Design Challenge #5 Jen's Fireplace and Niche

Hi Everyone,

welcome to a weekend edition of

Design Challenge!

Sometimes we have design challenges that were ready made for us.

In this case, Jen from Easy Peasy Chic 

is trying to work with the placement of a fireplace

and adjoining niche in her Great Room.

Below are some photos of Jen's Great Room

that show the culprits.

She is trying to find a way to make the fireplace the focal point of the room

while at the same time utilize the niche for their flat screen TV.

 Take a look at the configurement and you'll see what she's up against!

Here we have it in Jen's own words:

It just so happens that I have a BIG dilemma and the only cure I am afraid, is very expensive. The builder's niche has made keeping the fireplace a focal point in my great room almost impossible!!! It is soooooo frustrating. I think a custom built unit to fit the niche may help but the best price I have found is $1000 and I can't swing that. Of course my dream would be to demolish it all and rebuild a fireplace in the center of the wall and hang the tv above that. But that won't be happening for 20 years! So ANY advice would be great!!! The TV needs to stay here and I need storage that the dresser so freely gives for dvds, wii etc. I sooo need some wonderful and cost effective ideas on how to help my fireplace win the focal point battle it is having with the dingy niche? :)
Jen :)

More from Jen...

Making the fireplace a focal point again!

Anyone ever stained a precast stone fireplace? I am wanting to make my fireplace more of a focal point. After finally choosing paint we love we realize that it made the fireplace disappear. So I have been researching the possibility of staining the stone. It sounds like it can be done and for probably under $45!!

Here are some lighter colored ones that stand out nicely against their background paint..

Jen is looking at a custom design cabinet for the niche,

but needs some help right now as that might be a little while in the making.

Anyone out there know anything about painting this precast stone

since she wants it a lighter color?

Also, it sounds like they just painted the entire room so that might not

be an answer to this challenge.

Put on your decorator's hat/thinking cap for this one.

Let's get creative and and see if we can help Jen out!

Thanks a bunch in advance, everyone!

Hope you're having a great weekend,

Vintage Inspiration Friday #52: Fall Color Inspiration

I'm wondering how many of you

are influenced by the seasons in your decorating.

And since Fall will be here soon,

I'm thinking about Fall inspired color and decor.

OK...

ORANGE

is what I want to talk about today.

Whether you have a farmhouse or a city apartment,

here are some fun ideas for this bold color!

Now I know some of you are shielding your eyes

or have actually run away from the computer by now...

But, for the brave souls who are still with me,

let's discuss if we are inspired and influenced

 by the hues of the respective season.

I know that I am.

But, I prefer a neutral backdrop

so that I can change out art, accessories, flowers, etc.

And even though I love some of this brilliant blast of fall color,

I'd be itching to change it out once December was here.

I have tons of images here using Orange in decor.

Some furniture like the sofas above,

and chairs...

accent pillows...

this...

PLUS

this...

bedding...

accessories,

and one of my favorites;

quilts...

oh yeah, even doors.

I'm very influenced by seasonal color,

EACH season,

and I love to change out pillows, quilts, flowers.

I get bored with accessories

and want to keep up with what is coming next.

OK, so could you live with any of it...

for even 6 weeks?

or maybe one of these is the biggest commitment you can make, te he!

Just wonderin'...

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

(all images Google Images and Pinterest)

Yeah, and now from last week's wonderful entries!

Amy from All Things Home

continuously brings the best vignettes and decor

with painting her dining room buffet white.

She's a girl after my heart!

Tracie from Fishtail Cottage

totally inspires me with her home and coop "courtyard".

Lisa from House Dressing pulls off a gallery wall that is fabulous.

And Laura from I'm So Vintage

shares some wonderful rustic decor inspiration

for those of us longing for some Fall lake house fun.

I'll be joining in with these wonderful parties:

links on the sidebar buttons.

Hope you'll join in today,

please grab the

 Vintage Inspiration Friday Button

and link up or show the button within your post.

(thanks so much, that helps share the party fun!)

And remember,

you get an extra entry for

 The Romantic French Style Give Away,

by linking up today!

If you  haven't entered yet,

just click HERE.

Thanks so much for all the links last week!

wow, I think it was a record.

I didn't get to leave comments with everyone,

but I DO try!

(inserting happy face and lots of hugs here!)

I appreciate each and every one of you!!

XOXO,