28, 2014 at 3:45 pmI LOVE those lamps in that room !!
Great job. You are killing it.
~K!
Patty Lucas
January 28, 2014 at 3:46 pmI left a comment on facebook telling you about my kitchen – red, white & blue but I didn’t tell you how much I love your teal and white, much better than the brown. That blue picks up the blue in the shades and it just brings everything together. Did you ever think about touring Connecticut? I could have you at my house and pick your brain at what I should do here.
Guerrina
January 28, 2014 at 4:03 pmPatty, if Kristi comes to visit Connecticut, we’ll have to all get together!
tracy
January 28, 2014 at 4:43 pmAfter Connecticut, jet on down to Georgia for a visit with me! I want to do my bedroom in…drumroll, please…BLUE! 😀
Leslie
January 28, 2014 at 11:02 pmIf she comes to Georgia, don’t forget about me!
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 7:39 pmI really have been contemplating doing some traveling, and some “meet-ups” in different areas of the country…starting with some local ones here maybe in Dallas and Austin. I just think it would be so fun! Right now, it’s waaaaaay in the “oh that would be fun” stage, and hasn’t gone much further than that. There are lots of logistics, like having someone stay with Matt while I’m gone, and things like that. But I’m really, seriously, thinking about finding a way to make that happen. 🙂 I’d love to meet all of y’all!!
Gilmer Gal
January 29, 2014 at 3:00 pmMaybe you could do a trial run in, say, Gilmer or Longview. You know, just test the waters 🙂 Kristi, the colors are bringing you back to us! I like the things you did for the living room, but it is so much better with the changes. I have mud brown walls that guests say they really like. I hate it. Its like being in a dungeon. I’ve wanted to paint it for almost 5 years, and my husband just gave his blessing (as if I needed it 🙂 Now to decide what color.
Patty Lucas
January 28, 2014 at 8:53 pmSee Kristi, everyone wants you to come and visit. If the truth be known, I hope I will not be in Connecticut too much longer. I retired last April and my husband retired in October. We live in a very expensive Town in a tax crazy State and I want out. By the way my middle son is named Matthew and it means Gift from God. He and my other two sons mean my world.
Brian
January 28, 2014 at 3:56 pmLooks great and delighted to see the Jabobean club (standard Lamp) you had in front of the window has gone. If you dump it on ebay I might look out for it. It could look quite good in the corner of the dining room (great hall) at Bradley House here in Wiltshire. Keep it coming I want to see the grand tour when its finished. Brian
Guerrina
January 28, 2014 at 4:02 pmOh my gosh! Color-phobe that I am, the new paint even made me sigh and go “Ahhhh….let me sit down and breathe!” Absolutely love it!
Also agree with the wall treatment as wide as the mantle and the stained mantle against the white wood.
Hard to tell on the monitor – Does the blue of the console table go with the wall color? I’m still seeing some gold or copper metallic on it. Sorry, it just keeps jumping into my brain! 🙂 lol
Again….hard to tell on my monitor – Does the geometric lampshade go well? I love the design on the shades!
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 7:32 pmThe blue of the console table could very well be used as an accent color in the room. It works beautifully in the room, and with the new wall color, but I probably won’t use it on something big like the console table. Which means that it still needs to be painted. 🙂 It very well may end up gold or copper!
The geometric fabric definitely needs to go. It has way more blue than the wall color, so it kind of clashes. I have a plan for those though. I have some leftover grass cloth from the condo that I’m going to use on those lamp shades, and that’ll give them a really nice texture plus a nice contrast with the wall color.
Angie
January 28, 2014 at 4:07 pmIt is awesome!! I love to see your progress pictures. I do love all your projects! I hope you will someday post some how to videos. I would love to do what you do in my own home but I need video instructions. 😉 Great job, as always!
Alta
January 28, 2014 at 4:07 pmEver since yesterday when you said you were going to repaint the walls in the teal blue, I’ve been checking my email to see if you’d posted a new picture. I liked the brown, but the blue really nails it. I am continually amazed at how quickly you get projects finished. Are you going to do the watercolor tiles around the fireplace mantle in a slightly different design/colorway than the lamps you made?
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 7:29 pmI actually found a mosaic tile at Home Depot that I want to use for the fireplace surround. It’s all neutrals, varying shades of creamy white to brown, but it’s really pretty.
Brenda
January 28, 2014 at 4:20 pmReally good choice of paint color. Your room looks so warm and inviting and when you finish with the fireplace it will be even more homey and cozy. You are the most talented lady I have ever known. You are so lucky to have grown up with parents who taught you and encouraged you to do whatever you could imagine. I love your blog. I have followed you for a while now and am forever impressed with your projects and those you do for others. You go girl! I’m so excited to see what’s next. God Bless. Brenda from Kentucky
Deborah
January 28, 2014 at 4:38 pmKristi, I am completely impressed how quickly you move once you make up your mind! What are your ceiling plans? I thought you were going to drywall it but do you have to wait to level the house first? Will you be painting the ceiling in the mean time?
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 7:44 pmDeborah, I do have to wait until we level the foundation, and then I’ll be removing the existing polystyrene ceiling tiles, as well as the 1x4s that they’re attached to that are nailed into the ceiling. More than likely, I’ll have quite a bit of drywall repair to do. I’m hoping that it won’t be so bad that I’ll have to just completely re-drywall, because that is my absolute LEAST favorite DIY thing to do EVER. 😀 In the meantime, I’ll just have to live with these polystyrene tiles. There’s really no point in painting them. They’re bright white, and probably wouldn’t take paint well anyway…or it would soak it right up.
Khadija
January 28, 2014 at 5:23 pmYes! That is perfect!!!
Joy Wright
January 28, 2014 at 6:01 pmYes…..love it. I love the lamp shades the way they are too with the walls, etc. You are an amazing lady!
Melinda @ Love Melinda
January 28, 2014 at 6:06 pmWhat a great wall color! It looks great!
Stephanie
January 28, 2014 at 6:30 pmThe teal makes the room. The blue in the window treatments and ottoman tie in beautifully. Interesting how stunning color can be when you’re daring enough to use it. Excellent choice. I’m looking forward to seeing the fireplace. And really, anywhere you put the credenza, it will be a lovely focal point.
Congrats on pulling yourself back and reevaluating. Sometimes it’s hard to shift gears mid-project, but it was clearly worth the additional effort.
Thank you for sharing….again!
Susan
January 28, 2014 at 6:45 pmThe room looks amazing. I love the feeling of finding the perfect color, like something heavy is lifted off your shoulders. I just built a fireplace surround, good luck.
Kristi Linauer
January 28, 2014 at 7:27 pmSusan, do you have a picture of your fireplace surround somewhere online that I could take a peek at? I’d love to see it!
Susan
January 28, 2014 at 7:53 pmSent via your contact me.
Ginger
January 28, 2014 at 6:59 pmKristi, I love it! The teal is beautiful! It is so much better than the brown. I really thought the brown was dragging the room down and now the room is literally smiling!!! Oh,,,. I packed up my electric fireplace (in the garage) a couple years back and just about a month ago decided to bring it back into the front living room. (The family room has a real wood burning). I love it again and I think you will too. 🙂 The room is really looking great , you’ll figure the lamps etc out, you always do! -I can’t wait!
Colleen F
January 28, 2014 at 7:06 pmLove the blue! There isn’t anything wrong with brown, but with your accessories and fabrics, that teal just brings them out and they just pop so much more.
Love the fireplace ideas, I’m glad you explained your decision to go with an electric fireplace. I wanted to ask, but felt like it would be a bit rude. Your reasons make perfect sense. Better to spend $ on a gas fireplace later, in a room where it is needed, than now, when it is more of a décor feature.
rebecca
January 28, 2014 at 7:08 pmfunny, i liked the brown until you painted it teal, and now it looks like it was the colour it was meant to be.i know exactly what you mean about going into the room just to take it all in, i just painted my pantry a soft teal and find myself walking in just to look at the prettiness.cant wait to see that fireplace.
Ms. Jackie of all Trades SpoolTeacher
January 28, 2014 at 7:11 pmreviewing the pictures of the brown and blue walls, it always surprises me that dark colors very often make a room look bigger, because they create the illusion of depth. Color is so unpredictable.
Joanne
January 28, 2014 at 7:17 pmLove the new color, it looks perfect! And the electric fireplace – love! Can’t wait to see it!
Michelle B
January 28, 2014 at 7:27 pmIt’s perfect. Simply perfect. Well done.
Lisa
January 28, 2014 at 7:39 pmI absolutely LOVE your walls. I know I am going to love your room. Thanks for sharing!
Karen Ploransky @ The Decorated Nest
January 28, 2014 at 9:02 pmKristi–I swear there is not one singles thing that I have seen you do in the last few years that I haven’t fallen in love with–I painted my office that blue. You fireplace is one that I have cut out in a file folder of things I want for my house (and hubby and I discussed widening the top too and a darker mantle! You house looks amazing –That table (the blue) is beautiful. Keep on doing what you do so well, because I love to watch!
Karen
Kimberly
January 28, 2014 at 9:42 pmYou know, I actually really really liked that brown paint color, I think it’s bold and a very lovely shade, but I do prefer the teal MUCH more (I love blues/greens/sea glass shades and deeper tones) and it is AMAZING to me how much more just a change of color makes everything in the room just pop! On my screen, the two paint colors appear to be the same depth of saturation, just different colors, and it’s crazy how something as simple as a different *color* changes the whole look of the room. It’s gorgeous, and yes, more *you*!
Connie
January 28, 2014 at 10:04 pmThis color is fabulous. There was something that always struck me as being a little “off” with the room but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Well, it was the color of the ottoman/coffee table in relation to the other colors. I realized it the minute I saw the new room color. The shade of blue on the ottoman just didn’t seem to work as well in the general scheme where as new the wall color just seems to pull the ottoman into the whole design now.
As for the fireplace, I think the “mantle to ceiling” area you are talking about is simply part of the chimney. Keep in mind that in some houses that isn’t even seen. In this house as in my previous one, the area above the mantle is simply part of the whole wall because all of the chimney sits on the exterior of the house so they only part that actually takes up space in the house is the depth of the mantle and surround and the hearth. The fireplace wall in this house is trimmed with a pilaster at each end of the room and the trim on the fireplace surround “holding up” the mantle also uses a pilaster on each side as part of the surround design. So, if you look at some of the photos you’ve collected or do a web search for fireplace photos I think you will see plenty of examples of both styles. Oh, and also plenty of examples where that upper chimney does not narrow but instead is the same width as the fireplace. Just thought I’d throw this out to add a little to your confusion. After all, what are friends for?
Barbara
January 28, 2014 at 10:09 pmoh I wasn’t sure about the wall color….but oh my heck….you nailed it. it is a thousand times better! love the fireplace plans…..you’ve given me some ideas! now as for the credenza….I know you said you have a new home for it. but gee….and dang…..and darn…..how ’bout I just take it off your hands. i’ll give it a lovely little home. and even send you pics should you some day miss it a little. and, of course, a little bit of cash if it will sway you any! I just love that piece!
Hello I Live Here - Linda
January 28, 2014 at 10:20 pmI love the new color Kristi. Before your new, beautiful drapes disappeared into the brown color. Now they pop! Looks amazing. Can’t wait to see the fire place. I would love to build one in the villa. First home we have owned that did not have a fireplace – strange to me.
Linda
Nancy McCullough
January 28, 2014 at 10:25 pmLove your ideas Kristi & your fearlessness with strong color. Our basement is a “bowling alley” room that I’m tackling on a very tight budget. I took a page out of your book & painted the cement brick floor-to-ceiling fireplace a slate blue. Hubby about stroked out then set out to build a beautiful stained pine box mantel that sets it off beautifully. Walls will be beige/tan with white trim. You are such an inspiration. Please don’t let any of those nay-sayers out there put out your light!
Sharon
January 28, 2014 at 11:32 pmHi Kristi, love the new direction. I especially love the new fireplace inspiration pic. Coincidentally we used this same picture as one of our inspiration photos to redo our fireplace last summer. Check out this photo we also used, with a similar fireplace but with the top the same size as the bottom. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/47147127320352817/. It looks like the original website is no longer available but here is a pin on pinterest. The tile in this pic is called escarpment marble and it is beautiful!,
Kristi Linauer
January 29, 2014 at 4:59 pmOh, I love that fireplace, Sharon! Thanks for linking to it!
Hope
January 29, 2014 at 12:52 amThis color is soooo lovely, sophisticated and well lovely. I LOVE the insert you selected, it’s the nicest one I have seen. Some look so toy like I would never use. The first fireplace is DIVINE but as you said with the widened top. You did a marvelous makeover.
Tara G
January 29, 2014 at 8:03 amWow even without the sun shining you can still tell that it has lightened up the room. I like the tiled fireplace too…very elegant.
Jo Ann
January 29, 2014 at 9:34 amI too love the teal and forgive me if it was mentioned and I didn’t see it…what brand of paint did you use and what is the actual color called? I have always been a “brown” girl and would like to paint an accent wall…I think this color would be lovely!
Kristi Linauer
January 29, 2014 at 9:35 amJoAnn, it’s called Mythic Forest by Behr from Home Depot.
Jo Ann
January 29, 2014 at 9:34 amOops, just saw it. Sorry…
Kim George
January 29, 2014 at 8:44 amAbsolutely Loveeeee the new wall color. It definitely makes the room pop. Can’t wait to see the fireplace addition!
amanda s
January 29, 2014 at 9:50 amI LOVE the new paint color! I actually have a similar color to that brown (the old color) in one of my bathrooms. I like it there. ( I inherited it) However, I absolutly love your new color, I think it looks SO much better then before! Great choice! It is beautiful.
Tammy
January 29, 2014 at 8:53 amI don’t know if you took my advise in my previous comment about where to place the lamps but I have to say they do look nice where they are…
As for the fire place the first one would be nice with it built out wider then put the stained mantel on it.
Can’t wait to see the finished room..
Enjoy your new color.
Is My Lotus Mirror Really Hung Too Low? (Guidelines For Hanging Artwork)
January 29, 2014 at 10:55 am[…] about to start building a fireplace, and that wall is going to be completely transformed, so I’ll wait. There’s no need […]
Bonnie
January 29, 2014 at 7:05 pmI am so enamored by that blue; I followed the blog when you painted this in the bathroom and I borrowed it then also. the room has just livened up! GREAT CHOICE!
bbrunophotography
January 29, 2014 at 7:05 pmKristi,
You did a super job, adding that beautiful color to the walls. Looks so deep and beautiful! And I thought I liked it before. Behr paints are great.
I’m amazed at how quickly you work, and I don’t mind that you leave your painting messes because that’s how the rest of us deal with painting projects. You inspire me. I say that a lot, but it’s true. I love coming here just to stare.
Oh, and you inspire me.
Carol-Anne
January 29, 2014 at 8:26 pmI know you probably get sick of hearing this, but you are just SO AWESOME in the stuff you take on! It’s so exciting, watching your home take shape!
(BTW, how’s the weight loss/health thing going? No pressure, just interested).
Kristi Linauer
January 29, 2014 at 8:47 pmUugghh…totally stalled on the weight loss thing. :-/ Right after we moved into the house, we started eating out again. We didn’t go back to our fast food habit, thank goodness! But we do frequent the Mexican restaurant down the road, and eat lots of soft tacos. 🙂 Our downfall is definitely eating out, though. It’s just so dang convenient, not the mention that we didn’t have a stove until yesterday. 😀 Now that we have a stove, I supposed we need to start eating at home more. That’s always a big help for us getting back on track. A few weeks ago, we did make the decision to stop PART of the madness and eat two meals at home, consisting of fresh fruit, veggies, yogurt, and stuff like that. So that definitely helped. Now we just need to make that final transition and start eating that third meal at home as well. Hopefully we’re about to get back on track. 🙂
Kathy Jo Buzzard
January 30, 2014 at 8:25 amYou hit that one out of the park! I love it too!! You crack me up when you are planning your projects. You think about so many details that I never even consider. That is why your work is so amazing. Thanks for taking me along on this journey. You always inspire me to be more creative.
Pattie
January 30, 2014 at 11:45 amI cannot believe what a difference the color made. Well, yes, I can, color does that. But that gorgeous teal just makes those beautiful shades stand out now. They no longer blend into the brown – which was pretty, just not stunning. Love it.
Kim
January 31, 2014 at 9:58 amThe Teal really makes all the other colors “POP”!! I love it!!
Kathy Tobacco
January 31, 2014 at 11:30 amI love the color transformation! I wish I could repaint when I make a mistake but I don’t know how to paint and hiring it out is so expensive. Plus my husband gets annoyed. How does one learn? We put thousands into a bathroom remodel and we had it painted light brown and I don’t like it. Coincidentally I want to paint it teal. I wish I could apprentice with a painter – I would do it for free.
Jackie
January 31, 2014 at 6:17 pmHi…l just found you on Facebook…what fun! Can I ask where you found the window treatments in this room? I bought a sample of the paint and am going to see if this works at my house. Thanks!
Kristi Linauer
February 10, 2014 at 11:32 amHi Jackie~
Sorry that I missed your question! I made the window treatments, and the fabric came from onlinefabricstore.net. It’s called Florabunda Sea Glass from P. Kaufmann. You can find the window treatment tutorial here:
https://www.addicted2decorating.com/second-roman-shade-finished-plus-a-tutorial.html
Kristi D-S
February 10, 2014 at 10:01 pmI quick skimmed thru your post while I was putting my son to bed. I misread it.. I thought you painted over the blue!! I was disappointed.. and it’s not even my house LOL! I am so glad you painted over the taupe with the blue. I really like your blog. No one seems to appreciate blue or watery tones. I LOVE blues and sea glass. I am just at a loss of how to incorporate them all… 3 yrs of House Beautiful magazines didn’t help. I am getting some brilliant ideas from you!! I bought a fireplace, mantle and insert.. now I am kicking myself. I could have made it myself. I really look forward to your next projects!!