Wednesday 6 April 2016

The fireplace is reborn, cost 20p

Hello. Hey, what about this then, good innit. I have been sitting in this living room for twenty years looking at that horrible brown fire surround, why didn't I do something with it earlier. Look at the transformation, it makes the room a lot brighter.  
I used the sample pots I bought from Woolies when it closed down, 4p each. They have come in useful for all kinds of tarting up and crafty jobs. 
Whoever cemented the facing bricks in didn't do a very good job, there are a few holes here and there in the mortar. I've tried to disguise them with dollops of white paint. It looks better if you step back from it.


I am well chuffed with it. The walls are plain lemon and the fireplace is now a nice feature. Still got some paint left, I wonder what else I can find which needs a facelift, ha ha. Got the bug now.

Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

49 comments:

  1. I just love the transformation, cheers the place up even without the fire on ! Good for you ! Thanks for your great blog !

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  2. Wow, now that is something I never would have guessed! It reminds me of a patchwork quilt and it certainly must brighten up the room. You are quite amazing, Ilona. I painted my front door fuschia and I thought I was being original! Do you sew slipcovers? Here is an idea for your sofa. https://www.google.com/search?q=joybird+patchwork+sofa&espv=2&biw=911&bih=429&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwidtM6ouPrLAhVESCYKHcfOCPcQ_AUIBygC

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    1. Lana, That's what I thought when I saw it too! Lemon yellow walls with a patchwork quilt fireplace surround how pretty it must look.

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    2. Thank you for that link Lana. I saw a settee like the ones on this site, in The Range, department store. I was immediately drawn to it. Recovering a sofa in a similar style would be too much for me, I could make a patchwork throw though, much easier.

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  3. Love it. It's like a chopping board I've got - Elmer the elephant style and colours.

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    1. I too thought of Elmer the Elephant's colours, Mrs LH! Looks very cheery indeed, Ilona,xxx

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    2. Love the cheery colours. Natalie

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  4. What a transformation Ilona, its lovely, amazing what a little tester pot and a paint brush will do. Now just waiting for your next inspiration.
    Danneke x

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  5. looks great,, the colors are all in the same hue,, bright yet soft at the same time,, great job!

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  6. Looks really good: what a great idea.

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  7. Wow, that is quite a transformation. Great job!

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  8. It certainly brightens up the room!

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  9. Oh my goodness this is beautiful it's soooooooo HAPPY!
    You have done a lovely job.
    Your art/projects would look good in your front room with your "new fire surround".
    Happy relaxing tonight with your furry family. X

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  10. brilliant idea, you know how I love colour, this is wonderful
    Briony
    x

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  11. I have to admit,it was a bit shocking, but as I continued to look at it, it grew on me quickly. You must have a very steady hand, as you have done a very neat and tidy job of it. We just moved into a house that also has a gas fireplace. The bricks are a bit beige, I guess, in color. I had told my husband I thought we would need to paint the surround once we are settled in (long story) - I think I will share your finished project with him and see what his thoughts are. Heh - he likes blue and black. Yeah - not much for real colors, but it will be fun to hear his thoughts. I love your use of vibrant colors - the garden shed, the artwork and now the fireplace surround. You are gifted. Ranee (USA) Mn

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    1. Yes, I suppose it's not what you expect to see in someone's living room, but that's me, I get excited with the unexpected.

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  12. reminds me a bi of a Mondrian painting but slightly different colours. well done Ilona - a one off just like you.

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    1. You're right, it does. I think he has black lines between the colours, and mine are white.

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    2. yes his does have black lines but it doesn't matter. Yours looks just as good.

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  13. Love it. thank you. I really love All your blogs and thoroughly enjoy learning all you have to show/teach. Wandaxx

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  14. Nice job, Ilona, your fireplace looks really fantastic.

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  15. It looks so cheery . . . reminds me of a quilt.
    Great job and isn't it nice to have a change!
    Keep Smiling.
    Your blogging sister,
    Connie :)

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  16. Very attic 24.

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  17. That looks so pretty....... are you turning into a hippy chick... :-)

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  18. Love it, absolutely super! Pam in Norway

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  19. Lovely and colorful! Just like a quilt! You did a good job painting it.

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  20. oh thats gorgeous! love the bright colours

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  21. It makes such a difference. I love it.

    Joan (Wales)

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  22. Wow! It actually looks like a quilt. Very original! You certainly did a good job painting it. Love the colors. I bet it really brightens up the room. Sometimes that is what we need - a little brightness in our lives! Thanks for all the great ideas. Arlene from NJ (USA)

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  23. If you are happy with it, that's what matters. And you finished a DIY on such a minor budget. Good for you!

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  24. Nice job! I love color in the home, too. It looks very professional!

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  25. It really turned out beautiful. I was not sure that I would like all the color but I really love it.

    I can't remember what you have hanging above the fireplace, but I think that you should hang one of your colorful art tapestries. I think it would be a nice balance.

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    1. Hi. The small picture with the tree is up there at the moment. I get the others out from time to time and swap them about.

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  26. It suits you, very colorful, and energetic!
    It looks like pretty patchwork like your curtains you made.

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  27. I have recently started following your blog which I enjoy very much, a window on another life. The fire place is certainly a feature, I keep looking at it trying to work out if I like it or not, on balance I think I do, what imagination you have.

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  28. How beautiful n quaint :) x

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  29. It's glorious and very neatly done - I would have made a right mess. Enjoy your rainbow hearth. Lainey. X

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  30. These are not the colours that I would have thought to use on your fireplace, but it looks amazing and so cheerful. I love that you made such a change that you love and for so little money. Job well done! Mary Jane in Canada.

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  31. It's mood raising for sure :) Wonderful bright colors made me smile. You are really creative making such great things for the low price.

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  32. Love it! - Paul H

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