HHello friends! How is everyone? This week my to-do list seemed to grow faster than the list of things I actually finished, but I still found time for a few small updates around the house that I’m excited to share.
I’m loving the new counter stools I picked up from Target for the kitchen island. They’re a great size for quick chats at the counter or a fast snack, and they add a simple, casual touch to the space.
I also rearranged the family room a bit. I moved the gold bamboo tables I’d been keeping behind the sofa into the area beside the fireplace and paired them with new lamps. The switch opened up the room and gave the fireplace area a more polished look.
For my birthday in January my daughter gave me a beautiful salvaged wood mirror from Restoration Hardware. We hung it above the fireplace a few days ago and it really makes the mantel feel like a focal point. I’d been wanting something to anchor that wall, and the mirror is just right.
I actually have a longer-term plan to continue improving the fireplace wall. To show where it began, here’s a photo of the original fireplace before I started making changes.
Updating the fireplace finishes and covering the old TV niche already made a big difference in this room. Those changes gave the hearth a cleaner, more cohesive look and set the stage for further improvements.
My long-range idea is to take the design a step further by adding built-in bookcases and cabinets on either side of the fireplace. That architectural detail would finish the wall and give the room extra warmth and character.
This house started as a fairly standard builder’s model, and over time I’ve focused on adding elements that bring out more personality and a hint of old-house charm. Built-ins feel like a natural next step in that process.
A continuous wall of bookshelves framing the fireplace would create a bold architectural statement while making the room feel cozier and more collected. Shelving also provides practical storage and display space for books, art, and family pieces.
I’ve gathered a few built-in ideas and inspiration images to help visualize the final look. Below are some of the styles and layouts I’m considering as I refine the plan for this wall.
Do you have built-ins in your house?