TV is the Scourge of Humanity (and Decorating)

Yesterday we thanked The Rev for such a beauteous day off, and then we hit the San Marcos outlets in search of treasure. Because shopping is about cultivating peace and understanding, right? If we hadn't actually found something worthy of the trip, I would be depressed that I live such a miserable and shallow existence. On the other hand, have you seen what was happening with our tv situation?

RAGE. ANGER.

Also, WOW I really need to take some new pics of the house. But I am lazy and Ike is home sick, so no pictures today.

I suck.

Anyhow, this is what we bought to disguise our components and "blend in" with the wall. Say hello to the West Elm Niche buffet. It usually retails for $699, but we got it for $199 because it had a few tiny chips here and there. High five.

While I kept holding out for some amazing antique to come my way, it actually fits the space fairly well. And it was cheap, so when Better Half Ben figures out how to hide the components by running cable through 2x4s and bricks (probably never), I won't feel bad about abandoning ship.

Now I just need to figure out how to style this sucker.

I shamelessly stole this image from Naomi of Design Manifest's pinterest, which is a total douche move because she was probably planning to post it tomorrow but I need it NOW.

To put myself back in Naomi's good graces (fingers crossed), I'm showing her Ikea Rast hacks that she used as a tv credenza. Crafty as all get out. I'm thinking I should paint the hardware on the Niche gold, and then steal the shelf idea. Because I am a thief.

I find Celerie Kemble's tv set up both charming and hilarious. Should I just put a giant vase full of flowers in front of the tv, cross my fingers, and pray no one notices it's there? Awesome.

And then there's fabulous Laura Day. No matter how many times I post this picture, it's never enough. My take away from this image is to make sure I tune the tv to 2001 or A Clockwork Orange before I photograph it in situ. Oh, and to buy an amazing Ello mirrored credenza, stat.

File that one under #thingsthatwillneverhappen.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have some Downton Abbey to watch. Later, taters.

Fireplaces That Don't Fill My Heart With Murderous Rage (None Of Which Are Mine)

I know I'm a tease for stringing you along without showing the money shot, but sadly I have no pictures of my dumb fireplace today. I just haven't been home long enough to get anything done, and today promises more of the same. Oh holidays, in many ways you are ruining my "life." If I seem a little melodramaculous, it's because I'm still bent out of shape over what must be done with the fireplace. I enjoyed your comments yesterday, so much so that I even made up a mock sketch of a charcoal fireplace:

I'm calling that a no... I think. I do love the idea of adding some shades, though.

I'm going to try REALLY HARD to just hang a damn picture on the fireplace today, mostly so you don't have to endure the tragedy that is shabby chic white painted fan grates winking at you with crusty old maid eyes. In the meantime, please enjoy these pictures of fireplaces that don't suck.

Why can't my fireplace look like any of these? Why god WHY?

Deep breaths. Mellow. Blood pressure dropping.

Until tomorrow.

[Casa Mollino, Colombe Stevens, AD, Abigail Ahern, Nina Campbell]

Whitewash Job

Remember how ugly our brick fireplace is? Of course you do, because that was the last post I wrote (sorry for not updating more frequently -- it really is insane how all consuming moving can be). So, now that we have new living room paint (yay Sanders!) and floors, the fugtacular brick fireplace must be destroyed. Like seriously, I would love to take a sledgehammer to it. Some demolition happy people suggested we rip it out entirely, and we are indeed considering a major overhaul somewhere down the line. But for now, I just need to tone that shit down. Way down. Justin Bieber's publicist down. So paint is the obvious answer.

I'm sure a white painted fireplace would look great (non sequitur sidenote: I totally have that side table but bigger).

Look how easy quirky Miss AB Chao makes it look.

I also like the look of Morgan's charcoal painted fireplace, over at Ye Old Brick House.

But I think what I want is something not quite opaque... more like this:

How cute is that house, by the way?

Or maybe even less opaque, like this.

I don't know. It could turn out super kooky, but I'd like to try whitewashing before I commit to completely covering the brick. I think a lil rustic feel would be a nice foil for all my shiny disco furniture.

What I want to know is: have you ever whitewashed brick? Did you use lime like an old school badass? Because I'm kind of into that idea... did I ever tell you that I used to make daguerreotypes when I was a full time analog photographer? I like chemicals.

If not lime, then what? I don't want a plasticky, hermetically sealed look.

At least not until my chemical laden plans fail on an epic scale.

[Remodelista, AB Chao, Brick House, Blue Rose Gold, Design Ties]