As you can see, I moved the TV away from the front of the fake fireplace.
The inside of the blank fireplace wasn’t so pretty. So I thought: Now what?
I left the red bench across the front, as it’s been there since I moved here a year ago. Then I walked around, shopping the house, as we are all famous for doing.
And my eyes landed on this shelf that was in my office space. I think it was made by the same people who made the bench, which I got from an antique mall in Texas. I put it here. And then thought: How about the sides?
So I started stacking favorite books. Then it was time to decorate. And I came up with the small white stoneware pitchers I so love.
So many of you suggested I move the TV to the side. So that’s what I did. What do you think?
{Note: Today at Cozy Inspiration I have a new Blogger Spotlight Home Tour featuring Down To Earth Style.}
I like the red shelf, pitchers, and the books on each side warm the look. I love books as risers.
Books can be used to create interest, be risers, or hide what’s behind them!
Brenda
Brenda how do you do it? Aren’t you still sort of gimpy? And now you are moving furniture. You are amazing. Have a great Sunday.
Yeah, I’m gimpy. I just do a little at a time and sit down.
Brenda
I love the television in its new place to the side, not being a focal point. I know it must have taken a lot of work but your fireplace area looks so pretty now. Using the two red pieces together really works, with your white pitchers grouped together. Good job and I hope your ankle didn’t suffer because of it. Is Abi feeling better?
Abi’s doing better. It really wasn’t that much work. I like it better too.
Brenda
Love the new look! That red shelf is perfect there and the white ironstone pitchers look great. Love the signs above the fireplace with your cute decorations below. Great job as always. Hugs, Linda
Thanks, Linda. I manage to cram a lot of stuff into small spaces, don’t I?
Brenda
I love it Brenda!!!!
xo Kris
Thank you, Kris!
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
I love the look of your place right now, with that farmhouse feel, the pretty primary colours mixed with heritage hues…all kind of denote days gone by. The TV to the side is just the right amount of contemporary convenience! Very warm and inviting and cozy.
xo
Poppy
Thanks, Poppy! I value your opinion because we are both “color gals.” I don’t know what it is about the farmhouse theme that I like so much. Perhaps it is the look of “days gone by” that I am so drawn to.
Brenda
Love it! It looks fantastic, Brenda!
Thanks, Laura. I rarely watch this TV anyway.
Brenda
I like the TV to the side much better. However, can you see it from where you sit?
I can see it just fine. It is just barely to the left of my vision, instead of straight ahead. My recliner is kind of to the left of the fireplace. Worked out well.
Brenda
I really like the way you have everything arranged now Brenda. Is that your favorite, most comfortable chair that you will be sitting in to watch TV ? If so, you have really done yourself proud.
It seems that you have all of your favorite things right there where you can see them along with the TV.. And, the TV is not the focal point and there won’t be any glare on the screen. Good Job !
I think I see your Singer sewing machine stand being used as your entertainment center. Good idea..
Not to rush your or anything, but have you decided where you’re going to put your Christmas tree/trees this year ? I’m getting in the spirit to do some decorating but will wait til after Thanksgiving..
Have a happy Sunday and enjoy your new decor.
Charlotte in Va.
Yes, this is my chair I’m sitting in now and it’s where I watch TV. Though I rarely watch it in here, because I’m not a day time TV watcher. Yes, that’s one of my sewing machine tables you see. That one is topped with wood. Another one is topped with something that looks like marble, but I was told wasn’t. In terms of the Xmas tree, I don’t believe I’m going to put up an actual green tree. They’re in my shed and so many things in front of them, I don’t want to even attempt to get to them. I think this year I’m going to challenge myself to decorate without the traditional tree of prior years just to see what I can come up with!
Brenda
I really like this arrangement. You can admire all of your adorable things and see the TV–when there’s something worth seeing. The “days gone by” look is what I like. Influenced by some farm-y items, because my grandparents farm was a part of my “days gone by” with their milk cows, chickens, and grandma’s crockery. I also like nostalgic things,from the 30′s – 50′s. Invariably items that I have made or painted are around also. I like having my things out and around me. For a few years, so many decorating mags and various tv shows about decorating were all about getting rid of all “clutter”. I hadn’t started reading blogs yet. Even my daughter (29 yrs) was saying I needed to throw that stuff out. I was almost persuaded by all of different input, but hesitated, because I like my old things. I am so glad I didn’t get rid of my stuff. When I started reading all of the blogs, I found out that there are so many people just like me who like “days gone by” decorating in their homes, and treasure the same kinds of things I do. Looking back at having almost gotten rid of my stuff, I realize that the magazines and tv shows insisting on streamlining and No “clutter”, were just trying to sell me on their brand of “clutter”. My daughter has already bought into their decorating edict. I am so happy to have found so many similar-thinking friends here on the blogs.
That’s what’s so wonderful I think about blogs. I think you find so many like minded people who love just what you do!
Brenda
I really like the way you have it now and the TV fits perfectly back in the spot you put it in. I also love signs, and yours are wonderful. And as for clutter, I’ve cut back on some of it and it feels good, but there’s still many things I won’t part with. I hope moving that TV wasn’t too difficult for you. I can’t wait to see what you come up with for Christmas decorations. Whatever it is it will be outstanding.
No, moving the TV wasn’t bad. Just moving it horizontally from one spot to the other. I’m like you: lots of things I just won’t part with. I like to gaze at my things I won’t part with too!
Brenda
I love the way you decorate….my style…which you could come and do my little house. Did not see the TV before in front of the fireplace…but like the new home for it…love the look of the fireplace.
Thank you, Frannie. It’s pretty busy and full of color. I could try to scale down, but I’d just end up adding things back!
Brenda
Now the focal point if on a wonderful vignette! You created it the same way I do–just keep borrowing from the rest of the house til it looks right! lol Great job!
Yep, borrowed from one room. Borrowed from another…
Brenda
Hi Brenda! I LOVE your new arrangement!! I wasn’t sure about the TV getting moved but now as I look at it~ it looks like it is right where it was meant to be..fits in so nice where you put it…and all your other pretties can be seen much clearer now..I so LOVE how you put your magazines on each side of that red table…I am an addict for magazines…decorative ones and crochet ones as I crochet constantly!! wish I was there close by to teach you…I am teaching a good friend of mine now and she is really loving it!! its relaxing and gives you a sense of accomplishment when the item you are making is finished…I LOVE your decorating and LOVE to see what you do…Christmas is next and I am so excited to see how you make your room festive and welcoming for the Holiday season…Happy Holidays to you Brenda!! Love ya! Carol
I use to crochet a little bit. Made myself a big rag rug once. Don’t know what happened to it.
Brenda
Brenda,
I hate to see you cover up your fireplace. They can be cozy, even if they don’t work. I have seen where all different sizes of candles have been placed in the box. It gives the home a cozy, warm and good smelling feel.
You haven’t seen the inside of it. It’s ugly.
Brenda
Looking good!! The TV looks so much better over yonder. Your farm continues to grow and grow!
Judy
Thanks to you anyway. Maybe I’ll just find myself out in the country in an old farmhouse someday. But probably not…
Brenda
Great choice in moving it, it looks great:)
Thanks, Dawn!
Brenda
Posted on You’re a far braver veeiwr than I I’ve given up on even the one genre show this season I sorta liked, Reaper, cause when it’s on, I can’t motivate enough interest to actually watch a whole episode.I’m a reality whore now. It’s all I do.
I`m with Sharon. I just don`t get it!
Sue
xo
Kudos, Brenda! Your new arrangement is so inviting. I am reminded of the movie “A Christmas Story” and the family’s outing to see Santa at Bigby’s Department Store. The window displays were so enchanting. They remind me of your colorful and winsome vignettes.
This coming week I hope you can sit back with candles glowing and enjoy the newness of your Cozy Little House.
Blessings, my friend,
Carolynn
Hi Brenda; moving the TV also cuts out some of the ‘view you didn’t want’ outside your window. A definite Win/Win for you. Light comes in the window now but not the lower view. I just took another look at the changes – your room looks larger/deeper. Interesting.
Love your welcoming arrangement with reds and whites and variations. I read each and every post from both of your blogs, serious, joyful, instructive, and beautiful. You are my ‘go to first’ blog reading each day.
Joy
Cleaver you…it looks great!
It’s a nice change Brenda. I like the fireplace better now than when the TV was in front.
Brenda, I love what you have done with the area now that you have moved the tv! The red cabinet is so charming and beautiful with the white pitchers. The Cozy Little House is looking cozier! ♥
Lookin’ good, lady! I think that is a darling red cabinet, and one thing I like about your vignettes is how well balanced they are. You have a gift for layering, too. I like the TV so much better where it is. That was a good move! And it makes me smile every time I see that penny runner on your table. That makes me so happy that you liked it!
What’s this about Abi? I went out of town for a few days, and this is news to me! I’m sorry if she’s been sick. Hope she’s all better now.
XO,
Sheila
Love the TV on the table. The shelf with the pitchers is so cute! Great job!
Brenda, you really came up with an attractive solution to your empty fireplace! I love all the detail and red! AND it’s useful! Kudos to you!!!
My favourite part of your set up is the red cabinet with the white pitchers. So sweet. It’s so hard to arrange rooms with more than one focal point – and no matter how much we try, everyone does want to watch television, so it becomes sort of focal anyway. Putting the tv in the corner is a great way to take it out of the limelight a little.
Brenda, you don’t make decorating mistakes, ever. It all looks so warm and inviting. I remember the photos when it was still a “mans home”.
You did a great job, Brenda! It looks so warm and cozy…love the red shelf with white pitchers!
Hi Brenda, I love the way you have with color! The red & white of the shelf with the ironstone is lovely. Everything looks great.
I like it to the side….I LOVE the watering cans on top of the books!!
I like it! Would have never guessed it was a fake fireplace. I bet with your creativity you could paint some fake bricks and put some of those cool battery operated candles in the opening if you ever want change it up a bit. Love looking at all your things and I love the way you place your wall hangings. Love the apothecary sign and the red watering can!
I like it so much better! If you keep that little shelf there all the time you’ll have a easy little area to change out whenever you want.
Brenda, great new place for the TV!
I understand your problem, that you have a mantle pushed up to the wall and no fireplace, no place for logs, electric or otherwise, but I have seen a great fix for this – paint the area of wall showing in the cut-out of your mantle structure with flat black paint and glue a smaller frameless mirror in the middle, with the black showing around 3 edges, kind of like a mat except the mirror is touching the floor at the 4th edge. Then you will have dimension. Line up some candles of different heights in front of the mirror. Less cluttered and altho you are not fooling anyone, visitors will love it when you light the candles!
I love the look! I just found your blog and I can see myself spending lots and lots of time here. I look forward to all the goodies I am about to see