Cast Stone Fireplace Surround

We chose a linear, rectangular shaped fireplace for our kitchen hearth space. Although on the modern side (not really a style in our home), we liked the look.  Also, since a 75" TV will be placed above it (husband's idea),  the thought was that a vertically oriented firebox would make for a balanced look.  Below is the fireplace wall after the dura rock underlayment was hung.  

 

  

Here  is a profile view of the fireplace wall (far left), projection into room is 18" (still with just dura rock on surface).
 

 

We decided to go with cast stone cladding for the fireplace surround for a clean, simple look. Each stone 'tile' is 1 1/2" thick. This is the schematic of the cladding design. 

Early picture of the cladding installation...

 

Ceiling and floor trim.... 

 

We went with an 11" decorative moulding placed between the fireplace and TV space to help make a break between them.  

 

 

The cladding finished....    

 

   

 

The fireplace face measures 60" x 17." Here are some close ups, including the stone  media. I tried to get a picture of the flame when the unit is on, but wasn't very successful.  I lightened the image and the flame can kind of be seen.  

 

 

 

I am debating whether to apply a cast stone "frame" around the fireplace, but am going to wait till the TV is up to make that decision.

We are looking forward to getting the area finished and furnished so we can start living in the space. 

 

 

 

 

Linking to:

 

Motivated Monday at Be Colorful

Inspire Me Tuesday at A stroll Thru Life

WOW Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

 

Expanding the Kitchen Hearth Living and Dining Area

 

For the last six months, we have been in the process of expanding our kitchen hearth and dining area.  This is the area where we spend most of our time and the original space seemed cramped, especially with three large dogs. After consulting with an architect, we decided to incorporate the exterior roofed upper level patio (lanai) that was just beyond our kitchen dining and hearth into interior space and then build on a new lanai. Here is a picture of the area before we started construction (the original fireplace is not in view, but is in on the left, in front of the couch.).

 

Another view from the far wall of the area...

To begin, a small foundation had to be poured that would support the new lanai (see below). The boxed jut out (with that God awful roof vent above it, that is thankfully now gone) is where the old fireplace was located.

 

Below, through the windows, workers begin demolition of the old lanai. On the left is the previous hearth area. I always thought that the fireplace looked like it was crammed in the corner.  

 

 

 Below is an exterior view of demolition involving removal of the old fireplace and wall... lots of media wires.

 

 

 Interior construction beginning...  this is after the previous fireplace was removed and an elliptical  window was hung in its place. Heavy plastic draping was placed ceiling to floor to try help protect the interior that wasn't involved in the project. This is when the party really started... not.

 

 Here is an exterior view showing early construction of the new lanai (on left with Tyvec sheeting).

 

 

Here is the new area early in construction, showing the pair of  windows that flank the new fireplace.   

 

 

 The image below was taken after beams were installed, distressed and stained and beginning of the install of the new tile flooring.

 

 

... tile flooring almost complete.

 

 

Here is a view looking toward the lanai after the flooring was done. 

 

 

 Below is a view of the wall across from the fireplace wall. We added five rectangular windows to the three windows that were there originally.

 

Here is the new fireplace and the two arched windows that flank it. I didn't go traditional with the  fireplace, instead choosing a 65" rectangular shaped unit (face/viewing area of the fireplace is covered by card board in the picture). 

Looking back toward kitchen...

 

So this is where we are... still work to be done, but getting closer to completion all the time. We think the space will be nice to use...

  

 

and our Dobermans love the extra 'sunning' space. :)

 

Linking to:

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

 

 

 

 

Lower Level: New Hide Chair & Rug

The furniture ordered for our lower level finally came.  One piece is a replacement (due to upholstering defect) for a hide arm chair that I had already purchased. The chair that was replaced is shown below.  You can see the defect in the second image (middle back).`

Here is the replacement chair. It is fine, but I preferred the hide on the original one.            

                                                                     
                                                            This image shows the hide that is on the right side of the new chair.

                Here is the original chair I kept (purchased a pair):                          

Side view...

                                                                                  
                                                                                               ...the pair together.

Other furniture for the lower level that came are a sectional and an ottoman.  I haven't taken pictures of things in place because I need a rug for the area.  Here is a shot of the sectional showing some of the fabrics, leather and hide on the piece.

The croc embossed leather on the inside arms is the same leather as on the back of my leopard fabric wing chair that is upstairs (see back of chair, below, for close up of leather).

I found a rug that had the colors and look I wanted, in kind of a tribal pattern. It's vibrant and probably not for everyone, but I think it looks good with the upholstery fabrics. Below shows the rug at the store (on floor at bottom of rug are sectional pillow fabrics).

I like the rug, however it measures 9' x 12' and ideally I wanted a rug more along the lines of 10' x 14.'  I could get a larger size of the rug, but since it isn't a "production" rug, I would have to custom order it, wait 6 - 12 months to get it and have no guarantee as to how close the colors and pattern would match. To put icing on the cake, the larger "custom order" rug would be quite a bit more expensive (I got the  9 x 12 at 25% off) and would be non-returnable.  Once I got the 9' x 12' in the space, I thought it was "passable," but have decided to order an oversize natural fiber rug to place underneath it. Below are some samples of sea grass, sisal and binding fabrics I brought home. I'm leaning towards sea grass. 

Lastly....

 Happy Birthday to my Doberman puppies, Henry and Rex. They turned one year old on June 18, 2012!  

Henry

Rex

Linking to:

WOW us Wednesday at Saavy Southern Style

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage 

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence

What Have You Redone at Redoux

Starting on the Lower Level

Our lower level is pretty much a blank slate.  There is a pool table, some bar stools and that is about it.  We decided to go with a rustic, casual look (per hub's request).  I recently picked out two hair on hide arm chairs for part of the seating.  Because each hide pattern is inherently unique, both chairs look different.  Below is a pic of the chair "A."

The chairs also have a textured leather and nail head trim. Below is a view of the right side of chair A, where the nail head trim can be seen a little better.

Here is the a view of the left side of chair A.  I like the fact that there is such variance in the hide color and pattern. Another bonus it that the chairs are really comfortable. My husband jokes that "comfort" has always been a novel factor for me when choosing furniture. :)

Below is a close up of the hair on hide on the back rest of chair A.

Here is a close up that shows the leather and the finish on the frame.

The backs are upolstered in leather and have the nail head trim. Sorry for the glare. The leather is not shiny. The flash just makes it look that way.

Here is chair "B." It is a picture of the chair at the store where I purchased it, Seville Home. (My favorite store!)  The chair is being reupholstered because the hide on the back rest is defective (has an odd rectangular shaped imprint right in the middle of the area).  

A side view of chair B.

As far as other furniture for the lower level, I ordered a sectional that has a slight curve.  I don't have an image of the piece but below are the fabrics, leathers and trims for the sofa and pillows.

 While at Seville Home I saw an ottoman I really liked, but thought that the embossed pattern of the leather would be too much with what I had already chosen for the area. (Ottoman shown below). I ended up ordering a different rectangular ottoman with tufted leather that is similar to one of the leathers that is going to be on the sectional. The furniture should come in mid to late May. I am hoping it is going to look O.K. as I have not seen any of the pieces in person.  

Topic 2: Kitchen Dining Set

I am also changing my kitchen dining set.  Below shows the set I have now.  It is fine but I would like a  table that can extend to a longer length when needed.  

I ordered a planked top table that has self storing extentions (no picture).  I am going to do six side chairs and have end chairs that are different. One of the side chairs is shown below. 

I really like the chair's silhouette and the scrolly legs and base. (The chair looks better in real life, not as orangey as it looks above... again, my flash distorts the image). I am going to wait to see how the dining table and side chairs look in the space before I decide on the end chairs.  I just don't trust myself otherwise. :)

Linking to:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Porch to Yours

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Flaunt It Friday at Chic On a Shoestring Decorating

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence