Ever-Changing Fireplace

*This post has been edited to include an update*

 I just didn't want to write another post about the FP...

no more than you want to read another one.   

What's more difficult...


1)  Making a decorating mistake and talking about it on my blog OR 
2)  Telling Hubby


Well, the hard part is over with, so let me tell you all about it. 

You remember the fireplace? 
Of course you do, I've only shown it a dozen times. 

the BEFORE

the AFTER 

Now THE AFTER is the problem.  Paired with the mantle, the new tile looked TOO traditional for my taste.  I didn't like it.  I tried to live with it but I couldn't. 

The solution; remove the tiles before the mastic completely dried.     

I used a putty knife to remove the tiles and mastic. 

Here's the AFTER {after the after}

The wall tiles had been up a few days longer than the floor tiles. 
Therefore the mastic was more difficult to remove. 

Because it will be covered up,

 I didn't worry about restoring the surface to it's original finish.     

And there it is...the {sad} current state of my fireplace.


My design goal was to modernize the look of this fireplace.  {I failed to achieve the goal on my first attempt}

I want a fireplace surround that contrasts the lacquered and traditional feel of the wooden mantel.  We love the natural beauty of this mantel and how it matches the rest of the trim in the room, so we don't want to paint it.        

Here are some options I'm considering. 


Cast iron...

Victorian Fireplaces

Metal look tile...

Isabella and Max Rooms

Concrete...

Concrete Network

Ancient Art Concrete

True Form Concrete

I'm honesty leaning toward the concrete.  I like the neutral gray color and the seamless look.    

But like a home decor frugalista, I'm wondering if I could re-create the look of concrete for less.    


Let's say I did a smooth stucco finish over the bricks and then painted it with a faux concrete finish.  

*UPDATE*

We experimented by painting the bricks {flat black}.  Although I don't like it...I'm one step closer to finding a solution.  Here's what I learned:

I like the dark color {not black, but maybe gray}

I don't like the grout lines.  I would definately prefer a seamless look OR as minimal breaks as possible. 

So what do you think?  Any fireplace makeovers out there?  I'm open to constructive feedback and suggestions. 

Oh yes!  The good news...we bought a sofa for our living room.  I'll have show and tell later this week. 


Have a great week! 


Sincerely, Lisa 

Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land

Spotlight: BluLabel Bungalow

Last weekend, while everyone was {seemingly} off to Blissdom, I did some blog surfing.  

And I found the REAL party!   

It's happening at BluLabel Bungalow

Meet the lovely bloghost, Erika

Wife. Mother. Designer. Blogger. 

As the creative mind behind BluLabel Bungalow, Erika has created a blog that rivals any interior design magazine.  Without the expensive subscription fee, it's even better.  

Like an issue of House Beautiful or Elle Decor, BluLabel Bungalow has the basic elements to a good decorating magazine. 

Regular Features

Tastemaker Tuesday showcases the talent of high-end designers.   

David Jimenez

What a colorful room and tablecape!   

Lee Kleinhelter

I love the notes on her photos!  

Practical Design Tips and Advice

Erika's Color Forecast and Decor Series {Fall 2009} features a series of designer style story boards inspired by Pantone's color report.  

     

  

She also has great tips for styling your bookcase, mixing patterns, and budget friendly tablesetting. 

Loads of Inspiration

Mood Boards

Check out this awesome Beckham-inspired bachelor pad 

Great Before and After projects

 

Office Makeover

{Designer-inspired} Thrifty Finds

Knock-off thrift store lamp

Now, if you're still not convinced of BluLabel Bungalow's fantabulous-ness, just ask Eddie Ross...she's on his blog roll!  

Please stop by and introduce yourself to Erika.  I'm sure she'd be happy to meet you! 

Happy Friday! 

Sincerely, Lisa 

*All photos featured today were courtesy of BluLabel Bungalow*

Destination: Paradise

A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking.  ~Earl Wilson

About this time of year, I grow tired of winter 

Trevor Jones, TR

And wish I was cruising

Norweigan Majesty

To warm weather  

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

And blue waters

Nassau, Bahamas

Sailing away

Le Grande Bleu is one of the world's largest yachts.  We spotted it in Nassau (Dec "08)

To Paradise

Paradise Island, Bahamas

Splashing around

Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Doing the beach crawl

Max on Atlantis Beach

{Atlantis Beach} Paradise Island, Bahamas

Or simply enjoying the scenery

{Leap of Faith} Atlantis Resort

So until then...I'll dream of summer and savor the sweet memories of vacation.  

Where is your favorite warm weather destination?  I'd like to know.

Sincerely, Lisa  

Timeless Tuesday at Paula Grace Designs

Aspire to Inspire {Father's Love}

Thank you to the following ladies who participated in my first Aspire to Inspire. I appreciate you all taking the time to link up.


Paula from Paula Grace Designs
Traci from Beneath My Heart
DeeDee from DDzine
Audry from At Town Square

Aspire to Inspire {Fatherly Love}


A while ago, a friend sent me a link to this video. Thanks Louise!

In case you don't watch it, which I highly encourage you to do so, I'll summarize.  It's the remarkable story of Patrick Henry Hughes. Born without eyes and a medical condition that prevents him from straightening his arms and legs, Patrick has succeeded his "disability" to become an amazing virtuoso pianist, vocalist and trumpeteer.

As if Patrick HENRY"S story is not enough inspiration, you meet his father, Patrick JOHN.

Spoken in true humility, Patrick JOHN says this "I'm just a parent of a young man that wanted to be in band". Patrick JOHN works midnight shift just so he can attend his son's every class and band practice. Acting as his son's eyes and legs, Patrick JOHN tirelessly maneuvers his son's wheelchair through the formations of the 220 member Marching Band at the University of Louisville.

How amazing is that! A true testimony of the love a father has for his child.

As I thought about this story I was momentarily saddened that my father and I are estranged. But then I remembered I have a Heavenly Father that loves me just as much as Patrick JOHN loves his son and has sacrificed so much more for me.

Here's a letter I received from my Heavenly Father reminding me of how much he loves me:

 

Works for Me Wednesday at We are That Family

My Dearest Child,


You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Ps 139.1)

I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Ps 139.2)

I am familiar with all your ways. (Ps 139.3)

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10.29-30)

For you were made in my image (Genesis 1.27)

In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring (Acts 17.28)

I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1.4-5)



I chose you when I planned creation (Eph. 1.11-12)

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Ps 139.15-16)

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17.26)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139.14)

I knit you together in your mother's womb (Ps 139. 13)

And brought you forth on the day you were born (Ps 71.6)

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ( John 8.41-44)



I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ( I John 4.16)

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you (I John 3.1)

Simply because you are my child and I am your father (I John 3.7)

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7.11)

For I am the perfect Father (Matthew 5.48)

Every good gift you receive comes from my hand (James 1.17)

For I am your provider and I meet your needs (Matthew 6.31)

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29.11)

Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31.3)

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Ps. 139.17-18)




And I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3.17)

I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32.40)

For you are my treasured possession (Ex. 19.5)

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32.41)

And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33.3)

For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4.29)

So, delight in me and I will give yo the desires of your heart (Ps. 37.4)




For it is I who gave you those desires (Phil. 2.13)

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Eph. 3.20)

For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thess. 2.16-17)

I am also the Father who comforts who in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1.3-4)

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Ps 34.18)

As a shephered carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40.11)

One day I will wipe away every tear form your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21.3-4)


 

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ( I John 4.10)

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8.31-32)

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (I John 2.23)

And nothing will ever seperate you from my love again (Romans 8.38-39)

When it's time for you to come home and I'll throw the biggest party Heaven has ever seen (Luke 15.7)

I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father (Eph. 3.14-15)

My question is...Will you be my child? (John 1.12-13)

I am waiting for you (Luke 15.11-32)



Love Dad,

Your Heavenly Father



This weekend, as I celebrate my birthday, I know I've already received the greatest gift.


Sincerely, Lisa

DIY Bathroom {Demolition & Assessment}

It appears my transition to the updated version of blogger has caused some formatting issues.  Please be patient until I can get this issue resolved. 


After a year long break, work is resuming in our bathroom. I thought this would be a great time to bring you up to speed on that project.

****I interrupt this post to tell you that the redesign of our living room is taking a short sabbitical. Sabbatical-a period of time Lisa takes to research and decide on decorating/ design plans before moving forward. And now back to the regularly scheduled programming***

You remember this from the before tour?


 

Believe it or not, Hubby and I were delighted by the original state of this bathroom. For us, original meant no hackjob renovations to work around.

Within weeks of closing on Seaborn, we rented the largest roll-off dumpster and began a full-on house renovation.

This bathroom was high on our to-do list. So take a closer look...I don't want you to miss any of the details:

Dated vanity and faucets

Stenciled vanity, laundry chute and linen cabinet

Pink and blue wall tile

 Mosaic Floor Tile

After gutting the bathroom, it functioned as a janitorial closet for two years. When work resumed last February (2009), we remembered why we had stopped.

Hiding behind the wall was a BIG secret. The toilet's cast iron vent stack had corroded. For a cost of $1500, the plumber was more than eager to replace it.

Lucky for me, Hubby is a jack of all trades and my Jeff-dad {ex step-dad} is a professional contractor. The only obstacle was the 120 miles between our homes.

Once we found a time that worked for both guys, it took two loongg days of filthy work to replace the vent pipe and re-plumb the entire bathroom.

Newly installed PVC vent pipe

Once Hubby installed new greenboard around the bathtub and backerboard on the floor and walls, we finally had a blank slate to begin construction.

The total cost to replace the vent stack AND install new plumbing was about $200... well below the plumber's quote of $1500.

ASSESSMENT

As a DIY decorator, I try to assess every element of the space {floor, trim, walls, window treatments, lighting, furniture and accessories} before moving forward with a design plan. Here is my assessment of this bathroom.

1. 
   
   I liked the mosaic floor tile. However, the original tile needed replaced due to it's poor condition.
2. 
   
   I didn't like the pink and blue tiles, but I liked the shape and size of the 4x4 wall tiles.
3. 
   
   I liked the frosted window glass for increased privacy.
4. 
   
   I liked the idea of sconces flanking the mirrored medicine chest. Did not like that the sconces were the only source of general lighting.
5. 
   
   I didn't like the dated vanity and toilet. However, I loved the cast iron tub with period styling.
6. 
   
   I loved the style of cross handle faucets that were originally on the tub.
7. 
   
   Hubby hated that there was no real shower; only the hand-held jobby in the low clearance bathtub.
8. 
   
   Liked the built in features (shower bar, toilet paper holder, and laundry chute).

So there you have it, the demolition and assessment of our bathroom and a preview of what's to come. I hope you'll come back to see the updated pictures. I think you'll like it!

Check out the links below for more creative ideas!

Sincerely, Lisa

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage

Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Indecisions

"Once I make up my mind, I'm full of indecision." ~Oscar Levant

Someone recently told me that I am indecisive. Seeking input from Hubby, I said to him "I don't know. What do you think? Do you think I'm indecisive?" Hubby responded by saying "Let's get this straight. You can't decide if you're indecisive, so you're asking me to tell you if you are. "

"Yes" I laughed and got his point.

About this same time, I took a decorating style quiz on the beautiful and inspiring Boulevard Interior Design blog. Well it appears I consistently answered Transitional style with a bit of Glam.
"Transitional", I thought, "Is this another way of saying, you consistently can't make up your mind".


Just when I was beginning to think the decorating world had an in-between category for finicky people like me who have a hard time committing to a particular style, I found the definition for Transitional Style:


"A marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, material and fabrics equating to a classic timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric can range from graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas to textured chenilles on sleek wood frames."


This picture confirmed that my style is indeed, transitional.

Be still my heart...this room is so beautiful!
The reasons I love this room are the same elements HGTV identify as being Transitionally styled:

• Neutral color pallette with accents of dark brown
• Minimal accessories
• Interesting fabrics like chenille, corduroy, leather and cotton add depth to neutral room
• Mix of straight and curved lines balance masculine and feminine

A few more pictures from my inspiration folder got me thinking Kristin hit the nail on the head.

(Photos from Sarah Richardson)

Based on the use of masculine, dark woods and light, feminine fabrics with a touch bling, I'm thinking these two rooms by Sarah Richardson could quality as being transitional.
However I'm not sure, what do you think? {wink, wink}
Sincerely, Lisa

Bling-any shiny or flashy accessory

Stories that {Aspire to Inspire}

I truly believe that we are all surrounded by inspiration. It's in the untold stories of loved ones, uncaptioned photos and the unseen works of artists.

That thought was the inspiration for my first MckLinky...

Aspire to Inspire. A place to share the stories behind the people, beliefs, art or words that inspire you.

As I prepared to write this post, I thought about all the things that inspire me and what I would like to share with you. Although, I made list after list of potential items, I kept coming back to the same topic; storytelling.

I wanted to tell you why storytelling is so important...

Storytelling has been a long-time tradition in the African community. It basically served as a way of passing along traditions and beliefs from one generation to another.

Although storytelling may have been mastered by the African and African-american community, it's practiced everywhere. By everyone.

If you've been reading my blog, you know I love to tell stories. It's how I make sense of life. But what you may not know, is how much I love to hear stories. This also helps me make sense of life and keep things in perspective. It's probably why I became a counselor.

Following the loss of our baby, the stories of others became a source of encouragement and inspiration to me. The website Journey of Hearts was a lifeline. I was especially found of the article, The Importance of Telling (and Listening) to the Story. Author Kirstin Dyer summarizes the benefits of storytelling as:

• 
  
  Inspires and provides hope during dark times
• 
  
  Life changes and losses are assimilated into a person's life story by the telling of their story
• 
  
  Translates memories into concrete manner that can help preserve tradition and cultures

As a new blogger, I've been encouraged by reading all your blogs. Endless stories of hope and resiliency. Lessons ranging from how to paint to blog etiquette. Tender memories of loved ones lost along the away and new challenges ahead....none of these words have fallen on deaf ears. I appreciate you all sharing those moments with me and your fellow bloggers. Your openness and vulnerability has encouraged me beyond words.

So now I'm preparing for a new chapter in my life. On March 29, I'll be starting nursing school, which is one step closer to pursuing my dream...of moving to the ocean.

Thank you all for listening to my story (over the past few months) and more importantly being part of my story. The words you leave here will continue to inspire me.
As the date draws near, I have alot of work to be done with organizing childcare, orientation, Dr appts, ordering uniforms, etc. Although, my time will be limited, I'll keep you posted on our decorating projects, but I apologize in advance if I don't get around to visiting you all.
So please Link up those inspiring posts now, while I have time to read them...
Sincerely, Lisa