Thursday, July 29, 2010

How to Lighten Up an Empty Fireplace at Heart and Home

Hey there! How's it going everyone? I'm doing fine, and so happy you've dropped by today.

Thanks to all of you for the comments and e-mails regarding my daughter's big b-day, and the Rocky Road tart that seems to have made all your mouths water.  I'm always happy to to be of service in the dessert-recipe-sharing area. And, thank you for the one year congrats. I am still surprised that I made it this far!!



After the post about my painted rug, I realized something needed to be done about this dirty old firebox. I had a heck of a time figuring out just what would work inside here to brighten it up a little, because it's, well, dirty and old. 


But, I think, when viewed with all the rest of the room, and the mantel, what I came up with is not too bad.

Considering I whipped this up in five minutes with things I had on hand, just before guests starting arriving for the birthday bash, it's not too bad at all.

AND, I even cleaned out all the ashes beforehand, and swept up all the cobwebs and dustmites.



I mean, how good can an empty firebox look, anyway?

I'm not going to buy stuff to put in here, when the thing actually gets used during the fall and winter.
For actual FIRES.



So, I just gathered up some white candles, ceramic candle holders, and those old lanterns that I had laying around in the garage.




Then I arranged them, and poof, that old, dark, dirty firebox turned into an old, dark, dirty firebox with candles and candlesticks and lanterns in it.


It's okay. I have these mums to brighten up the place.  In case my candles inside the firebox trick didn't work, and it's still dark and dirty looking to you, too.

What do you think? Better or not?  I know I've asked you for ideas before, and you came up with some good ones.  BUT:  I don't want to paint the mantle,  I like the contrast of the dark antique wood. And the fireplace looks goofy with a basket inside, I tried it. Also, there's a shortage of lovely, white, birchwood pieces (as seen in all the designer magazines) around here right now. The oak I do have available is split, or too chunky, or full of bugs.

So...what to do? Should I leave this, or just empty the whole thing and close the screen? (I know, I need to replace the screen  but I can't do that right now, either. Remember, our girl is going away to finish college. And we are paying her way. Which means: No new anything. Ever again!)

I know I can count on you ot be honest with me. Leave me a comment, tell me what you think! But be nice, or I won't share any more dessert recipes with you!!

Also, there's just one more day to enter the giveaway, winner will be drawn on Saturday, July 31.

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

I'm linking to Show and Tell Friday at Cindy's Romantic Home and Finer Things Friday at Amy's Finer Things. and Friday Finding Beauty at Dipity Road.  Go check out these sites, and Thanks to you all Ladies!!

20 comments:

Lori E said...

I struggle with mantles but my fireplaces are gas so I can't put anything in them.
You really did a good job with the candles. I like it. Did you light them all that night?

A Garden of Threads said...

I also struggle with fireplaces, both mantle and inside. Have you tried a large bouquet of flowers cascading out of the basket, when you auditioned the basket. Came to mind when I saw the picture. If not the candles are lovely. Take care and have a great weekend.

Jemsmom said...

I really like the candles, but I can see what you are talking about. What about spray painting the inside and edge black? I have also seen Kim use a big fern in hers and it looks really good. I personally like the candles! Hope you are having a good week!

My Dream Canvas said...

Wow, fabulous. I am hosting a Giveaway on my blog...so do drop by!!

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

I like the mantel as it.. love the woody colour and the details on the mantel..

Amy Kinser said...

I think you did a great job in your firebox. I love to shop from within my house.

Partying with you tonight.

Allison said...

I like your candle idea very much! I bet it is very pretty lit, too. Your dark wood mantle is gorgeous...all the hand carvings and the wood contrast against the white wall is very striking. I love your living room...looks very comfortable and cozy! What sweet birds sitting on top of your mantle.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I think your display of candles works just fine. I've seen some of my friends use a hinged screen, store bought or hand painted to cover the opening and that looks nice too.

Hootin Anni said...

Y'know? What's funny is that I do this during the Christmas season. I don't know why I don't do it year 'round!!!

Love your fireplace.


My Friday Blog - Monkey See, Monkey Do

Hope your weekend treats you well!!

Anonymous said...

no, no, no... don't paint the mantle!
Now, I am not opposed to painting "wood," but I would not paint the mantle. It is gorgeous! The "candle-scape" looks good for a quick fix. I like it, too! There are painted, hinged fireplace screens to cover the "black hole." What about a tapestry, or a quilt on a quilt rack, something brass that is large (plate, bowl, sculpture) with a real fern, a vintage window from a scrap yard, a stained glass window, a collection of crocks... I'll stop now.

...Karen

Unknown said...

I love what you did with your fireplace. I bet the candles look pretty all lit up at night. I like the dark wood contrasting with the stone as well, great job!

Claudia said...

I think its very fun to change things up with the seasons.

Like others have suggested -- lit candles in the evening create such a lovely glow with no HEAT. (Im not the biggest heat FAN)

:)

Years ago I put something like this together... I took a heavey cookie sheet... scattered some glass stones in the bottom and placed pillar candles through out at varying heights. When lit the candles reflected off the glass stones it was very romantic and pretty.

Thanks so much for joining us at FFB :) always a delight to stop by and see you.

Hugs
Claudia

Gypsy Heart said...

Can you paint the inside with a high heat type paint? Then you might try one of those candle holder thingys that are made for the purpose of fire places. Put a ton of white candles in different sizes or do this without the "thingy". :-) I once had a fireplace that I couldn't use (not good) but I did that and it was both romantic as well as soothing. Just my 2c ~

Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Pat

Sherrie said...

Hi!
You did a great job! I like it the way it is. Looks homey. Have a great day!

Sherrie
Food for Thought

Melissa said...

I think it looks great and they definitely lighten up the interior!!

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

Your Fireplace looks Great! That's what I do with mine in the Summer, And when the candles are lit at night,I'm sure it looks just Beautiful :)

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Heidi...

I was just over at Pat's place (Gypsy Heart) and seen your comment and decided to come by to say hello and see how you were doing! It's been awhile since we've visited! Summer always gets busy for me...well, for most of us! Anyway, I do hope that my note finds you and your sweet family all well!

My friend, I love what you did with the firebox in your fireplace! Of course, I have seen candles used before but I have never thought about using old lanterns. I think they look GRAND!!! I love the idea! Now I'm sitting here wondering if we have any old lanterns out in the garage! Hehe! I'm also always looking for ways to decorate the firebox area in my faux fireplace. Right now I have a large hat box with a couple of books stacked on top of it and a green plant on top of the books. It was my "summer" look! Hehe! I really do love your idea though...I will be keeping it in mind! Thanks for sharing your great idea...your beautiful fireplace...and lovely home with us!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Heidi-I really like it. What I did with my firebox was to spray the inside a jet black and then I put white candles inside without any holders or anything. It looked pretty too. The black spray made the inside look very clean and dramatic.
I am so relieved you didn't mean you were going to paint that beautiful wood mantel you have...it's gorgeous! Your place looks great.

Heidi said...

I think it looks FABULOUS! Everything...just...goes tegether! I love the rusty lamps next to the candles too. It give that added 2nd color next to the white, which goes with the mantel. And the flowers and rug add that pop of color that is so easy to change during different seasons!

electric fireplaces said...

I think that You have no use of the fireplace. So that You have decorated with candles and lanterns. Nice decoration.