Reader Stephanie recently sent me this photo of her (gorgeous) nonworking fireplace area asking for suggestions for how to fix it up. At your service, Stephanie!
I love so much of what you’ve done already, and think that the space could be even more spectacular with the addition of a few key pieces and some more texture.
– Add some additional greenery to keep things light; maybe move that tall plant down to the bottom ledge and replace it with a lower plant that hangs over the edge a little.
– A bright blanket would be beautiful thrown across the lower area, and would add some color and coziness.
– I love the box in the space on the right; how about some DIY birch bark candles in different sizes and shapes to fill the area on the left? That way you get some natural texture in the mix, which is always nice. If you’re not in a DIY-ing mood, try a large candle in a beautiful glass container (click here to learn about how to scent different rooms in your home).
– Alternatively, you could fill the empty space with extra greenery, like faux moss balls or potted plants of different sizes and heights.
– The buddha head is great, but why not add a little extra whimsy with an owl vase? (I love that vase.)
– Finally, I’d add one pop of color to the mantle: a hint of red or orange (like that oversized vintage service station letter) would be amazing.
Product info for the items pictured above after the jump.
– Use the area to display artwork (we have a wooden Balinese headboard sitting in ours)
– Fill it with flowers in vases of different heights or potted plants
– Transform it into a bookshelf (just keep the books neatly stacked so the effect looks deliberate rather than messy)
– Fill it with decorative logs
– Add mosaic tiles to the space, or paint it to create a blank canvas
– Cover the interior with copper panels (you can buy stick-on ones at Home Depot) and fill the space with candles to create a stunning glow effect
– Fill it with a ball of light
– Change up your decor with the seasons (flowers in the spring, pumpkins in the fall, artificial logs and pinecones in the winter, seashells in the summer)
– If the interior is irreparably ugly, consider filling it and adding a coat of paint or some wallpaper to the front panel (it will still serve as a pretty frame for items placed in front of it)
– Use it as a frame for your TV
– Place an antique mirror (or several mirrors) inside to open up your room
Product info (clockwise from top left): Faux fern in ceramic pot ($100), Calypso St. Barth throw ($65), Kate Spade Owl Vase ($60), Large Molton Brown candle, Crate & Barrel Moss Balls ($15 for 9), Antique steel service station sign ($60).
