Family Room Facelift

When we built our house 5 years ago, I wanted to have a fireplace. But there were lots of other upgrades we wanted too, and so we decided not to do it at the time. I've been waiting until the budget and the time was right so that we could install a fireplace, and this summer we got it done!

Over the last 5 years I've watched a lot of HGTV and have formulated a vision of what I want. I then consulted with my designer friend, Karina, to make sure I was on the right track. She drew up a plan and helped me with the details. I am so grateful that we did not install a fireplace when building the house because we would have just gone with the builder's vision. I love how my vision turned out!

before

during the cabinet and shelves install, the end of June

The mantel and stone were installed a couple of weeks ago; I've spent  my birthday money over the last week or so to find accessories for all of the shelving :) It was so fun to be able to buy everything all at once, instead of one thing at a time like I usually do when I decorate!

I love the pop of color! Both the cabinet guy and the paint guy told me they thought the idea of the blue was crazy, but once they saw it finished they loved it!

We are waiting for some metal meshing to go in the doors on either side of the fireplace (venting for electronics). But it got delayed and I didn't want to wait any longer to take the pictures! I love all of the cabinets -- so much storage!

Ryan jokes that the only reason I wanted a fireplace is because I want something to hang the stockings on at Christmas time! Although there is a lot of truth in that, I know we will all enjoy this every day! Next project: new furniture to complete the room!

Update: Here is a picture after we installed the mesh. You can also see a glimpse of the new leather couch set and the coffee table. Now my next project is making drapes for the room :)