Design Direction

August 11, 2010 · Posted in Living room furniture

Do you have a challenging space or need some design guidance? Design Direction is a chance for you to submit photos or videos of your design challenge(s) and a Vastu interior designer will provide you with some help. Every Wednesday we will feature one reader’s submission.

“The living room in my new house has a huge green marble fireplace which I think is very dated. How could I decorate around it so that I do not have to spend money to redo the fireplace? Thanks a lot for your help.”

Krissy says…

Congratulations on your new home!

That is a large fireplace! The seaming and paneling of the stone is quite unique. For some quick, inexpensive updates, first I would suggest changing out the fireplace screen for something without brass. The combination of brass with the green marble makes it seem more dated. Second, I would recommend painting the walls a darker color so that the fireplace blends in more and doesn’t instantly stand out as the focal point of the room. Third, I would select a large square piece of art to display within the mantel inset. This will break up the vast expanse of marble, and draw the eye to a more focused point in the room. And last, I would consider adding an area rug with some pile, some fabric upholstered furniture pieces like chairs or a sofa, and changing the wooden window shutters to drapery panels to add softness to the room.

Best of luck and please let us know if we can be of further assistance!