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An oversized iron screen makes this petite firebox appear much grander. The new TV stand fits in seamlessly with the room's architectural features.
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Travertine marble remnants were cut to fit this fireplace--a wallet-friendly idea.
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Revive Your Living Room
- Start with a fabric you love. Select a favorite hue from it to paint on the walls. Pull out an additional color to use as an accent.
- Give your mantel special attention. Highlight artwork with wall sconces or swing-arm lamps. Replace standard lampshades with colorful ones.
- Coat the inside of the firebox with black paint for a fresh look.
- Update an existing coffee table with pretty baskets.
- Invest in neutral upholstery. You can easily change a look with accessories and accent fabrics without starting over.
Center Stage
When dealing with a bold pattern such as this one, it's best to use it throughout the room to get the print's full effect.
Try incorporating the fabric as custom Roman shades and accent pillows, like these homeowners did, or as drapery panels. The
most visible place, however, is above the fireplace, where you see the entire print.
Fast Fix-up
After updating the mantel area, they focused on the fireplace. The brick surround was painted the same color as the walls
for a unified look.
A trip to a stone shop proved profitable for this couple. The tired terra-cotta tile hearth was removed and replaced with travertine marble. After the tiles were tossed, a large piece of kraft paper was used to make a template of the area. It is important to note the precise measurements directly on the template; an 1/8-inch difference can affect the fit. The couple found a marble remnant and had it cut into three pieces for easy installation. Working with a remnant allowed the couple to use a more expensive product on a budget. Once in place, the marble was secured with grout. (Hint: Use a grout that's the same color as the stone for a seamless look.)
The final accessory is really more like artwork. Commissioned by the homeowners, a local artist designed and crafted a new, oversize iron fire screen that was inspired by bamboo.
Media Center Smarts
Narrow bookcases left no space for electronic equipment, so a carpenter made a triangular base that rests on the floor. The
front panel, which conceals a DVD player, looks like a continuation of the baseboards.
"Drab to Fab" is from the July 2004 issue of Southern Living.
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