Dreaming of a Kitchen Fireplace


I've had a notion over the last few hot July days, a warm and cozy notion that I just can't seem to get out of my head... a notion that I need to have a fireplace in our kitchen. Oooh, can you imagine it's irresistible lure on those frigid winter days...those days that are so cold that you leave the oven door open after baking biscuits or muffins just to warm yourself up a bit? Can you imagine the sheer joy and sense of togetherness that would embrace you and everyone else that sat at the table in front of a fire as you dined together on those dark and wintry evenings?

Now, I know that space won't allow me to have a bona fide roaring and crackling fireplace in my kitchen or dining area. But I do have the space for a large, wide, perhaps even tall mantle. I realize that a mantle in itself won't literally warm our bones on those bleak winter days and nights but for me anyway, just the idea, just the hint of a fire is enough warm my spirit. I love fireplace mantles just as much as I love old doors, old houses, old anything... So I'm thinking that instead of putting a mirror or piece of art on the longest empty wall in in our kitchen / dining room, I want to put a fireplace mantle!

I see them all the time on Craigslist and, when I go, the flea market. When I find just the right one, I'll know it, but the price has to be right for this remodelers tiny budget. I'm thinking that I would want it to be painted dark, dark brown, almost black, to add some contrast to all the light colors I have going on in the kitchen and to really make the fireplace the focal point. I found this dark, old fireplace mantle on Craigslist and while I can't afford it now, it inspires me. I'm wondering how hard it would be to build one and then again, would I rather have a piece of history instead?



The wall I have in mind is in the dining area behind the farm table, the wall opposite you if you were standing right here behind the island. I'm sorry I don't have a better view...here is the other half of that wall...




Don't you hear that lonely wall begging to be chosen for a focal point?

I think I would want a mantle that is tallish and wide so that it doesn't disappear behind the farm table. Ideally, it would be neat if were portable and not actually nailed into the wall, but at the same time, I don't want it to look fake. I want it to look like it's an old fireplace that just happens to not be in use anymore, all bricked up like folks usually did when they wanted to keep out the draft. We are going to be adding beadboard around the kitchen and dining room so to really pull this off, I think I just need to go all the way and install the fireplace mantle as a permanent fixture and then add the beadboard around it.

I know some folks who have those little electric fireplaces that look so convincingly real and that would be really sweet tucked under a mantle, but there just isn't room in the space I have in mind for anything more than the mantle itself. Like I mentioned, I would probably brick up the opening with the same kind of brick paver I used for my kitchen backsplash (and will eventually use for the surround on our real fireplace in the living room, now covered in tile that has been painted) or try to come up with a prettier idea. In the fall and winter, I'd use the mantle shelf for a couple or three candles and in the spring and summer, I'd use it to display fresh flowers. I would hang a horizontally long mirror above the mantle (which would reflect candle light nicely), or a row of matted and framed silhouette art. I could use silhouettes of my children, but I also love the idea another blogger had (I'm sorry, I can't remember who...ugh) to use these bird silhouette patterns that can be downloaded here. The blogger I speak of framed these little pretties and they were so sweet! If anyone knows who I'm talking about, please let me know!

Incidentally, I found this gorgeous old fireplace mantle on Craigslist last night for just $45! They had two...I called this morning but they had sold them already. Pity, but someone got a great deal!

So that's what I've been daydreaming about lately. What have you been dreaming of?




34 comments:

Connie said...

What have I been dreaming about?!?!? Fireplaces, of course, and I intend to have one within a couple of months even if it's a brand new one!! Oh my sweet cottage chickee, you got one heck of a deal!!! It's just lovely.....
Smoochies,
Connie

July 10, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Corey said...

I used white subway tile in my non-functioning fireplace. I say it turned out pretty well.

http://baltimorerowhouse.blogspot.com/2008/04/hungarian-bookshelves-subway-tile.html

July 10, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Sounds like a great plan! Hold out for the right one. Too bad about the ones on CL being snapped up so fast. I love your idea.

Rhoda

July 10, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Lindenhaus said...

Oh, that would be a lovely idea for the wall in the kitchen! Too bad that good deal slipped away on CL, but there will always be another. What am I daydreaming about? Mostly of leaving California and moving back to the Midwest where my heart really is. And of downsizing and living in a sweet little cottage there.

July 10, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Jenni @ nest to keep said...

Hi, Kim~
So sorry you didn't get the fireplace surround/mantle on Craigslist!

I understand the whole fireplace thing. I have wanted one in our master bedroom for a long time~ it's on our "list"...I think we might just build one, then we can get exactly what we like, and maybe for a better price.(I also understand the whole tight budget thing.) Have you noticed with a needy fixer-upper, you have to balance the decorative "wants" with the basic "needs", like moulding and sinks and paint?

Anyway, I think it's a perfect idea to put a faux fireplace in your dining room! And if you used brick to "cover" the opening, it would look totally authentic.
I can't wait to see what you find!

July 10, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

1) That wall behind your dining table is the perfect spot for a mantle!

2) $45?!? Someone got a deal-and-a-half.

July 10, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Libby said...

What a great idea! I won't have room for a mantle in our new house's kitchen, but I really want one in the living room. According to the assessor's site, our 1889house originaly did have at least one fireplace. It must have been ripped out though. I would love to have a mantle that I could set candle in front of to bring back that Victorian feel.

http://mythriftyvictorianhome.blogspot.com/

Libby

July 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

I'm with you actually and have been doing my own "shopping". My prob is convincing hubby that it won't look "dumb" as he says. I also have the perfect art for above. It's a Kinkade by hubby bought for me when we married, called Spring Gate. When we bought this house we came from one that did have a fireplace. I never knew I'd miss having one so much. May your (and my) dream become (our) reality.
Cheers!

July 11, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Alison Gibbs said...

It would look wonderful on that wall
Alison

July 11, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

I think a Mantle would be a brilliant focal point for that wall. I have three fireplaces in my home-it's one of the things that made us buy this house. They are a lot of fun to decorate for the seasons and really make a room.

July 11, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Layla said...

I've been dreaming mostly of getting better. Thanks for the well wishes over at my blog! :-)
Secondly, I have been dreaming about rugs. I'm such a rug snob, I swear! Never can find the perfect one. But I secretly enjoy the never-ending quest for the perfect ones to grace my space!

July 11, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Miss Meg said...

Our bank is located in an old home on Main St. When you go into do your transactions at the big marble counter [after criss crossing around a maze of ropes!] you can look into an adjoining room that was a dining room and is now a meeting room. There is a big table with chairs in front of an old fireplace. There is a mirror built into it above the mantle so you can see the rest of the room, which of course is beautifully furnished. I love that fireplace by the table. What a bankd!
Miss Meg

July 11, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Elise said...

I love fireplaces and mantles. Granted, I've never had one in my married life and it is certainly up there on the priority list for our next home. I do, however, have a mantle in my kitchen's eating area. Could you put a piece of wood on the back of the mantle and then brick the inside(not actually the wall) and still have it mobile?? Hmmm, you have given me an idea!!

July 11, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Kathryn said...

Delurking to say, I live in a 100 year old mill house and have two mantles--one in the living room and one in the dining room. One is plastered over and the other has a metal shield thing. The mantles were the thing that sold me on renting this house. It looks so cozy. We won't be doing any renovating here at this house, but I love all the ideas I get from your blog.
I hope you find a lovely mantle for your empty wall.

July 12, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Anonymous said...

A splendid idea!

My house is super old but never had a fireplace and my plan has been for at least two years to put in a faux fireplace. You are right; beautiful mantles can be found and if you look long enough you'll get one you can afford. Don't forget, you can purchase small faux burning logs to add to the ambience, but that is if you are willing to create a space between studs so that they don't stick out past the front of the mantle. A pretty mantle nicely decorated would be gorgeous with our without burning wood.

We finally got walls this year, I thought it would never happen, so now I can have fun with the decorating part.

Patricia W.
folksylady.net/folksyblog

July 12, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Michele said...

I've been looking for fireplace mantles on Craig's List, too, but where I live there doesn't seem to be any. Hopefully you'll have much better luck and find the PERFECT fireplace mantle for your dining room! I'm sure it will be gorgeous, and I can't wait to see the room when you are finished with it! Good luck on your search!

Hugs,
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com

July 13, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Carolyn (Harbor Hon) said...

Kim, you really should check out Alicia's blog at:
http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com

You won't believe the beautiful way she decorated the mantel around her fireplace. It might just work for what you have in mind. If I had a mantel, it's what I would do. xxoo

July 13, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Claire said...

Sorry you missed out on those. But that only means something better will come along.
I've always wanted a fireplace in my dining room! Swoon!

Claire

July 13, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Janelle said...

My mom has always longed for a fireplace, but had to make do with two empty mantels--one in the living room, one in the dining room. Both came from old family homes, and both are quite, quite old--and she'd dolled them up quite nicely, too. Next time I'm home I'll have to take some pictures.

Right now I'm dreaming of having my tub back in working order--it sprang a leak several weeks ago and my DH has been patching the crack...now I'm just waiting for it to cure. I NEED my bubble baths!

July 13, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Elizabeth said...

I, too have been dreaming of fireplaces! I want to have mine boxed out with a more substantial surround and tile. Right now I have traditional brick. It's nice, but not "me"!

July 14, 2008 at 4:52 AM
paintinpatti said...

I love your idea for a fireplace painted in almost black. I have a real fireplace but never use it (desert heat) but, I LOVE to decorate it! I recently found a vintage mirror to put above it. Hugs, Patti

July 14, 2008 at 12:06 PM
jo said...

I bought an electric fireplace at Ashley furniture- it has an oak mantle and the flame looks pretty real. It is one of their smaller ones- you can even turn the electric heater off if you want the flame and no heat. You can adjust the flame to make it go faster, brighter. It is really cute and not very big- about 13 inches deep- might work in your kitchen.

July 15, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Melissa said...

Hi Kim,

My name is Melissa and I just stumbled upon your blog. I must say it is absolutely beautiful.

I just started my very own blog named Sunbonnet Cottage. I am so new at blogging, but I am having fun at it.

I hope you can come by and visit my blog sometime.

I am definitely adding you to my favorites.

Thank you for creating such an inspiring blog.

Melissa Powers
Sunbonnet Cottage

July 15, 2008 at 1:38 PM
A Lovely Thing said...

Kim, I have an award for you. Come by my blog to pick it up :)

As for fireplaces, oh, mine is so ugly. Someone had painted it red with gray grout. It IS on the to-do list for DH. Which means I'll either have to do it myself, or wait patiently. LOL.

July 16, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Amy said...

Totally love your blog. My husband and I are always renovating our home too, so I am really enjoying reading all your adventures in home renovation. I, too, wanted a fireplace in my kitchen. I settled for the breakfast room next to the kitchen with a gel fireplace. The gel actually makes a crackling noise when you light it and the fireplace is no bigger than a bookcase. Good luck as you find your perfect mantel. Amy :)

July 17, 2008 at 8:56 AM
Layla said...

Hey Kim!

I nominated you for a Blog Award over at my blog. It's there now if you'd like to swing by and pick it up sometime.

:-)
Layla
The Lettered Cottage

July 18, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Chris said...

I love this idea, and I hope you keep us posted about how it turns out! Fireplaces are one of my absolute favorites--even if they're not real! ;-) I'm enjoying your blog, by the way!

July 18, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Inspired Kara said...

I love Mantel projects! I just made a headboard out of one I found on craigslist. Check out my blog for pics!!!

I love your place!

July 21, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Eva said...

Hi Kim, I have something for you. Come on over to my blog and check it out.

July 21, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Niesz Vintage Home said...

I think a firplace mantel would look great in that spot!
Although I'm not fooling anyone with my fake fireplace headboard, I love having a mantel in the room to decorate.

I got mine for 40 bucks at the end of the day at a flea market. Too bad about the ones on CL, but another will come along.

Kimberly :)

July 23, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Twice Remembered said...

What inspirational feedback, everyone! I'm going to go back through and read it all again - and lots of new sites to visit! Thank you!

July 23, 2008 at 3:43 PM
pedalpower said...

Great idea! My sister put one in her little son's bedroom. In the opening she put quilt folded and hanging over a rod. It's charming. I'll try to take a pic and post it.

July 23, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Jen said...

Just found your blog via StumbleUpon, and glad I did, too! Looks like we're on the same adventure. I LOVE fireplaces, and loathe the fact that my ranch style home doesn't have one. I too have been looking for a place to put one, but space is an issue. Last winter I was so desperate for that cozy fireplace feel that I almost bought one of those portable ones that use the gel fuel. Glad I didn't go that route, but still ... the urge lingers. :-)

August 3, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Martin said...

Ah! Sweet Memories!
I Buy Wood Stoves

April 8, 2009 at 11:53 PM

Post a Comment

Newer Post Older Post Home
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)



  • this and that

    • home
    • about
    • FAQ / have a question?
    • blogs of note
    • email

    categories

    • dining room
    • dollhouse
    • exterior
    • food
    • hallway
    • inspiration
    • kitchen
    • living room
    • personal
    • poetry and quotes
    • small projects
    • studio
    • thrifty finds

    search

    memory lane

    • ►  2016 (2)
      • April 2016 (2)
    • ►  2013 (1)
      • January 2013 (1)
    • ►  2012 (4)
      • November 2012 (2)
      • July 2012 (2)
    • ►  2011 (30)
      • November 2011 (2)
      • October 2011 (2)
      • September 2011 (2)
      • July 2011 (3)
      • June 2011 (1)
      • May 2011 (7)
      • April 2011 (4)
      • February 2011 (2)
      • January 2011 (7)
    • ►  2010 (101)
      • October 2010 (2)
      • September 2010 (8)
      • August 2010 (2)
      • July 2010 (5)
      • June 2010 (6)
      • May 2010 (10)
      • April 2010 (10)
      • March 2010 (15)
      • February 2010 (23)
      • January 2010 (20)
    • ►  2009 (104)
      • December 2009 (7)
      • November 2009 (10)
      • October 2009 (11)
      • September 2009 (10)
      • August 2009 (24)
      • July 2009 (12)
      • May 2009 (16)
      • April 2009 (2)
      • March 2009 (8)
      • February 2009 (3)
      • January 2009 (1)
    • ▼  2008 (55)
      • December 2008 (1)
      • November 2008 (8)
      • October 2008 (1)
      • September 2008 (7)
      • August 2008 (2)
      • July 2008 (6)
      • June 2008 (12)
      • May 2008 (11)
      • March 2008 (2)
      • February 2008 (1)
      • January 2008 (4)
    • ►  2007 (65)
      • November 2007 (3)
      • October 2007 (1)
      • September 2007 (4)
      • August 2007 (4)
      • July 2007 (1)
      • June 2007 (4)
      • May 2007 (9)
      • April 2007 (9)
      • March 2007 (11)
      • February 2007 (6)
      • January 2007 (13)
    • ►  2006 (107)
      • December 2006 (12)
      • November 2006 (4)
      • October 2006 (3)
      • September 2006 (4)
      • August 2006 (3)
      • July 2006 (16)
      • June 2006 (16)
      • May 2006 (17)
      • April 2006 (9)
      • March 2006 (7)
      • February 2006 (13)
      • January 2006 (3)
    • ►  2005 (23)
      • December 2005 (6)
      • November 2005 (3)
      • September 2005 (6)
      • August 2005 (1)
      • July 2005 (3)
      • April 2005 (3)
      • March 2005 (1)
    • ►  2004 (4)
      • December 2004 (1)
      • November 2004 (1)
      • October 2004 (1)
      • August 2004 (1)

    as featured in...

    as featured in...

    inspiration

    • Miss Mustard Seed
    • The Graphics Fairy
    • Notes from A Cottage Industry
    • MARLEY and LOCKYER
    • White Living
    • The Gardener's Cottage
    • Air Kiss
    • home and harmony
    • FleaMarketTrixie
    • Burlap Luxe
    • Dreamy Whites
    • Jennys Hem och Harmoni
    • me and Alice
    • French Larkspur
    • an angel at my table
    • Fiona and Twig
    • Welcome to Boxwood Cottage!
    • Ticking and Toile
    • The Painted Hive
    • BELLE BLANC
    • Vita Verandan
    • Et à part ça ?
    • A Country Farmhouse
    • Agnes Shabby Chic
    • Linden Townhouse
    • Vita Ranunkler
    • Cottage Dreamers
    • Modern Country
    • Millas hem
    • LA MAISON DOUCE
    • {oc cottage}
    • BELDECOR
    • Lilla Blanka
    • 52 FLEA
    • Meadowbrook Farm
    • K&K Test Kitchen
    • Hvítur Lakkrís
    • Brabourne Farm
    • Maple & Magnolia
    • The Old Painted Cottage - The Blog
    • white flower farmhouse
    • {Beautiful Nest}
    • The Fairfield House
    • miss gracie's house
    • Crème de la Crème
    • Whimsy by Victoria
    • Faded Prairie
    • between cottage and cabin
    • Spets och snor
    • Faded Plains
    • Barn House
    • frugal farmhouse design
    • Songbird
    • Anettes Hus
    • Un autre été
    Show 25 Show All
  • extra! extra!

    extra! extra!


    my little shop

    kitchen

    kitchen

    studio progress

    studio progress

    small projects

    small projects

    thrifty finds

    thrifty finds

    food

    food

    dollhouse blog

    dollhouse blog

    subscribe

    Posts
    Atom
    Posts
    Comments
    Atom
    Comments

    email updates

    Enter your email address:

stay in touch

popular posts

  • Make Your Own Magnet Board
    "Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson I appreciate everyone's well wishes in my last...
  • Transformation of a Cottage Kitchen Part 2: Antique / Farmhouse Style Red Cabinet Makeover
    K itchen cabinetry. Really, your kitchen cabinetry can be considered one of the major furniture pieces of your home and, to say the least, Y...
  • Make Your Own Vintage Art ... With Nail Polish Remover!
    I know I left you all hanging on Wednesday when I said that I was working on transforming the framed art below with my {not so secret} secr...
  • Everything and the Kitchen Sink: Farmhouse Sink Inspiration Photos
    F armhouse sinks. I don't think I've ever seen one that I didn't love. Usually what first comes to mind when we think of these o...
  • Red Cottage Kitchen Vignettes and Hardwood Photos
    Y ou all left such lovely comments in my last entry about our new hardwood flooring. Thank you! It was a backbreaking job as you may well k...
  • Perfect White Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
    I 've been thinking about all of you who are having to endure these huge snowstorms in various parts of the country. How are you faring?...
  • Decoupage Goodness
    D ecoupage. I love it! After my last project that involved decoupaging, I believe I've convinced myself that I want to use old book pag...
  • Photos: Red Cottage / Farmhouse "Antique" Kitchen Cabinets *FINALLY* Complete!
    Get Your Own! | View Slideshow I didn't think I'd ever see the day where I could officially say..."The cabinets are fini...
  • A Cottage Bedroom - The Marmalade Makeover
    H ello friends, and Hello 2013 !  I hope this brand new year finds you and your family happy and well.  We've been chipping away at...
  • A Craigslist Sob Story & Great Uses for Old Windows
    A re you up to a Craigslist sob story? Ok then, get your tissues ready.... I found this huge picture window for free on Craigslist last F...



 cottage guests now visiting

The Twice Remembered Cottage © 2008 Free Premium Wordpress Themes and BlackQuanta | Bloggerized by : GosuBlogger