Fireplace | Design Happens

ALL POSTS TAGGED "[fireplace]"

A DIY Grandfather Clock For Under $50

by Erin Loechner February 23, 2011 14 Comments

When Ken and I first decided to embark on a renovation, we drafted this thing called a renovation budget. And although we were careful to remember hidden costs, do our research and enlist (free!) help when needed, we still managed to come out of this renovation wayyyyy over budget.

Luckily, we had built in a pocket of money dedicated to decorating the space, so we simply borrowed a bit of cash from our decorating funds. Until our decorating funds ran out and it was time to decorate.
So Friends, It’s Time to Get Crafty

Crafting a Concrete Fireplace Mantel

by Erin Loechner February 9, 2011 19 Comments

Remember a few months ago when Husband surprised me with a Scandinavian-inspired fireplace? Well, it’s time to revisit the project and turn our non-working focal point into a full-blown fireplace! First step? Crafting a concrete mantel, which surprisingly, isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds. Watch how we tackled the project:

Since filming, the concrete has cured to a cool, light gray and we couldn’t love the look more. For our next trick, we’ll be installing our fireplace insert and watching our heating bill magically disappear! While you wait, check out these fireplace mantel designs.

Stay tuned; see you next Wednesday!

Merry Christmas!

by Kayla Kitts December 25, 2010 5 Comments

In my tree trimming post a few weeks ago, I mentioned I was breaking with tradition this year and going with a purple tree covered in cupcake ornaments. (My pics are after the jump.) Well, after a number of coworkers asked me to bring in pictures of said tree, we decided to share with all of you personal photos of our holiday decor. (After all, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the Christmas spirit at HGTV.) So from the Design Happens staff and our featured bloggers — Merry Christmas — from our homes…literally…to yours!

Erinn Valencich – Erinnv.com READ MORE

Christmas Countdown: Deck the Halls, Mantel & More

by Kayla Kitts December 11, 2010 17 Comments

Your Christmas tree is decorated with fabulous trimmings, right? So, it’s time to add holiday cheer to the rest of your home. Have you made that annual trek to the attic or basement, yet? All of my year-round decorations are on a month-long vacation in the storage closet, while glittery (and messy) decor has taken their place in preparation for Santa’s big arrival. Whether you enjoy subtle hints of the holidays or create a replica of the North Pole in your living room, here’s just the inspiration you need to add that festive feeling to your home both inside and out.

Daily Delight: Wintery Retreat

by Lili Zarghami November 14, 2010 5 Comments

Winter isn’t my favorite season. The ice! The wind! But at no other time of the year does a warm, crackling fire feel so good.

An archival issue of Homes & Gardens featured this bedroom retreat that strikes the perfect balance of glamour and cozy comfort.

Weekly Tour: Kriste Michelini’s Own California Home

by Karli Sanders Cook October 7, 2010 1 Comment

Designing and decorating one’s own home is a daunting task for a professional interior designer. Your personal living quarters don’t just serve as a place for you to crash after a busy day designing someone else’s digs. They must also be a prime showpiece for your professional services. It would be like settling into a chair at a new hair salon and noticing that the stylist approaching you with scissors has a freakishly awful coiffure.

San Francisco designer Kriste Michelini was faced with the all-important challenge of designing a home for her family that not only provided a comfortable and efficient place to cultivate life, but also spoke to her own personal style and design capabilities. (Her home, and hair, are simply beautiful.)
See How Kristi Came Out

Surprise! A Video!

by Erin Loechner October 6, 2010 17 Comments

So, I spent a good portion of September traveling to New York, San Francisco and everywhere between while Husband stayed home doing what he does best: building things. And one of those things he built? Well… you’ll just have to see for yourself:

Watch Video

At Home with Bill Bryson

by Anna Millman October 6, 2010 3 Comments

“We forget how painfully dim the world was before electricity…open your refrigerator door and you summon forth more light than the total amount enjoyed by most households in the 18th century.”

– Bill Bryson

That’s something to reflect on the next time you replace a light bulb in a fixture or appliance. Or arrange a decadent candlescape for a dinner party for eight (or a bubble bath for two.)

Stockholm Iron Lantern by Bobo Intriguing Objects

All sorts of light bulbs went off for me yesterday when I turned off my morning alarm and turned on NPR to hear Renee Montagne’s interview with Bill Bryson on his new book. At Home: A Short History of Private Life represents Bryson’s challenge to himself to “write a history of the world without leaving home.”

Inspiring Outdoor Spaces

by Kayla Kitts July 31, 2010 2 Comments

Make the most out of your backyard or patio by turning it into a cozy retreat perfect for relaxing (and daydreaming).

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Decorate Your Unused Fireplace for the Hot Season

by Kayla Kitts May 7, 2010 19 Comments

Cold weather has disappeared, but that doesn’t mean your fireplace has to gather dust. Here are some decorating tips for making your fireplace the focal point of the room even when there’s no fire.

Arrange candles in the hearth for the fireplace glow without the blazing fire.

You don’t have to take wood out of the fireplace entirely. Arrange driftwood for a beachy, natural touch.

Put empty flower pots in your fireplace for a springtime flair.

I’m a major bookworm, but have little space to house my immense book collection. I love this idea of using the fireplace as book storage.

Greenery or spring floral arrangements in vases and urns brighten up an unused fireplace. These pure white ceramic ones from West Elm would be great in front of the hearth.

If your bedroom fireplace remains fireless, even in the winter months, consider turning it into a headboard.

Check out this HGTV.com photo gallery for more warm-weather fireplace ideas and inspiration.