We love being able to offer suggestions to help solve design dilemmas.  We love it even more when you send us the “after” pictures so we can all enjoy your success.  Marie was nice enough to send us a few of her after photos so I want to share her success with everyone.

A Living Room Dilemma

As a quick reminder, Marie had several questions regarding her family room including furniture arrangement, wall color and an eyesore of a fireplace.  All of that was addressed in an earlier post.  She moved ahead with the first major change which was the fireplace.  Just look at the difference a different facing can make. 

BEFORE - Marie's family room in her new home.

 In the original post I made several suggestions about ways to treat the fireplace wall.  One was to tile it in slate which is the way she decided to go.  A snippet of our email conversation: 

“I can’t decide on what size tile to buy. I’ve read that smaller tiles should be used in smaller rooms to give the illusion of a larger room.  You mentioned using larger 12 x 12 tiles for a more modern look.  I’m all about a modern look but will that make my room look smaller?  Also, what pattern of tile set should I use?  I haven’t found any pictures except straight set.”

I disagree with the small tiles statement!  Big tiles always make a small space appear larger because they give a more seamless appearance.  Most slate tiles are fairly busy in color/texture/pattern so laying them in a pattern is unnecessary.  The area is small with plenty of cuts, so in this instance I think straight set is best.  Once you determine which slate to use (there are many colorways), it will be easier to choose whether to choose a warm or cool paint color.   Here’s what Marie’s finished room looks like.

AFTER - Marie's family room fireplace.

You can see she used the 12 x 12 slate tiles for some yummy color and then picked up this delicious taupe for the walls.  The refinished floors went from blonde to dark and look fabulous with the slate.  She reused the mantel and it works well with all the other white trim.  (notice she’s got it wired for a TV above the mantel)  Doesn’t it look great?

Bedroom Closet Doors Update

After we’d been chatting a bit, another concern she had was for dated mirrored closet doors.  You know the kind – many of us have them in one bedroom or another – those brass framed sliding mirror doors. 

BEFORE bedroom doors.

Marie was considering replacing the these sliders with French doors but wanted other budget-easy ideas.  While I love the idea of French doors (they’re always so classy), I pointed out that they will take more space as they would open out into the room.  A more space conscious solution would be to use sliding wood panel doors.  After exchanging a couple of photo emails, this is what she has in her master bedroom now.

AFTER - updated panel closet doors.

Marie, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your progress.  As you move ahead to the next stages of adding furnishings, etc. I’d love to share your accomplishments.

Cindy and I love sharing real before and after photos of your home projects.  Everytime we see someone’s successful project, it motivates the rest of us to get up off the sofa and get busy on our own projects – so come on, help keep us inspired!

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