This reveal has been a long time coming, but since the wood room was painted it hasn’t been really put back together until now! Fall was crazy and the One Room Challenge™ sort of put this room on hold. It’s still not complete I just brought back the main pieces and put up some Christmas decor, but it’s so much more livable, and it now flows with the adjoining rooms. Our main level feels cohesive! There is a lot to discuss, from the paint to the tree, so let’s dive in shall we? Here’s a reminder of where we started…
The first change to happen was the new fireplace surround. Oh man, I love it so much. I documented the whole process on Instagram stories, but I went to Cosentino because we love our kitchen countertops and know their products are quality and wandered the aisles of beautiful slabs until I came upon Dekton in Keyla. This newer product is incredible, and if you’re looking for a stone look that can withstand virtually anything, this is the product for you. You can take a blow torch to it, you can sharpen a screwdriver head on it, you can clean it with acetone. Dekton is incredibly strong and would make the best countertops for people who love their kitchens hard.
Top Master did the fabrication, and I cannot speak more highly of them. They are the company my husband uses for all of his commercial contracting, but I’ve only known them in that regard prior to this. From measuring to installation, Manny and his team went above and beyond. They were polite, hard working, and kind. Having people work in your house can often feel uncomfortable, but they felt like friends. If you’re in Missouri or Kansas and need countertops or fireplace surrounds because this look feels fresh but is completely timeless ask for Chip and tell him I sent you!
Let’s talk paint. I knew this project was one that needed a professional. There is a big difference between painting drywalled walls and painting 30-year-old wood panelling. My neighbor owns a high-end painting company email me if you want his info and his guys did the most sensational job. They came in and were able to tell what was already on the walls and decide what products needed to be used based on that. Because I had painted the fireplace black a few years ago using a latex paint, that required them to paint the panelling in an oil-based paint and then use a latex to do the fireplace separately for the best adhesion and coverage. Whoops.
After much debate on Instagram again, if you’re not following along over there, it’s where I share almost daily I landed on Sherwin-Williams Pediment for the color. Brian and Bill prepped the space, filled holes, caulked all the joints there were a ton! and sprayed two coats of Easy Sand primer to try and fill in as much of the oak’s grain as possible. For the paint they used Proclassic in a satin finish, using the oil on the panelling and a water-based on the fireplace. It took a full week for them, which brought the realization that this would have taken us a full month!
As far as Christmas decor, I’m planning to share more in the next week but couldn’t give you these pictures without telling you a bit about what I did in here. The tree is very close to what I did in the library last year, with a few additions and subtractions. I left off the spray painted nutcrackers this year and added some really pretty jewelry-like ornaments (here and here).
The faux fir I got at Lowe’s last year is such good quality. It’s so full that you don’t have to worry about filling holes with ornaments, but it makes it hard to really layer ornaments in, so you end up with a pretty traditional look which you know I don’t mind. I love a good tree skirt, but a blanket works just as well. This faux fur one adds nice softness and contrast to the other faux fir…see what I did there.
The real piece de resistance this year though is the mantle scarf. Oh, you didn’t know your mantle could use a scarf? Neither did I, but now I can’t imagine it without one during the holidays! This glamorous thing is literally a big piece of costume jewelry, and while it’s a total investment piece, I fully believe it will be a family heirloom. It comes in a velvet bag, and I just envision it being unwrapped and draped over mantles, buffets, and pianos year after year. It’s so fancy!
As I said, this room has a way to go before it’s “finished for now” because design is never done but I did put a few pieces on the other side of the room that give a nod to the season. Adding moss or ribbons to candlestick holders is a nice touch and the crown speaks to my faith. The nativity is something I’ve had for a long time, but haven’t put out in a while. Tucking it into the glass and brass box is unexpected and interesting.
It’s funny how I fought to keep wood out of here before, but now that the walls feel clean and fresh, the traditionalist in me is excited to bring in elements that feel warm and a bit old. I am so excited to show you what I’ve got up my sleeve for this space in the coming weeks!
*Thank you to Sherwin-Williams, Dekton, Top Master, and Frontgate for partnering on this space and trusting my vision. All thoughts, opinions, and selections are my own.
See Christmas 2018.
Some photos by Justin Salem Meyer.
LET’S CONNECT! FIND ME ON…
Gwen, girl! This is gorgeous! I love the color!!!!!!! Like always, great job!
Thanks so much, Jess!
You did it again! I am completely gaga for your design! Love love love the new paint job, that buffet, the mantel scarf and the on point Christmas ornament color scheme!
You’re sweet, thanks Sarah!
That mantle scarf is everything!! Love it! Loving the newly painted room! Looks amazing!
Thanks, Ruthie!
So beautiful! I see that Frontgate is having a sale right now. I am leaning towards purchasing the mantle scarf. Does it seem very delicate? I’m worried about it holding up through the years. I would like to hear more about your buffet. The fireplace came out great. I have not heard about that material for counter tops. I’ll keep that in mind. I can’t wait to see what else you will add to the room. Thanks for sharing.
It’s made like jewelry, but I wouldn’t call it delicate. I think it will definitely be something we’ll have forever. The buffet is a thrifted piece I found a few years ago. Thank you so much, Tiffany!
WOW! Beautiful!!
Thanks, Susan!
The room is beautiful, what a difference paint makes! I do have a question that I hope is appropriate. When you offer thanks to retailers for partnering with you, but that choices are yours, can you explain the nature of the connection? While I aspire to decorate on your taste level, and realize money doesn’t buy taste, it does help to bring things up a notch. I truly don’t mean this question in any negative way, but honestly, it would make some people like me feel better to know more about what the retailers are doing for bloggers.
Such a great and well asked question, thank you for asking it kindly! Through blogging I have built relationships with brands, and specifically with people at said brands. They are amazing connections who feel like friends. Because of what I do I have brands who want to work with me and want me to use their products. I will be forthright and say that we have been able to renovate and decorate much more quickly than we would have without the blog because we’re not having to pay for everything single thing that comes into our home. It’s an amazing blessing, but one I have worked very hard to attain at the same time. I will say that typically with these partnerships I am the one reaching out to them and asking for specific products that fit the space I’m planning. I get asked all the time to highlight certain products by companies I don’t know, but I never do unless it happens to be a fit (sometimes this happens but it’s super rare). I hope this brings a bit of clarity for you. It’s kind of a sticky area of blogging, but one I definitely want to be transparent about. Hope you have a lovely weekend, Tanya!
Did you install a new gas fireplace insert too? I live in KC as well, and am needing to remove a large fireplace mantle and replace the gas insert to make the look more modern. I’m still trying to figure out what contractor could do that….Thanks for any insight!
Hi Liz! We didn’t we just had the slab cut to cover more of our old insert. Our fireplaces are double-sized, so we have access from the other side. Sorry I don’t have a contact for replacing your insert. I would maybe start by just going to a home improvement store and seeing what they have to say?
So beautiful! The color you chose for the room is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, Stephanie!
It’s really lovely! Wonderful change.
Thanks, Mary!
I loved the wood room before and was skeptical about the plan to paint everything. Wowy zowy! This is stunning and looks so beautiful and timeless. Please come decorate my whole house for me!
It’s always nice to hear a skeptic is pleased. 😉 Thank you, Laurie!
OH MY GORGEOUS!!! The room looks stunning!
Thanks, friend! Definitely night and day difference!
I don’t have the words. Your talents and design is incredible. So beautiful.
You’re too kind, thanks Wenda!
Details on the Christmas tree please . It’s lovely I couldn’t tell if it was real or faux. I need this tree 😊
Here is this year’s version…I think the only difference is it has little pinecones on it. It’s a great tree! https://www.lowes.com/pd/Holiday-Living-9-ft-Pre-lit-Hayden-Pine-Artificial-Christmas-Tree-with-1450-Constant-Clear-White-Incandescent-Lights/1000289847
Gorgeous as always, Gwen! I am always blown away by your designs.. even when not fully completed! Can’t wait to see it “done for now”. You are such an inspiration!
So nice, thanks Olivia! I’m excited to get this room together. 😉