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
Posted by at
Labels: , , ,

49 comments:

  1. Mrs Shoestring6 April 2016 at 17:30

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. LANA6 April 2016 at 17:33

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy6 April 2016 at 18:19

      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.

      Delete
    2. Meanqueen7 April 2016 at 08:49

      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.

      Delete
  3. Mrs LH6 April 2016 at 17:37

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simplesista6 April 2016 at 17:43

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

      Delete
    2. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 17:55

      Love the cheery colours. Natalie

      Delete
  4. Wendy @ The contented Cavern6 April 2016 at 17:48

    That's fab Iliona quirky and fun

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 18:08

    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

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 18:08

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

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 18:18

    Looks really good: what a great idea.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cat Lover6 April 2016 at 18:32

    Wow, that is quite a transformation. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Linda Kay6 April 2016 at 18:44

    It certainly brightens up the room!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 18:45

    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

    ReplyDelete
  11. Simple Living6 April 2016 at 18:49

    Amazing, so vibrant.

    ReplyDelete
  12. crafty cat corner6 April 2016 at 19:09

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

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 19:14

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meanqueen7 April 2016 at 08:45

      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.

      Delete
  14. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 19:31

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meanqueen7 April 2016 at 08:43

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

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7 April 2016 at 20:43

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

      Delete
  15. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 20:20

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. Elizabeth Yule6 April 2016 at 20:29

    Nice job, Ilona, your fireplace looks really fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Connie6 April 2016 at 20:47

    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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 21:01

    Very attic 24.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cherie6 April 2016 at 21:06

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. Winkel's Crazy Ideas6 April 2016 at 21:14

    Love it, absolutely super! Pam in Norway

    ReplyDelete
  21. Bless6 April 2016 at 21:14

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

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jane Rea6 April 2016 at 21:28

    Good job Ilona

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jan6 April 2016 at 22:04

    oh thats gorgeous! love the bright colours

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 22:34

    It makes such a difference. I love it.

    Joan (Wales)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 23:19

    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)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Joyful7 April 2016 at 01:12

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. momsav7 April 2016 at 01:48

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

    ReplyDelete
  28. Barbara M.7 April 2016 at 02:11

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meanqueen7 April 2016 at 08:41

      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.

      Delete
  29. Mila7 April 2016 at 02:57

    Happy dance!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Unknown7 April 2016 at 05:55

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

    ReplyDelete
  31. Mrs Norman7 April 2016 at 09:19

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous7 April 2016 at 09:29

    How beautiful n quaint :) x

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ali7 April 2016 at 10:30

    Love it!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Louise Houghton7 April 2016 at 13:05

    Fab!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous8 April 2016 at 05:15

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

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous8 April 2016 at 05:18

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Chloe8 April 2016 at 11:28

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

    ReplyDelete
  38. Unknown8 April 2016 at 22:09

    Utterly amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Cathy harrell9 April 2016 at 00:08

    Pretty!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous13 April 2016 at 02:18

    Love it! - Paul H

    ReplyDelete

Comments will be published after my approval.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)