Another Fireplace / Bookshelf Wall Gets a Facelift!

Another day, another fireplace / bookshelf wall! Bring ‘em on! :-)

This recent Designed in a Click consultation came in from one of my former clients of this service, so I knew their kitchen project well. It was one where I featured the befores and afters, here on my blog.

See it here >>> This Partial Kitchen Remodel Shows How to Work With Travertine Floors

She wanted to know how to modify the built-in and if something should be done about the fireplace mantel too. A few decor ideas would be welcome also.

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Design Challenges of this Wall

Their kitchen turned out so well, it doesn’t relate across the open space, to this wall at all now.

That dark finish on the bookcase (that used to house a tv, obviously), is too big, too dark and dominated the wall. The fireplace mantel and tile on the surround felt sort of pasted on and seemed like an afterthought over there in the corner.

To be honest, I know the cabinet was originally positioned there for the tv, but as is, the two side by side, at equal widths, are not that visually appealing.

It’s definitely a problem wall.

I do like the tv across from the sofa as they have it, on a tv console, so that stays. She wanted to add a shelf to the bookcase, pare down the big crown and somehow make this built-in work.

It does recess into the wall there. I might have just said tear it out, sheetrock over it and put a bookcase piece of furniture there, but it would likely cost less to modify and paint this built-in.

Let’s see if I can make this work!

The Fireplace

I decided I wanted to deal with the fireplace first and that would help me figure out what to do with the bookcase.

I knew immediately the mantel should go, too dark and heavy, and it needed some depth so the fireplace had more prominence and importance.

This type of stone look mantel could do just the trick. It has legs to give depth on the sides of the fireplace and the top as well.

Here’s a blogpost I wrote about tile fireplaces with no depth.

This mantel is light colored, rather matches the tile and has a more subtle, but classy look. I like the simpler vibe overall, to work with what they have going on in their kitchen.

It is not too chunky, they don’t have much room around the fp either.

This should likely be sourced locally, so their fireplace can be measured and it can be fit to their opening and be mindful of codes in their area.

I think the idea of this works well here though with the fireplace.

The Bookcase

In reviewing the bookcase now, I thought it would be best painted to match the wall. I want the big dark bookcase to almost go away here, and painting it to match the wall will do just that.

Get rid of the big crown and replace with some lean trim moulding as necessary and then put wood panels in the glass doors below, to make for a cleaner, appearance.

The only contrast I thought we could do here would be the back of the bookcase, to use wood that matches the kitchen cabinets, to speak to those design-wise.

I did that in this remodel project and it turned out nicely.

Painted cabinetry with wood backing in the cabinets.

The Fireplace / Bookcase Wall Mock-up

Here’s a mock-up I created from their photo.

I love the lighter look overall and now feel like the fireplace and built-in cabinet work together much better.

Fireplace / Bookshelf wall mock up with light colors and new mantel. Designer: Carla Aston

Furnishings and Decor

For the decor items above the fireplace, I thought it would be good to go larger and simpler.

I’d use a larger piece of art with a tall vase above the fireplace. It looks less busy and less harsh to me. Go with soft colors and less contrast. Don’t do a dark frame or dark vase. Keep it muted, light and warm.

I like the idea of a tall vase on the fireplace hearth and a plant between the fireplace and bookcase. It helps the transition there.

I suggested that they replace the black leather chair, as there are several leather colors in this room and I’d like to see them stay with the brown and add in fabric.

I think this light, tub shaped chair and a new floor lamp would feel more updated. It just has a softer, more comfortable look overall.

I like the idea of taking the red out of this room, it feels rather dated. I’d play up the sage green and terracotta/rust colors in this room with a new rug and pillows.

Here’s the before pic again and then my photoshopped after pic with the new color scheme.

Family room as is with red rug and accents

Family room with new sage rug and terracotta/rust accents

Here are some of the new items put together, below.

You can shop some of these items yourself on the links within the post.

I can’t wait to see how they move forward. She is excited to tackle this room now and I will share their outcome when they finish and send me photos. :-)

See more fireplace / bookcase wall challenges below!

This blogpost was thoughtfully written by me, Carla Aston, and not by AI, ghostwriters, or guest posters.