In today’s Retro Design Dilemma, Peter asks for our ideas and advice on how to decorate the beautiful fireplace in his 1957 ranch house. He loves the variegated stone work. How should he show it off best? No mood boards or google hangouts from Kate and me today — but tomorrow, we’ll activate the uploader, so you can share your fireplace decor. We might even make some mood boards — based on your ideas. Meanwhile — what are your ideas for Peter? Read on for his question — and more photos. Oh, and P. to the S..: Another pink bathroom saved, cha-ching!
Peter writes:
Hi,
We have a 1957 ranch with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with a wood mantel running the length of it above the hearth. We’ve considered things like a Jeré starburst or a mirror to go above the mantel, but we love the rust, salmon and brick red stone that makes up the fireplace so much we can’t bear to cover it up. I would love to see what some of your other readers have done with their mantels (it is after all the focal point of the living room). Wall art, vases, lamps, pictures? There must be things we can put up there other than our phone chargers…?
Thanks,
Peter
Beautiful room, Peter. Those windows are just like the ones in my house — Anderson Windowalls. I need to do a story on them sometime.
In follow up emails, Peter sent me some more photos of his house, which had just one owner before he and his wife moved in. He wrote:
… Here is a shot of the kitchen and pink bathroom with its banjoesque built in, which you can take full credit for saving. My wife wanted white subway tile until she saw your website.
Golly, I’m sure glad that this pink bathroom was saved — it’s a really beauty. That pink and black liner tile is delicious!
Ooh get a wagon wheel!
Jack, you’re back! You’re over 14 now? !!!! Hello!
Well everyone knows the big screen goes above the fireplace! No, for real, how about one of the airier Curtis Jere sculptures like bandstand or bus stop? The brass and copper tones of the metal would look nice. Colorful Blenko vases or a retro globe collection might look nice too. Do Google image searches for mantle decorating for lots of ideas. Changing the mantel decor for the seasons is always fun.
I love when mantels are decorated with a large metal sculpture on the wall above and maybe just a pair of candle holders on the mantle. My own mantle is probably way too busy.
I would have some floating shelves made, the kind that slide on to a cleat so you don’t need visible supports. Many mcm fireplaces had random small shelves above the mantle. Usually they were made of the same stone as the fireplace, but wood to match your mantle will work well too. You’d have to anchor them into the grout between the stones. Then add some fabulous retro treasures!
Here are some mock ups…I purposely made the ‘shelves’ bright so you could see them. The shelves could be arranged many ways. My favorite is the last one, asymmetrical with a starburst clock to one side and 2 small shelves.
http://www.pbase.com/weed30/image/148669235
http://www.pbase.com/weed30/image/148669240
http://www.pbase.com/weed30/image/148669282
Oooh, I like what Wendy did in #3.
(It would kill me to drill the floating wall supports into the brick though…)
You would drill into the mortar *between* the stone, not the stone itself. Mortar is repairable if you change your mind down the road.
i like that
I really like #3, and might even remove the mantel to avoid clutter. The two little shelves with a starburst clock or mirror would look wonderful.
That stone is beautiful. The room reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright’s style. You could look up some images of his homes for inspiration. My ideas would be to go simple and natural, a vase of flowers, sticks, berries, greenery, whatever is in season. Alternatively, there’s no law against leaving it perfectly bare is there? You could put some focal point on the coffee table instead and let the stonework speak its own beauty.
Please don’t hate me for saying this, but I’d remove the mantel and use (my favorite and standard response to this question) a starburst clock over the fireplace.
I agree!
We have a giant floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace in our 1961 ranch home. It’s not nearly as beautiful as your stone fireplace, but I’ve struggled with what to do with it as well. The difference is that we do not have a mantel. I’ve actually wished we did for a long time, but after reading this post and considering the options, I’m kind of glad we don’t now. I think you could open it up if the mantel was gone, and then either do one large simple starburst (they are open and airy enough that the stone would not be completely covered) or a collection of smaller starbursts (which is something we’ve discussed doing on ours). Regardless, if the mantel is easy to remove, I think it could help by way of not breaking that beautiful fireplace right in half.
Your home is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
I agree. Remove the mantel to be authentic 50′s. My OH my, your bathroom is gorgeous! Is that a laminate countertop? The solid surface w/the tile and the liners is magnificent!
That is what i have over my fireplace. There is no mantel.
That’s beautiful stone. Whatever you do needs to be bold and simple to show up since the stone pattern is also bold. Maybe a vase or two (staggered heights) on either end of the mantle, or candle holders? If you don’t want to hang something on the stone, which might be difficult, you might consider a large diameter charger on a stand in the center of the mantle. It would be bold and simple. Is the mantle original? If it’s not and could be removed without damaging the stone, I’d take it down completely and let the stone speak for itself.
As a side note, I’m liking the rug and furnishings but all looks shoved up against the fireplace, which could be a result of the camera angle, shape of the room and/or available wall space. Could the furniture somehow float in the middle of the room?
I wouldn’t be afraid that a starburst or a jere would cover the beautiful stone, in fact something big and interesting like that will draw your attention to the fireplace and make guests notice and appreciate the stone work even more.
As far as what exactly should go up there, thats really up to you guys. It should definitely be something you love love love. I’d recommend not forcing it, if you are regular Junkers/garage ‘sailors’, it will find you.
How about some nice pottery? I could see some nice blues, tans/browns, and/or greens.Something to complement the stone, not compete. Bringing more of the outdoors in with the colors. I would take my time and buy only what you love.
Beautiful home. Love it.
I don’t know if the fireplace itself particularly needs much of anything. A classy starburst or mid century clock would probably look good as long as it is something simple that does not over take the stone.
But I think a big thing that would make the first place look 10x better, without even needing to touch it, would simply be having the furniture placed different. I have to assume that how you have the furniture arranged in the picture is how you normally keep it. If so, having a couch and coffee table pushed up against it really takes away from it being the focus of the room. Maybe consider the couch in front of the first place facing it, and two matching side chairs on either side?
-MikeD
I’d remove the mantel, too. The mantel makes the ceiling look low. Then a nice starburst clock centered over the fire opening would look swell.
I totally agree. My first thought when looking at the picture w/out reading anything was that it was just screaming for a starburst clock over the fireplace.
How About a Large Weathered Window Pane? No Glass. Maybe A Set of Two or Three Smaller Ones.
Great room, and what a treat to be able to enjoy both the fireplace in the evening and the big picture window during the day. I had the same dilemma with a corner fireplace, and I found an old, well-kept maple frame mirror that my mom had in her room for over 50 years. The mirror reflects the rest of the room and doesn’t detract from the brickwork. Just a thought. Oh, and your kitchen is fabulous! You’ve kept the copper hinges and handles and the wood looks to be in great shape. Hope you’re not even considering changing any of that.
How about a row of Bauer Flowerpots from the Mid century on that mantel? I love the looks of the swirl Bauer pots! It would be fun to find them, and spend a little time collecting just the colors and sizes you want. I have a collection of over 175? pots, maybe 200? Crazy, I know, but they look great everywhere! I also like the suggestion of a metal sculpture, or just enjoying that great rock look!
)
I would get it cleaned up, and just enjoy it. Less is More…
Yes, would look great with the mantel removed as well, and the Atomic clock mounted on there…
Peter, nice looking house! I envy your dilemma as I don’t have a fire place. If the previous owner didn’t see the need to put something on the wall, leave it be. The stonework is artfully arranged and looks uncluttered. I agree with Amy, there is a hint of FLW, escpecially with the wrap a round corner window. I think the rusticated stone imparts a contemporary, natural feel and doesn’t strike me as a setting for a sunburst mirror. Perhaps a trio to one side – matte finish pottery or mid century glass vases (a la Blenko), of various heights.
By the way, you stole my kitchen! What is your flooring? And that bath – like the banjoesque counter.
I’d vote no on the starburst clock – or any clock. The FLW reference is good.
God didn’t hang a clock on the side of any of the stone mountains he created, why do that here?
Mulling this, this morning, I am thinking: A starburst mirror would be nice — but instead of one that is all gold, get one or jimmy one that has natural wood (same color as your mantel) spokes. The wood would pick up the wood mantel. I went onto ebay and I see no vintage starburst mirrors with natural wood spokes. Nor do I easily find any “new”-repro. However, I see lots of wood-spoke starburst clocks on ebay — they are lots cheaper than the mirrors, too. Idea/Experiment: Could you find a clock — that had a face plate contiguous with the spokes — dismantle the clock — and add a convex mirror.
Product idea: Starburst mirrors in natural wood.
Also, although I recognize you didn’t ask: Surely this is exacerbated by the angles of the room photos, but I am finding the room unbalanced — too much “weight” on the right side what with the heaviness of the fireplace and bookshelf and sofa. Presuming this is the furniture layout you want (seems to make sense to me), how about (1) lighting up the items on the bookshelves… and (2) painting the walls of the room. I’d pick out the colors in the fireplace and experiment. You have so much light, I really think the room could take some color on the walls.
Finally, I am “seeing” blue artwork on the wall above the sofa. Like those 1960s cityscapes (not too highbrow).
And, I know you are new to the house. The window treatments you decide on will be a super important decorative — and functional — element as well.
Pam I’m so glad you mention the balance in the room. That was my first impression, after admiring the beauty of the stone fireplace. It’s one of the most stunning I have seen; I would have bought the house just for that fireplace. But something has to be along the the windows or on the windows for balance – or the furniture could be re-arranged. But the room’s impression is overall extremely pleasing.
The stonework has almost more of an Arts & Crafts-y feel and I will defect from the group and say I don’t see a starburst, much as I love them, working in that location!
If the mantel remains, don’t put your objets d’art all the way across, but only on the left side — or “weight it” to the left side. Clean and simple. Right now what you probably don’t like about it, Peter, is a bunch of items that do not relate to one another. The eye cries out for a focal point.
The reason the furniture is to one side of the room, is because the dining room and living rioom are together in an open floor plan shaped like an “L”. The wall behind the sofa stops at the end of the sofa and we didn’t want to interrupt the flow between the rooms or out the door to the screen porch on the left.
Pam, I have a “retro-modern” starburst clock in wood above my fireplace. I got it off ebay a few years ago. If you fire up the uploader tomorrow as promised, I’ll upload a photo. It’s hard to tell but mine might actually match the wood on Peter’s mantle and bookshelves.
I’d also like to interject my two cents worth. If Peter keeps the mantle, I’d go with some tall sculptures or vases in various heights. Others have mentioned how low the ceiling feels low, maybe adding visual height on the mantel would help. Several people have suggested getting rid of the mantle. I also think that would look fine but I’d still try to get something long and slender to hang at the center of the fireplace. There’s a gilt starburst clock on ebay right now that I think would look interesting. Rather than try to match something to the beautiful stone work or the wood in the room – why not go in another direction with something shiny? The stone work would serve as a beautiful background for a metallic object and something long and narrow could stand on its own (visually) while not covering up the stonework. The link to the ebay auction is super long but here it is anyway:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Huge-Gold-Gilt-Starburst-Vintage-Syroco-brand-Wood-Wall-Clock-8-day-Key-Wind-Up-/271148918871?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f21bc2857#ht_647wt_1141
Thanks, Robin! I’m preparing the Uploader right now!
Gosh, the more I look at the starburst clock I found on ebay, the more I want to buy it for myself. Lol.
I think it looks beautiful on its own. I agree with Amy who suggests natural elements like plants, flowers, etc. on the mantle.
I agree with some of the others but want to add that if I had that fireplace I would do a large George Nelson clock in the middle and some beautiful large West German mid-century modern vases off to one side.
Some names to search on when looking at auction sites and collectors weekly would be Scheurich, Bay, Bitossi, W. German pottery vase, etc.
You might also add a mid century modern decoration like the Eames Black Bird or some Danish Modern Teak figurines / statues.
Here are some clock pictures:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/George-Nelson-Starburst-Sunburst-Multi-Color-Spike-Star-Clock-Mid-Century-Icon-/271148255024?pt=US_Clocks&hash=item3f21b20730
http://www.ebay.com/itm/George-Nelson-Wooden-Spool-Spindle-Clock-Quality-Repro-Mid-Century-Modern-Retro-/271151394827?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f21e1f00b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GEORGE-NELSON-CLOCK-TURBINE-COPPER-mid-century-modern-accessory-wall-decor-retro-/190728638920?pt=US_Clocks&hash=item2c685011c8
Some “sample” vase ideas and iconic Eames era figures:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/117442612/orange-carstens-tonnieshof-stylish?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=W+German+Vase&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all
http://www.etsy.com/listing/118189591/bay-west-germany-vase-503-14-design-of?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=W+German+Vase&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75782349/mid-century-modern-pottery-vase-1950s?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=W+German+Vase&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vitra-Eames-House-Bird-by-Charles-Ray-Eames-/261163355377?pt=Figurines&hash=item3cce8c8cf1
http://www.etsy.com/listing/121704227/mid-century-modern-heron-bird-sculpture?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=Teak+sculpture&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all
The fireplace is art by itself. I think adding anything to it would compete with it and not add to it. Sometimes less is more.
I would not remove the mantel. It’s an extension of the shelves to its right. I, too, have a floor to ceiling fireplace, ours being stacked granite and currently without a mantel (the original was a piece of beam that fell off on my head), and desperately want one.
What Peter’s mantel seems to need is something with height. It needn’t be wide, just tall. If you look at the windows on the right side of the room, there are obvious vertical lines. I’d love to see a very tall and reasonably narrow wrought iron element placed in the center of the mantel. Not narrow I know, but one of those sculptures that look like an espalier tree might work if it’s branches are thin enough to really show the brick.
Another idea would be to hang a black wrought iron type of pendant light from the ceiling at the middle of the fireplace containing at least three hanging elements. I keep saying wrought iron, but anything painted black would do in order to balance with what looks to me to be grills in the sides of the fireplace. Is this a Heat-a-lator fireplace, by any chance?
Even something like this, if it’s not too huge, could give you a vertical focus. http://www.origincrafts.com/climbing-sunflowers-wall-sculpture-ocrec411.html
I meant the windows on the LEFT side of the room. My right/left disfunction is very evident this morning.
My suggestion would be something tall & narrow at one end of the mantle, and a black metal “collage”-type wall art piece on the opposite side. That way the variegated stone shows though. Keep it assymentrical, in any case…
That should be “assymetrical”. Stupid fingers…
Since the fireplace stones are large in scale, your decor needs to be a large statement as well. A bunch of little knick knacks just won’t work. A couple of BIG, interesting and simple pieces would be enough.
I agree with the others that the mantle could go, and then hang a fabulous abstract. But, if you want a mantle for decorating, replace it with something much more substantial. The existing one is too dainty. Perhaps you could faux beef it up with moldings?
Some type of starburst sculpture would be nice. Or a pair of large plaster figurines, ballet or Chinese/Indian figures. Or a couple of Margaret Keane type paintings (the ragamuffins with the big droopy eyes) or paint by numbers. If scale is an issue you could probably scan one and have it blown up to poster size. I’d also put some period patterned drapes across that bank of windows that can be pulled open.
Oh, and that’s a really unfortunate placement of the kitchen stove. Makes cooking a pain if someone is coming and going through that door.
Okay, why is that no one’s Andersen Window Walls look like mine??? Yes, Pam do a story on them, because I’m beginning to think mine are mutants.
What about a trio of tall mid century cylinder pottery vases in staggered heights in cream or black? I would also add a plant that has a sculptural look to it, it would look great against the stone of the fireplace and it looks like you have a lot of light in this room. Perhaps it could be planted in a large ball vase if it will fit on the mantle – round shapes are nice for softening the angles in a room. Add a much smaller ball vase next to it to balance things out.
I’m thinking bolder – you need a strong focal point – something that draws your eye to the fireplace – I’d go with 3 (strong designs are odd numbers) maybe 11×14 black frames all in a row (pick up the black elements in the brick and balance the big black hole) and use sepia tone prints – I think landscape/ floral/ trees – but it could as easily be graphic designs…. Photoshop will let you change existing photos into sepia – or print larger images……..just don’t do personal people photos – that dilutes the strong design…
I have a stone fireplace similar to this and I have a starburst goldtone clock hung on it and it definitely does not detract from the stonework. I think putting a large mirror would do that, but not an airy metal sculpute or clock. I don’t have a mantal that goes all the way across, but rather two stone shelves that are randomly placed on either side of the clock and I have contemporary vases on them. However, I like the idea someone mentioned about putting Blenko pieces on the mantel. I have several pieces of Blenko and I might try that. Now, let’s talk about that kitchen and bathroom! I love, love, love the windows that are ht above your countertop in the kitchen! I’ve seen houses from the outside that have these small windows and always wondered what they would look like from the inside. I was not disappointed. And that pink bathroom and is sweet! Thank you for saving it!
Placing three to four candles on the mantle in earth style holders would be simple and the flicker of the candle light will give a very nice glow and spot light the stone…
If you put anything on the stone, it would have to be a sculpture of copper would not take away from the stone.
LOVE the mantle and would NOT remove it. We have a similar set-up in our 1955 old Florida house and we opted not to remove the mantle and couldn’t find any art that didn’t cover the amazing colors in the brick. We searched for the perfect mirror, but discovered we liked the frames better than the mirrors so we took out the mirror and cleaned up the frame. My husband used fishing line to string what looks like a spider web across it and viola – instant interest! We kept the mantle clear of everything except for four really tall candles.
That’s a great idea, Maria! A large rectangular frame painted black and sitting on its short edge would be perfect. You could center a smaller clock inside it for extra interest. Love it.
Jere sounds great stylistically, but given the similar tones in it, I think it would just blend in too much. Someone earlier had a suggestion about a mantle clock – that’s a really nice idea and one that you don’t see too often these days.
Hi. Thanks for sharing your home with us. I love all of the windows. When I look at your room and the fireplace, I can’t help but think about those windows and wonder what lies beyond them. I am guessing your backyard is out there. Since you have no window treatments, I am assuming you enjoy looking out into the back yard. So, I would suggest that you give your fireplace some treatment that connects it to the outdoors. By that I mean, if you go a traditional route with a starburst clock, look for one that includes some wood or has some element to it that links it to the outdoors. Also, since this isn’t a really formal room, a clock in wood and brass would be less formal than one you might place in a formal living room.
I did a search on ebay and a number of really great starburst clocks made of wood and metals came up, some even with matching sconces.
I understand what others are suggesting regarding removing the mantle. I have seen fireplaces such as yours without mantles, and placing a really great looking clock or piece of sculpture above the fireplace with no mantle can be quite striking. But, if you like the mantle, by all means keep it, but, consider whether it is the right mantle. It seems a bit thin to me, and maybe what is needed is a mantle that is a couple of inches thicker. Another commenter mentioned how the mantle ties in with the bookshelves. I agree that it does, but, maybe if you had a thicker mantle with the same finish as the bookshelves, it would still tie in.
Again, if you like the outdoors, you could consider a sculptural element that stands on the left (window) side of the mantle, something tall such as a great blue heron or crane. Then a few chunky candles in the center, and something of medium height at the right side, such as a few books stacked horizontally (which ties into the bookshelves), with a little figurine on top of them, such as a frog. (Uh oh, that heron will be looking at its next meal!)
Or, if you aren’t into the outdoors, you could look around your house and take clues from other decorative elements. In the photo of your kitchen, there is a little plaque or picture of a man in between two small windows (love those windows!) and maybe he could be a jumping off point. Is he a colonial American man, or is he William Shakespeare, or an athlete of some sort? Maybe he is a reflection of something you like that could be incorporated onto the mantle. Maybe he could point your toward a certain design of candlesticks, or big sculptural chess pieces, that could be placed on the mantle along with some brass or ceramic pots of greenery.
One last thing — I like wreaths, and they can be made out of all sorts of great materials, not just pine boughs or grapevine. Perhaps you could make your own big sculptural wreath out of barbed wire, or copper tubing, or thick rope, or some other interesting material. A big wreath would form a big round frame that would allow the stone to show through.
Thanks again for sharing your home.
Beyond the windows are views of Long Isalnd Sound that can be seen from the porch, the living room and the dining area. Because we are on a hill we look at the tops of the houses closer to the water and so we maintain some privacy. They look out their back windows at our lower level.
When choosing what to do with the fireplace think of the area as a fabulous place for presentation. You have two strong focal points in the room – windows and fireplace – so nothing will minimize the effect of that great stonework. Some choices of decorative pieces may trivialize that space and therefore diminish it’s presence. A wonderful original painting or original sculptural work designed for vertical display would present well and provide for years of enjoyment. Hint – ONLY put something in this space that you love because you will be dealing with it every time you walk into the room. Love your home!
I love, love, LOVE your fireplace! We had a large 40′s-era stone fireplace in the house where I grew up…not stacked stone but more random natural shaped pieces. My mom had an art piece, metal birds in flight, that hung above the mantel. If I can find a picture, I’ll put it on the uploader tomorrow. It looked really good up there and it accented the stone instead of covering it.
I see hanging some sort of vintage brass looking element on the left side of the stone like a brass sunburst mirror and then on the right side I would place two tall and thin curvy vases of different heights. I think that would lend balance, keep the mantle in place and preserve the great stone work. One other idea I have is to hang some sort of vintage black metal grouping of birds in flight above the mantel and again in this case i think i’d keep the mantel but i would leave the top of it empty. Can you picture what I am talking about? I also agree with Pam that wall surrounding the windows needs color to help balance off the couch.
Oh my goodness, I just noticed the person above me just posted about a birds of flight piece of art work too. We must have been typing at the very same time! That is funny!
Great minds think alike!
Just thinking…..if the mantel is non-negotiable, how about a trio in graduated sizes of large, black, wrought iron Scandinavian style candle holders? Or a something large and Brutalist on the left side?
Or an MCM ceramic horse sculpture in orange – the Bitossi style?
I like the idea too of not hanging a sunburst or a mirror or painting above the mantel, but instead pick out about 7 interesting tall thin and some curvy types of vintage vases. Position the vases aling the mantel from one end to the other. This would be a way to play with color… For instance, have all white vases and only one orange vase. That would kind of play off of the orange throw blanket you have on the couch. Love the couch and the orange blanket by the way!
*along, not aling
The sofa is a Nixon sofa from Thrive Home Furnishings in L.A. Unfortunately they have no show room, but you can visit their factory and the furniture is affordable and they ship all over the United States.
Thrive is a great company, I am a huge fan. Thanks for mentioning that you have the “Nixon” sofa. It’s perfect and although I thought it resembled the Thrive design I thought it had to be an original mid century piece.
The mantel is great place to change the chotchkies around – group together like items, california pottery vases w/ flowers (I have retro philodendrons creeping down the wall), i have my grandfather’s old bowling trophies, ceramic stuff, group by color, etc etc change it around alot as it’s like an instant frame – lots of starburst clocks or a color by number or turner mirror or keene wide eyed children or maybe a mid 50 modern art abstract print or something of the era – match the colors to the slate/brick
tchotchkes — correct spelling (although I have to look it up to be sure every time)! love that word!
i don’t think there is really a correct spelling for tchotchkies!
I had a very similar problem and was looking for a Jere piece or another metal sculpture, but didn’t want to spend much. I hit the jackpot at HomeGoods actually, and found a mod-looking geometric wine rack. Painted it copper, hung it up and now it’s art. Something similar would definitely address your concern about not covering up too much of the brick. There are photos of mine here:
http://creeksiderambler.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-mod-fireplace-art-find.html
What a creative, inexpensive solution! Looks great Kate!
looking again and reading the other posts – I think an 50′s abstract print, don’t hang it just prop it up – definitely whatever you do try to match the earthtone colors – maybe something ceramic or mosaic to add more and contrasting texture
On the wall above the sofa are two Rothko prints one in green, one in saphron framed as canvases. So we kind of have the abstract art angle covered. We were thinkiing of replacing it with a single five foot long Pollack because that would complement the branches on the trees outside the windows going in all different directions.
I don’t think a metal sculpture or starburst anything is going to stand out enough from the stone. The stone IS the focal point, so you don’t want to stick another big focal point on top of it; you just want to accessorize it so it doesn’t look uncomfortably bare. This wall is not a Little Black Dress that can support a statement necklace.
I recommend something shiny and colorful to relieve the matte earth tones and really show up. How about these ceramic candlesticks: http://www.grandinroad.com/set-of-two-pedestal-ceramic-candlesticks/indoor-decor/indoor-lighting/candles-candleholders/492496?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=4 Set them off center. This room is too casual for a formal symmetrical treatment. (If you must do a starburst, hanging 30% of the distance from the edge would be more refreshing than plunking it smack in the middle.)
I wondered about adding some light directed toward the fireplace. It could highlight whatever you display, celebrate the beautiful colors, and balance out the large amount of light coming in from the windows.
Perhaps a directional ceiling mounted fixture like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-MID-CENTURY-MODERN-ALUMINUM-CONE-CEILING-FIXTURE-LIGHT-PART-2-/380571254599?pt=Architectural_Garden&hash=item589bd07f47 or this http://www.lumens.com/A338-Pendant-by-Artek/uu395440/product
Is it just me, or is that mantle hung way too high?
Bringing it down to a more traditional height over the fire box will give it more balance. Right now it looks a little squat which is a shame next to those perfect, perfect windows.
You could remove it as others have mentioned. I’m on the fence about that option.
With the mantle lowered a round or vertically oriented piece of metal art would look fabulous. Golds, bronzes, not silver.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful house with us.
Yes, now that you mention it, I think the mantel would look much better lowered some. How about trying a large rectangular mirror with bronze/golden or silvery/pewter trim hung or positioned on the mantel horizontally. The mirror would need to be wider than the fireplace and extend to about the middle of those black squares that frame the fireplace. I am curious as to what would be reflected in the mirror? What is on the other side of the room? I think I’d try that look anyway…it’d be cheap and pretty easy to get an idea right away if it works without much work. Look for a large mirror at TJMax. If you do not like the look return it. If you do like the look then spray paint the mirror trim to be bronze/golden or silvery/pewter. I would also work on lightening up the look to those bookshelves by getting rid of some of the contents.
Okay…here is my latest thought: a large scale canvas print of a nature photograph. What have in my mind is a shot taken from Aspen Colorado of an aspen groove. The skinny white trees grow so very close together. In the tiny spring leaves are such a fun bright green. The shot would be of the mid areas of the trees…not the bottom or the tops. That is what I picture looking neat in that space. It’d kind of go along with the natural look of the stone, but with the look of abstract art and adding a pop of color to the room with the unexpected pop of white and black bark and the bright green leaves! The print would have to be very big, larger than the fireplace below. I am thinking too of those retro rooms that would to have an entire wall wallpapered with a nature scene. It’d kind of be along those lines, but with a modern clean look to it.
I have enjoyed thinking about this space today! Man, it sounds like a great spot with fabulous views!
Beautiful fireplace and the room looks cozy and awesome! All I can say is don’t drill into it! You have a mantle to put different objects/plants of varying heights, you don’t need more shelves up there. That way you still have the beauty of the stones and you can change things out for seasons/holidays and when your tastes change. Just go shopping for Mid-century pottery/vases in those wonderful matte colors…some gorgeous sinuous, stylized smooth wood animal sculptures..this is what I would do if I had a mantle on my fireplace, but mine is a wrap around. I just use those metal clips from the hardware store to hang pictures and Christmas stockings, so they aren’t permanent.
I also love your bathroom and happy you are keeping it. And, I love your kitchen cabinets! The warmth the vintage cabinets exude you just can’t get anymore, not to mention built much better.
Here’s a neat wood crane: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Modern-Abstract-Style-Wood-Crane-Sculpture-Don-Ward-Mountain-Handcrafts-/110822258023?pt=Art_Sculpture&hash=item19cd857567
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mid-Century-Modern-C-Jere-Eames-Era-Abstract-Metal-Wall-Art-Sculpture-Charles-73-/271125454778?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f20561fba
For instance… this would bring out the colors of your stone
What a pretty house! I would find one of the larger metal and wood starbursts clocks and put it up there. It wouldn’t “cover up” the stone but would just set it off nicely…kind of like a pretty piece of jewelry. If you find one with a cord, it’s easy to put a battery pack on the back instead. Then go from there with the mantle. I think the problem is more about getting something eye-catching *above* the mantle than it is decorating the mantel itself. That’s going to make a huge difference. Everything on the mantle after that is just a bonus
I wouldn’t remove the mantle. It’ll make a nice place to put fun things plus it matches the stone and the wood windows as well as the horizontal lines in the stone. And if it were removed, there are going to be some issues behind there – probably holes from screws – that would have to be filled and it’s going to be hard as heck to make any cover-ups match the existing stone.
I wouldn’t hang anything on the fireplace: a colorful vase or larger sculptural piece would shine on the mantle in your fairly neutral space, and really set off the fireplace nicely. Others have suggested Blenko glass, and that would work nicely. Just make sure it has some size and presence. It’s a beautiful room! If it were mine, I’d also add some green by placing a couple of sizable pots near the windows with plants in them: Sanseveria (Mother in Law’s Tongue) or Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) are great, period-appropriate choices.
Hey, I think I see two chimneys on your house. If so, do they both have this stone, or is the other one different? The more I look at this fireplace, the more I like that stone. It looks like the stone placement gets more artfully arranged down around the fireplace. So it seems you won’t want to do too much to detract from it. Good for you to have such a nice problem!
There is a fireplace in the basement, which really isn’t so much a basement as a lower level because it is level with the grade in the back and side of the house, so there are big bay windows down there with an entrance onto a back patio under the screen porch you see here. The fireplace downstairs is brick and with an elevated hearth also brick. There is also a pot belly stove downstairs on the other side of the room, that vents out a third chiminy in the back.
That chiminey you see on the left side of the house in the exterior picture is for the furnace. The fireplaces are stacked on top of each other on the right side of the house in that picture.
I would keep the mantel. As others have said, it ties to the shelves to the right. I love the stone! I think a simple twig or pinecone wreath would look great above the mantel. Then, some smaller nature-inspired decorative items on the mantel which could be changed seasonally. Eggs/nests in the Spring, pinecones in Winter, etc. At the holidays, a simple wreath and vintage candleholders! I really appreciate the choice of furniture and colors as it plays off well with the fireplace and the shelving.
We have a fireplace in a full wall of brick with a raised hearth in our mid-century ranch. When you have that much “hard surface” to highlight, it can be a challenge. I ended up with a simple pinecone wreath over the fireplace and several big baskets on the long, long hearth which hold afghans, pillows, and firewood. It is the family room, after all.
Thanks for letting us visit your home via the blog. I love seeing another pink bathroom saved.
Right now your sofa and coffee table are making the windows the focal point and hiding the fireplace. Move the sofa and table to float in the room and face the fireplace. If you can remove the mantle do so and leave the stone wall blank making it the focal point of the room. If you can put 3 reostat controlled pin lights in the ceiling as close to the fireplace as possible to give light and shadow on the textured stone fireplace wall. Move the leather chair and ottoman where the Danish modern chair is to give some weight infront of the windows. Move the Danish chair infront of the book case. Get ride of all the little plants and table in the window corner and get a tall statement plant (fig tree)for the corner infront of the windows to blend the indoors with the outside or hand 3 good size hanging plants (spider plants) one below the other from the corner ceiling to again give transition from the inside to the outside.
I totally agree about lighting the fireplace stone, but was going to suggest a Solatube in the ceiling. They bring in lots of great light, and the round circle is a modern “atomic” shape. The same size starburst mirror or clock could be used to echo the lens of the Solabtube.
I’ve thought about putting “atomic” rays coming out from one on the cieling, but maybe that’s too much. You could certainly have a couple of them in a living room.
If they had been invented in the 50′s, you know they would have been used. I added one to each of my mid-century bathrooms over the sink. You can’t beat the light.
I love the idea of floating the sofa in the middle of the room facing the fireplace!
Don’t put up something that will compete with the beautiful stone of that fireplace. Just put a few framed pictures of family on the mantle.
Agreed. The stone itself is beautiful!
My grandmother kept a few prized photos on the mantle of her fireplace which was somewhat similar to yours. She also had a tall, rectangular mantle clock with a pendulum sitting there that helped to balance the look. Sometimes she had pottery pieces on it as well. Another thing she had that I loved was a gorgeous, mid-century modern copper fireplace set and screen that gave some balance on the bottom half.
My grandmother’s home in the country was completely made out of Alabama sandstone that looked like your fireplace… she had a frameless mirror over her fireplace, with really cool pieces of driftwood and cypress knees… I remember it looking fabulous… especially at Christmas when she added little elf figurines amongst it!
As it appears you are more or less color-keying the room to the fireplace, how about bringing in more of that same color family except with a sparkly element, perhaps a very edited collection of Blenko Bottles in those same rich, earthy tones accented with some beautiful ambers and oranges.
An informally balanced arrangement might be quite nice, with a few larger bottles on one side, and a bigger grouping of smaller bottles on the opposite end. You could even play off the fireplace idea by incorporating bottles with “flame” stoppers.
PS A friend of mine has a very edited bottle collection (various makers) all in the exact same shade of orange. It’s quite spectacular and something like that would also add a pop of color to your fireplace without straying too far away from your current color scheme.
Lusting after that fireplace … I’d remove the shelf-mantel altogether to clear its view. No need for the mantel (which looks a bit puny and tacked on) with all those shelves to one side.
Consider carefully a Jere style wall sculpture — it and the fireplace may both be diminished by such adornment. Please forget any thoughts of starburst mirrors or clocks in its vicinity — they are too commonplace.
I would totally remove the mantel/shelf. It breaks up that gorgeous wall of stone and takes away from it. I would consider making the fireplace wall of stone itself the focal point by installing a couple of coved or cannister ceiling lights that shine subdued downlight on it. If you still feel like you need something up there I would keep it very simple, such as a monochromatic 50s metal artpiece.(Something organic like a tree branch.) But I would not ever put framed art or mirrors on that wall.Ever.Good luck! I love that wall of stone!
I would not cover up the stone. If you want to keep the mantle, I would put a tall, bold color vase (an amber color or a metallic gold if you to pick up on the colors of the stone, OR go for a really vibrant accent color like turquoise or orange like the blanket throw?) on one side of the mantle, and then something across the rest of the mantle like a really interesting branch or piece of driftwood. If you don’t like the branch idea, what about a low flat interesting-looking box to hold fireplace matches or something? Set it beside the vase and keep the rest of the mantel clean. I wouldn’t do the family pictures thing – it would detract from the stone and the photos. – I know some suggested taking the mantle down but then I think it would be too flat (no interest at the actual fireplace opening either) so I’d keep the mantle on.
No clock, no family framed pictures (put these in the bookcase or on an occasional table), and definitely no wreath!
I wish Peter could remove EVERYTHING from the mantel and post a photo of the unadorned fireplace.
Bookcase: try removing the “heavy” from the top shelves, and place just a few decorative pottery or glass pieces on the top with the heavier books only on bottom 2/3rd’s. On top shelf just one piece in the center would be quite enough. Peter you must be going crazy with all these suggestions!
Beautiful house! So great that it is so un-”remuddled”.
I agree that the bookcase needs “lightening up”. It looks somewhat off balance compared to the relatively unadorned window on the other side of the fireplace. I strongly suggest not having anything on the very top; stuff up there breaks up the continuity with the open line running above the windows. Suggestions above for moving furniture around are worth a try as well. As for all the folks suggesting ditching the little mantle, that might be easier said than done. How is it attached? What would have to be patched if it were gone? My inclination would be to leave it if it has always been there.
I love the four black squares and would love to see something else black on the stone as an accent (some kind of light weight looking sculpture). I agree with others about the couch placement – turn it to face the fireplace.
I also like the idea of either removing the smallish shelf. Love the stone. Celebrate the stone – and the black accents in the stone
I think I’m going to take a picture of every room in my house and solicit suggestions. After following this string all day, I’m starting to second guess every decoratign decision I’ve made. We have some true interior designers amongst us!
I agree with Tony. I think changing the furniture around to make the fireplace the focal point, and losing the mantel, is great. I’d love to see a pic of the furniture arrangement as per Tony’s suggestion. I also agree with Dianne about the bookcase and removing the heavy items from the higher shelves. It’s distracting.
Great suggestions guys!
For some fun mid-century flavor… some mid-century flying ducks with the copper wings. I don’t know how you would attach them; absolutely DO NOT drill into the stone. DON’T remove the mantle; you need it for the holidays. The house is mid-century not minimalist.
Yes, YES! Love the Ducks with little brass collars and wings. Would be so appropriate to wide-open view and airy feel of the room too.
And why are so many folks dissing the starburst clocks? Maybe not over the mantel as that wall would probably get warm enough to make the clock unhappy, plus the clock would get lost against the colored stone, but my Lux key wind Starburst is one of my favorite Living Room features. Oh, and yes, the flying ducks too.
Ha! That’s our cue for one of the funniest threads ever, the famous MR DUX: http://retrorenovation.com/2009/08/18/vintage-seagulls/
If ever I am snowbound for days, I will have to catch up on past posts prior to discovering this site. This really made me laugh! Both my parents were born below the Mason Dixon line. ’nuff said!
Wow, I love your house! I am quite taken with that stone wall, and your
pink and black bathroom is AMAZING! The previous owner must have taken extremely good care of this house for the bathroom tile to be in such great shape. So glad you didn’t do (YAWN) white subway tile. You’ve saved yourselves a boatload of cash, and we’re all swooning over the rockin’ bathroom. I would agree with the folks who suggest removal of the mantel, because the stone is a very strong element. Thanks for posting the pictures, you are SO lucky.
Beautiful room!, First timer here. I myself would leave the mantel, I feel the biggest problem is the area rug matches the Stone too well, The stone fireplace gets a little lost. As for the original question of decorating tips agree agree with Jacki Anderson word for word, I think it would be best to use vibrant accent colors vase / object , interesting driftwood or perhaps some sort of mid century abstract art sculpture or something.
we have a 1957 home, white-grey brick fireplace. We hung a curtis jere brass birds piece on our fireplace. I don’t think it covers up the fireplace at all, just makes it look a bit more finished. (ps we don’t have a mantle)
Gorgeous kitchen cabinets!!! I am so jealous! They look like ours would have if someone didn’t paint over them-hinges and all!! Do you know what kind they are? We are trying to figure out what wood and color so we can refinish ours to original glory. Your home is beautiful!
I will upload and show ours tomorrow. We had that same problem kind of sort of. Went with pictures above it, didn’t have the stone on top. Also, different layout, square coffee table pulled away from the fireplace. I keep very few things on the mantle deliberately. It doesn’t look good with the stuff.
Peter. Hello from way out west. Thank you for telling us more about your wonderful house & its site: of course you want to sit on your sofa looking out on Long Island Sound, not to face into a black firebox that may only occasionally be lighted. On top of everything, you have a screened porch. Life doesn’t get any better. Yours is not a flashy Atomic house, it has reserve. The muscular rusticity of the living room fireplace is actually at odds with the refined brick exterior of your home–& (as you’ve described) with a brick fireplace on the ground floor, but as I see it, this dilemma is its own solution: the builders gave you a built-in wall of bold art when they mortared that stone. Its contrast with the house is like that of any important artwork’s contrast in a room. Don’t put anything at all on that mantel unless perhaps, to one side, a single natural object or abstract sculpture. No doodads, no candlesticks, no discordant materials–except for holidays & parties. I can’t tell from the photo, but the mantel seems mortared-in, which is ultra-cool, & its thinness isn’t wrong but essential for the house.
P.S.–If I were your decorator I’d suggest a similar ruthlessness for your bookcase: to fill it tight with books, from top to bottom–not a single doodad or treasure, just books. Suddenly your already pretty room wth its fresh, light furnishings & watery views becomes handsome & fascinating. I’d roll up the rug for the beautiful floor & substitute a smaller, crisp rug if wanted, perhaps a softly toned durrie with a thin black stripe. Honestly I’d love to move the Thrive sofa to the window wall & the chair to the other side with the books, but you want to see that view.
So in essence, for your fireplace: subtract, don’t add. –Easy for me to say! One writer suggested a firescreen & that would be a good idea if it can be the standing sort, tailored, without shine, maybe iron.
Many happy years in your home.
I can “see” what you’re suggesting. Sounds good – including all books for the bookcase, and especially the dhurrie with black in it. I do love that shag, though — perhaps it can go in a bedroom?
Pam, thank you for picturing my thought. You’re right of course, the big rug has its own appeal. I hope Peter has enjoyed the conversation about his house half as much as all of us have! A footnote: on closer scrutiny I see there is a firescreen or perhaps an insert in the firebox.
hang the stockings by the chimney with care.
This is a good example of a mid century modest home with a nice wow factor – the fireplace wall. The builder had a good eye, the spaces on either side of FP are equal – the left a window, the right a built in book case. Room is balanced.
To those advocating removal or lowering of mantel shelf, this is easier said then done. If it isn’t surface mounted then it will be tied into either the stonework itself or the wall behind the stone. Structural issues then arise – maintaining the integrety of the stone work, even if is only cut stone pieces, they can start to shift.
Also, the couch appears to be long and placing it across the room will create a barrier and I suspect that there are also several openings into the room behind the black leather chair, that leaves the window wall and who wants to block that?
Please leave the stone chimney front unadorned. I like starburst clocks but I don’t think this is the place for one.
i like it just the way it is. and if you find something meaningful, gritty & amazing on your journey through life – that’s also aesthetically pleasing to the room’s soul – then it will find it’s way there.
We have built in stone mantles and a gas fireplace and everything that is there gets HOT. So be careful if you run the fireplace alot. You don’t want to ruin a nice keepsake due to baking.
Also, I have the same exact kitchen cupboards, including the hardware, and I don’t know how many people have suggested I change them but I love them.
Ha! The r.e. agent representing the seller of my house was quite a diva. I would have liked to hear her comments about the “datedness” of kitchen but knowing the thrifty seller, she probably said “it is what it is”.
I love that stone, too. Definitely leave the mantel, you will want for the holiday decorations if nothing else. I have a stone fireplace and love it, and did not want to cover it or put holes in it to hang things. I put some things I like on the mantel, nature related, and used paper clip hooks to hand some flying geese across the chimney. They cover very little and go with the stone. A shiny starburst can have plenty of space between the rays to show the stone, so that could work for you. Since it is not a high ceiling, you don’t want it to be too big. You will want some kind of lighting to show off the fireplace. Maybe look into wiring some LED lights for under and above the mantel to shine up and down on the stone.
When addressing the need to improve performance by removing weight, Formula One car builders say, “Add lightness”. So, what do do with what you have?
Put some color on the window wall. For openness, consider sun-blocking film rather than curtains. But if you must have curtains, go with the pinched-pleat variety.
Keep your mantel, and put one item–or a group of three items–on it at any one time. Swap them for others as the seasons change.
Add lightness to your bookcase by keeping only the items you use often. For those items you use only occasionally, consider colorful containers in which to put them.
Place your furniture facing the fireplace. Resist the urge to place any item of furniture against your window wall.
Add colorful throw pillows of solid or mixed geometric patterns on your sofa and chairs. For your style of Mid-Mod-Colonial home, resist the urge to mix Provincial- or Persian-styled patterns with it.
Your room is large enough for two separate seating areas. An additional floor lamp will suffice, as would a floor-to-ceiling pole lamp, in keeping with the Mid-Mod theme. A black one would be awesome, as would either an orange, or lime green, or avocado.
As for an item above the mantel, that’s a toughie. Would reserve that for some must-have piece, whatever it may be.