Where The Lone Star State Meets The Puget Sound
A Fine Mesh Of Two Great Styles

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

A Before And A {Happy} After




After two straight months of bone dry weather, I awoke to a simple gift~ a rainy day. I so love rainy days. This typical fall weather-wet and windy- put me in the 'get it done' frame of mind. I was happy to stay indoors and tackle something large. I decided that today was a perfect day to cross a 'dread' project off of my list.

We have a very straightforward 1950's cottage with a few vestiges of mid-century still in evidence. The Roman {skinny} brick chimney and fireplace broadcast our home's vintage. I had at one time painted it white, as you can see below. It wasn't horrible but it was glaring in my present decor.


But below is a picture that will surely incite a reaction~ I rarely show this picture to anyone. Please try not to laugh too loudly.


Here is a picture of the fireplace just before we moved in. What do you think? Or a better question, "what was I thinking?" All I can figure out is that we were so transfixed by the panoramic water view that we saw little else.


Yes, I awaken to this vista each morning.

As I mentioned, this paint-over was atop my dread list. But I'm happy to be able to tell you that the project didn't take nearly as much time as I was expecting. I think painting over painted brick was much easier than painting 'naked' brick the first time.

The newly repainted brick~ Laura Ashley Taupe {to match the walls}. I really prefer the brick in retreat. The white brick was just too much of a focal point. The change is subtle but truly effective.


Do you like the after? No more terra cotta red brick nor boring carpet.

Here are a few fall touches on the mantle and on the hearth~



A subtle autumn scented potpourri in a hurricane.


Fall leaves collected in a far away place many years ago.


This generously proportioned green leather chair was a gift to us by my parent's neighbors. 
It presides over the living room and attracts all male visitors. It seems to be a perfect spot of a first cup of coffee on a cold morning.


I enjoy the matching ottoman which is currently doubling as a coffee table.

We have pumpkins growing in our garden which haven't quite reached their peak. As soon as they turn fully orange I will proudly add one to my mantlescape. 

I'm linking to Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style . I hope you'll visit Kim and all the fabulous links featured there today.
Wishing you pleasant rainy day thoughts~

     Dana

PS: A technical flaw of which I was unaware~ I accidentally hit "Publish" prematurely. Now an unfinished copy of this post appears in Google Reader. For those of you that use Reader, I hope you will take a moment to read the entire post at my website. Arrgh! Technology!

4 comments:

  1. Hi Dana,
    I love rainy days too. Your view is beautiful and so is your newly painted fireplace. Big difference from the original picture. It is amazing what a little paint can do. Have a wonderful day...Enjoy the rain.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ♥Ana

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  2. I love your newly painted fireplace. You're right. The taupe just seems to blend better. What a drastic change you've made since the beginning. Gorgeous view too!!

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  3. Dana,I love the fireplace blending with the walls! It looks so much better! Your Fall decorations are lovely! I love the Jack-O-Lantern pillow with the black cat. If it goes missing, I don't have it! Great ideas and a FABULOUS view! Lucky girl!

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  4. From bright to light, the newly painted taupe fireplace seems more in tune with your decor. Love all of the fall touches. What a cozy looking room!

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