Fireplace Design Ideas
A living room just doesn’t feel complete without a fireplace. It is a focal point in the room that we often center the furniture around. The variety of fireplace design ideas is endless. They can be modern surrounding a gas fireplace insert, they can be traditional complete with red brick and a wooden mantle, and they can be everything in between.
We love refacing a fireplace to alter the look of a room or using the existing fireplace as inspiration for the space. We’ve complied pictures of a few of the fireplace design ideas we have worked with over the years with different styles and purposes.
This fireplace became a focal wall. with stacked stone and built in benches. We love the way the pillows and upholstered bench soften the stone and break up the wall a bit. Its a different take on built-ins flanking either side of a fireplace. There is no hearth for this fireplace which is a more modern look.
Look how much more traditional the same stone can look with a different design. The red tile hearth gives that traditional feel while the stacked stone bring modern elements. This is a working wood fireplace which is always more traditional than a gas insert. There is room for art above the firebox, but the stone is so pretty that it doesn’t necessarily need the embellishments.
A fireplace does not need to have stone. This traditional wood fireplace is trimmed quite simply with wood molding. Because this client very rarely lights a fire, this fireplace is mostly decorative. We chose to put two upholstered swivel chairs in front because they can rotate to face into the room or to move toward the fire depending on how the room is being used at that time.
This traditional fireplace and mantle features a slate stone update. We pulled our color palette for the room right out of the slate. The slate was used for the hearth and the fireplace surround providing continuity. The white pillars and mantle finish the look providing nice contrast to the walls.
A grand space requires a grande fireplace. This traditional living room is the perfect place for conversation for two by a cozy fire. The sconces and mirror above the mantle dress up the wall and make the space feel finished.
Who doesn’t love a limestone fireplace? This white stone off the dark walls really makes a statement. It doesn’t require much for decor around it because the stone is so beautiful on its own. We mimicked the curve in the firebox with the limestone ledge softening the cold stone.
This fireplace features a dark stone contrasting off a light color wall. Its certainly not our best quality photo, so the poor lighting hides the dimension in the stone,but we love the clean look of dark granite with a pop of gold around the firebox.
This fireplace and built-ins were existing when we entered this space, but the television was on another wall creating the problem of two focal points in a room. By moving the TV over the fireplace, we create a single focal point allowing the furniture to work around it.
This traditional fireplace existed in this home for many years, and it needed a bit of a facelift. Adding the gold sconces above it adds to the traditional look but dresses up the wall. The two toned mirror frame picks up the black from inside the firebox, while also highlighting the gold form the sconces. Since this home has little kids, the fireplace does not get used for a fire, so tall candles fill the void while keeping it safe for the kids to be around.
There are so many varieties of stone to use around a fireplace. This home featured a much more rustic and earthy stone which provides a more casual look for a family room. We chose a brighter blue wall to contrast the stone and brighten the space.
Finally, a traditional New England hearth and fireplace with red brick and a white mantle becomes more of a background in the orange and blue living room.
Which fireplace would you like to call home? Do you prefer a modern feel or traditional? Gas or wood fire?
Looking for help to update your fireplace? We would love to help.
Save
Want more interior design inspiration and tips? Subscribe to the Lisa Scheff Designs Newsletter.
White Kitchen Renovation in Longmeadow
This island was designed so the whole family could sit and eat breakfast or lunch together.
Ten years ago when this Longmeadow family moved into their home, the kitchen had a dated style that they always hoped to update. Later having three young boys and two large dogs, their kitchen and dining space became not only outdated in style but also lacked the function needed for their growing family. The kitchen had very little counter space and a confined cooking area that was disjointed from the dining room. Because the dining room was removed from the kitchen, the family naturally gathered around the smaller eat-in table which further crowded the kitchen. Lisa Scheff Designs was brought onto the project with the goal of designing a more functional and modern white kitchen within the existing footprint of the home.
We opened up the wall between the kitchen and dining room, and moved it into the dining room just a bit to allow for the expansive kitchen island.
Lisa first widened the opening by removing most of the wall between the dining room and the kitchen, making an immediate impact on both the feel and the function of the space. The dining room no longer felt disconnected from the kitchen and both the line of sight and the flow of traffic in these areas improved dramatically, causing the space to feel much larger than it had previously.
This round island is the perfect place to gather for meals, but we also made sure to light the space well so that the boys could also gather there to do their homework.
An over-sized island acted as a beautiful statement piece in the center of the kitchen. The island combined a rectangular counter height area for food preparation along with an attached circular island at bar height which serves as a central gathering place to dine in the kitchen. An island of this size is typically impossible to top with one continuous slab of stone. However, using these two connected pieces provided the desired length without any visible seams in the granite. Additionally, the raised circular design of the seating area creates a more intimate gathering space for family and guests.
The open flow of this room with numerous work surfaces allows the family to be together in one space while working on a variety of activities.
“The round eat-in island is perfect for our family,” comments the homeowner. “Instead of all facing the same direction, we are actually able to face each other when we are sitting around the island. And, when I’m drinking my morning coffee at the island, I can now see directly into the living room and dining room and can keep an eye on everything happening in house.”
Notice the additional breakfast bar overlooking the family room designed specifically so the kids would stop bringing snacks onto the sofa.
To maximize the family’s comfort and efficiency in this space, tile flooring was installed over radiant floor heating. The tile flooring will not only be durable enough to withstand heavy traffic from their family and two dogs, but also will conduct and radiate the heat most efficiently. Lisa Scheff Designs unified the space with a tranquil color palette and natural materials. Neutral colors and classic finishes ensure that this kitchen will be in style regardless of the current trends. As the finishing touch, red accessories and custom bar stools were used to bring in a fun pop of color that reflected the family’s lively personality.
Even the family dogs have something to love about this new space with heated floors below this beautiful wood-look plank tile creating a cozy place to lounge.
“This white kitchen was made for OUR family from top to bottom,” comments the homeowner. “That’s how I know that we will love it for years to come!”
Want more interior design inspiration and tips? Subscribe to the Lisa Scheff Designs Newsletter.
Grey and Cream Guest Bathroom
We know that gray is the new beige, that trend is nothing new, but grey doesn’t have to be used in a completely modern space. We love this guest bathroom where modern meets traditional style. Our vision was high end hotel feel with a simple clean look.
Here is a closer looks at the vanity wall vignette. We chose a dark stain for the cabinetry to complement the white stone-top. The square shades on the vanity sconces add to the modern appeal, while the dark wood on the vanity provides a bit of traditional style. A pop of greenery by the sink provides an organic, fresh vibe that we love in any space. Our favorite piece is the watercolor of a proud schnauzer. We love to see the client’s personality come through in the accessories, and this family is a dog family. Plus, the warm colors in the painting complement our color palette.
We didn’t ignore any details in this guest bathroom space. The pebble tiles that we chose for the shower floor add to the organic feel, and are so interesting to look at. Because this tile is busy, we limited its use to the shower floor, using a much more subdued large rectangular tile for the shower walls.
Just because we limited the pebble tile to the shower floor doesn’t mean we limited the unique design elements to the shower floor. While we kept the shower walls and ceiling monochromatic, we broke up the large rectangles with small square tiles made of the same material. We divided those tiles with a pencil molding to define the change. Not pictured at this angle is the niche to house shampoo, soap, razors, etc. Because we chose a glass shower door, we made sure to locate the niche in a somewhat hidden spot, to keep the room feeling clean.
Would you like to have a guest bathroom like this in your home? Call us today to schedule a design consultation to make your remodel dreams a reality.
Want more interior design inspiration and tips? Subscribe to the Lisa Scheff Designs Newsletter.
Color of the year 2015 – Marsala
I
t’s official: The Pantone Color of the Year of 2015 is… Marsala. “This earthy red has wine and a very warm brown underneath, which gives the feeling of groundedness, strength, and confidence,” says Leatrice Eisman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute.
This creamy wine hue is quite a bit different than last year’s Radiant Orchid, but it seems more versatile. Not as dramatic as oxblood or even burgundy, but a gorgeous terracotta red shade. While the Color of the Year can be applied to just about anything – from makeup to fashion – we focus our attention on where this color shows up in interior design.
“It has a richness that lends sophistication. When you wear it, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy—you’ll find you get positive reactions form others and it builds up your confidence.” Eisman explains that we’ve seen glimpses of marsala in the late ‘60s into the ‘70s and a touch in the ‘80s, but it’s a very modern hue that totally suits the times.You may not have heard of Pantone, but the color authorities have been used as an industry resource for decades. After announcing the color of the millennium in 1999 there was so much public interest that Pantone decided to name a color every year based on their extensive research.
Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.
The Versatility of Marsala
Equally appealing to men and women, Marsala is a stirring and flavorful shade for apparel and accessories, one that encourages color creativity and experimentation- Flattering against many skin tones, sultry and subtle Marsala is a great
go-to
color for beauty, providing enormous highlight for the cheek, and a captivating pop of color for nails, shadows lips and hair. - Dramatic and at the same time grounding, the rich and full-bodied red-brown Marsala brings color warmth into home interiors
- An earthy shade with a bit of sophistication, texture is the story in print and packaging. A matte finish highlights Marsala’s organic nature while adding a sheen conveys a completely different message of glamour and luxury
Because of the brown undertones in marsala, it can be used both as a pop of color in a room or as the grounding “neutral.”
Generally, we suggest with the color of the year that you keep it to inexpensive pieces that are easy to change, but the neutral feel to this color will allow it last longer in a space than radiant orchard or emerald did. This color can work well on upholstery, in rugs, as paint or in your accessories, but make sure to choose classic patterns and silhouettes to pair it with.
Child Safe Shades by Hunter Douglas
This revolutionary Hunter Douglas operating system uses a retractable cord mechanism to raise and lower the window shade. A constant cord length means there are never any long, dangling cords to detract from the appearance of the shade. These child safe shades by Hunter Douglas are ideal for child and pet safety.
Silhouette® window shadings have introduced the UltraGlide® 2 Click and Walk Away™ operating system. UltraGlide 2 offers convenient retractable cord operation that will lower and open the shading with just one click. It truly provides added convenience and promotes enhanced child safety. Check it out in this quick video.
Want more interior design inspiration and tips? Subscribe to the Lisa Scheff Designs Newsletter.
Motorized Blinds – Why Motorize?
There are many reasons to consider motorized blinds, shades and drapery and the benefits go beyond the “wow, that’s cool” factor!
So, why go for motorized blinds or shades?
Convenience
The first major benefit to motorization is convenience. At the push of a button, open and closing your shades, drapes or blinds are done in a snap. You don’t have to move from the sofa, your desk, or the dinner table, especially if you’ve downloaded the Platinum App. You can raise and lower all the shades in your window without having to go to every room; save yourself time by controlling every window in the house from your app.
Privacy
Motorization also helps to keep your home private, plus, enjoy greater peace of mind while away by making your home look occupied. By setting a daily timer for your shades, they will automatically raise and lower. You can choose to lower your shades when the sun sets and raise them when your alarm goes off in the morning. The sunlight in the morning will help to wake you up, and while you’re away, the change in the the position of the blinds will make your home appear lived-in to prevent break-ins.
Safety
There are other safety facets to power as well. You can also raise and lower hard-to-reach windows whether they are up high, behind furniture or above a staircase. Don’t strain to reach a cord, climb on a counter or precariously lean over a stair railing. Let power control all your hard-to-reach windows allowing you to enjoy light when you want to but privacy and sun control when you need the shades closed. Power shades also are cordless which eliminates the danger to children and pets from your home. Cords are a strangulation hazard for small children and pets. There are other cordless options, but power allows for a clean look, and stream-lined function while protecting your loved ones.
Energy Efficiency
Finally, motorized shades help to keep your home climate controlled thus capitalizing on their energy efficiency. There are features available to close the shades when your home gets too hot, thus preventing your house from heating up while you’re at work and forcing your cooling costs to rise.
The WOW factor
But let’s not under estimate that wow factor. Besides all these great benefits, power shades are are sure to impress your friends!
Steps to Remodeling
Steps to a Complete Remodeling Project
1. Research & Visualize
Visualize how you want your remodeling to look. If it’s a kitchen, where will the appliances go? If it’s a living room, will there be a newly placed picture window? Find inspiration in magazines or online using houzz.com or Pinterest.com. This is a good phase to start working with a designer so you can make concrete design decisions based off your vision.
2. Budget
Decide how much you are willing to spend on your remodel. Figuring out rough estimates can help you get an idea of how much you will have to spend. If you are borrowing, you must find out how much the bank will loan. Major upgrades, such as a bathroom remodel or a family-room addition, can run about $100 to $200 per square foot. Ask around to contractors for general quotes to get an even better idea on what your costs will be.
3. Hire
Hire a Contractor that can devise a plan for your remodel based on your design that is within your budget. Make sure this is someone you trust. You can rely on him/her to hire subcontractors for the labor that will be required. It is a good idea, but not necessary, to hire an architect as well. If it is within your budget, an architect can translate your vision and create a realistic floor plan.
4. Implement
When implementing your plan, stay a part of the development from start to finish. Even when hiring others to perform the labor, pay attention to detail. Make sure things are not only going according to plan, but that you are happy with it. In addition, be kind and respectful to your remodelers and they will do the same. Especially if you are living in your home throughout the process, remember that everyone who enters is your guest. You’re all in it together!
5. Decorate
When it comes time to decorate your new space, it is one option to hire an interior designer to come up with an exciting way to make the room beautiful. However, you want to start working with the designer at the beginning so that the ultimate vision can come together. Details such as placing outlets and lighting should take furniture and art placement into consideration.
When decorating, be sure to:
- Consider the function of the room when piecing it together
- Match furniture to the overall scale of the space
- Create a theme and vibe for the feeling of the room
- Design a creative color pallet and follow it through out
- Make your room unique with interesting pieces
- Utilize light to create aesthetic warmth and color
- Don’t forget the window coverings!
Want more interior design inspiration and tips? Subscribe to the Lisa Scheff Designs Newsletter.
Pantone Color of 2014, Radiant Orchid
Pantone announced the Pantone Color of 2014 is Radiant Orchid, a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple, as the color of the year for 2014. We love the idea of a bold punch of color in any room, but caution our clients about jumping aboard the color trends too quickly.
Our Advice for the Color of the Year
Never purchase your big-ticket items in the trendy color. Instead, allow the color to pop off an otherwise neutral palette. That way, if you tire of the 2014 color or want to indulge in 2015’s bold punch, you can do so without breaking the bank.
The vibrancy of this color is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergizes almost any color palette.
Choose items such as pillows, ceramic pieces, flowers, art work, throws and other accent pieces to show off the Radiant Orchid. Notice how this bedroom on the left has three pieces in the Orchid that could easily change to blue, yellow, purple, red, etc. in the future.
If a few items in Radiant Orchid is not enough for you, you can also consider painting your walls. Paint is more of a commitment to the color, but relatively inexpensive to change down the road when it’s time to move on to a new color. Plus, you don’t even have to paint the entire room to get the pop. Using an accent wall, painting the ceiling or painting behind cabinetry gives you a magnitude of color for very little money. Notice in this dining room how the purple pops off the white trim, drapery and brown leather dining chairs. There’s no need for more color in the room because wall color makes such a statement. Interest in the rest of the room is created through use of texture and layering various neutrals.
However, you can layer additional colors for an even bolder look. Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows.
Here’s some information about Radient Orchid from Pantone.
“While the 2013 color of the year, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.”
“An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”
For more than a decade, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past colors include:
- PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
- PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
- PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
- PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
- PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
- PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
- PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
- PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
- PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
- PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
- PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
- PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
- PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
- PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)
Want more interior design inspiration and tips? Subscribe to the Lisa Scheff Designs Newsletter.
Why Drapery Lining is Important
There is a distinct difference between ready-made curtains and custom drapery with drapery lining. With a custom product, not only do you get the exact fabric, style, colors, width, height, etc. that you are looking for, but you also get a higher quality product.
However, much of that quality comes from the fabric that you cannot see. I’m talking about the lining. Because fabric costs can add up quickly, it’s easy to want to skimp on the lining when designing drapery: You can’t see the lining fabric in the room and it adds an additional cost. Nevertheless, I urge you to reconsider that thought when choosing your window coverings.
Here’s why we use quality linings:
- UV Protection: Protect the furniture and flooring your have in your home from fading and discoloration over time
- Light Exclusion: Do you want blackout drapery? High-quality lining will help eliminate light seeping into your room in the morning.
- Thermal Insulation: Keep the cold air out and the heat in during the winter and keep your air-conditioned air in and the hot air out during the summer months.
- Noise Insulation: Do you live on a busy street? Drapery can help muffle those noises to help you sleep.
- Improve the Drape and Body: Ready made curtains hang limp and lifeless at the window. Properly lined drapery will be full and provide a softer frame to your windows.
- Extend the Life of Fabric: Help protect the fabric you fell in love with in your custom drapery.
Lisa Scheff Designs uses high-quality drapery lining for all of these reasons to create custom, top-of-the-line products for your homes.
Call today to book your free drapery consultation.
Want more interior design inspiration and tips? Subscribe to the Lisa Scheff Designs Newsletter.
Window Blinds – Before & After
We recently installed new window blinds in the waiting room at Robert Charles Photography, and we think it made a world of difference in the space. Being a photography studio, of course, lots of photos were taken, and we love a good before and after shot!!! Check it out.
Before
As you can see, the old window coverings are functional but not beautiful to look at. When closed, they block a majority of the light, but still allow light to come through. When open, the curtains make the windows look small, and the hardware looks frail. They are hung too low creating two horizontal lines, one from the paint line and another from the curtain rod.
After
What a difference! The Hunter Douglas Vignette Modern Roman shade provides nearly complete light blocking when lowered allowing for ideal image viewing, and the custom drapery softens the edges and frames the windows perfectly. These are child safe, cordless window coverings, which is important for a photography studio that specializes in family portraits. Not only are these window coverings cordless, but they’re motorized. That’s right, when you sit down to view your Robert Charles Photography photos, your consultant doesn’t have to leave their desk to darken the room. There is a remote control, but they can also be raised and lowered using the Hunter Douglas Platinum App on an iPhone or iPad.
We chose to mount the Roman shades well above the window casing. When raised, the Hunter Douglas Modern Roman shades provide the allusion that the windows keep going allowing us to alter the scale of the windows in proportion to these high ceilings without having to replace the windows.
The fullness of the drapery softens the window’s edges, but the stationary panels mean much less fussing to keep the room looking complete. The Roman shade replaces the functionality of the old curtains, and the custom drapery completes the look.
The new hardware is both functional and attractive, and the grommet header provides a modern feel.
We’re elated with how this space came out and glad to have helped Robert Charles Photography update their waiting room. Book your holiday photography session with them and check out our window coverings when you’re in the studio.
Like what you see? Book your free consultation to create a look like this in your home or office.
Check out Robert Charles Photography’s blog about the room as well!
