I went back home for Christmas Eve to visit my family—otherwise known as my mom and my Grandpa. Small holiday gatherings for us, but well worth the drive home. I walked into my mom’s house, took about 15 pictures, and then my camera died. Or did it? Apparently it “rolled off the couch while I was moving some Christmas presents.” Can you guess the culprit? Well, it wasn’t me.
Me mum (pictured below) recently redid her fireplace, so I thought I’d show you. I would lu-huve to show you some before pictures, but she doesn’t quite have the blogger mindset that requires her to send those to me.
Imagine a huge, brick fireplace (that was NEVER used) and dark trim as the before. Here’s the after.
She’s still not finished accessorizing it, but I thought she was off to a pretty fantastic start.
She had all the brick ripped out, replaced the surround with some beautiful tile, and encased it with a crisp white trim. It took some creative photography to leave out my grandpa’s “Frasier chair” as I call it. She really loves the way it turned out, and I do too!
She doesn’t know I took this, but she sent me out to the garage to get something out of the fridge. This is what her garage looks like. Seriously?
I had planned to go back out and take more pictures of the row of baskets to the right, but someone decided to drop my camera before I could get back out. He shall remain nameless, but he knows who he is. And he’s currently sleeping with one eye open.
Gorgeous! Your Mom, the fireplace, the GARAGE!, and you dog in the previous post.
So your gifts are genetic!! No wonder I’m lacking in the decorating department (sorry mom) ;-). I love the changes she made! The garage bit I’ll just pretend I didn’t see since I was jealous enough already.
So, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, yes? ;-). Looks great! So fresh and crisp!
I see you inherited the designer gene from your mom. Was the brick all the way up the wall? That’s what we have and I dislike it very much. Only hubby likes it, so here we sit. Maybe painting the brick white would suffice? I hope you get a new ( or repaired) camera soon. Wasn’t that a newish, fancy dslr? Yikes. I’d be sleeping with one eye open, too.
The fireplace turned out beautiful! I’m going to be tearing out the brick in my fireplace soon, I can’t wait! Too bad a fancy mantle won’t work with my space, but I have an awesome plan to decorate over the fireplace to make up for it. And I wish my garage looked like that!
Your mum is doing a fantastic job, now does she get her decorating skills from you or do you from her? Also…I have that very same “HOME” sign and can’t figure where to put it in our new house????
Looks great!! I like your mom’s syle! Any chance you know what color her walls are??
Actually, she used the paint that I have in my living room. 🙂 It’s called Berkshire Beige by Benjamin Moore. Good luck!
Very pretty! Sorry to hear about the camera.
What to do now?
Melinda
Love her style! I’d love to know where she found that lamp shade.
Sheila, I believe she bought the lamp at Pier 1. ALMOST positive.
Lovely pictures!!! Very decorative.
Hi Chris,
Genetics truly run strong in your family: You and your mom have amazing talent in interior design and you are the splitting image of her… the eyebrows (love those arches) and smile are one in the same.
I LOVE it! I can see where you get it. Love that lamp; where did she get it?
I love your Mom’s remodeled fireplace…just beautiful. And her garage looks better than most of my house! Great post…thanks for sharing,
Cheryl
Ah, explains all the cool stuff that you can come up with…totally genetic like another poster said. Now I guess I don’t have to feel so bad. But if genetics are true my home will stay in the sorry shape it is with no hope for the future…sad :0( Well, tell your mom she is famous! Beautiful fireplace and way awesome garage!!!
That made me laugh, Karen! For your sake, I hope genetics don’t play the only role. 🙂 Thank you!
Love it! Every time! I hope my new blog brings inspiration to others!
I love it all, especially the fireplace screen! Any ideas on where she scored that beauty?
Ann
Love the garage! I wish house looked more like that, lol. Love your site too!
The fireplace is gorgeous. I love the black screen. Her garage is amazing.
Ruth
The pics don’t do it justice! Saw the makeover in person during the holidays & it’s gorgeous, just like the rest of the house. If only my house was half as beautiful & organized! Thanks for the motivation!
I love the fireplace! What wonderful taste your mom has! I especially like the fireplace screen? Where can I find one like that?
Thanks,
Carrie in San Diego