The fireplace was the centerpiece of our great room, but it felt outdated and didn’t match the modern look we wanted. We aimed for a more contemporary style with clean lines and a sleek finish. As we planned the changes, we realized that altering the fireplace would affect the whole area around it. Our vision of an “organic modern” style with a touch of rustic charm came to life, blending natural elements with a minimalist design to create a warm and sophisticated space. This transformation not only improved the look of our great room but also set a new standard for the rest of our home

Changing the fireplace meant rethinking the flooring. The old flooring was still in decent shape, but it didn’t fit the new look we were going for. We were drawn to natural materials that not only looked great but could also handle the daily wear and tear of a busy household. Our two Golden Retrievers played a big part in our decisions. We needed flooring that could stand up to their fun, including frequent burn-outs to the door when deliveries arrived. This kind of wear can often cause more damage than a busy home with kids. We ruled out tile because it’s hard to keep the grout clean, and instead chose beautiful hardwood that added warmth and continuity throughout the space.

What started as a simple fireplace update turned into a complete reimagining of our home’s interior. The interconnected nature of home design became clear as we made adjustments to maintain a cohesive look. While the process was sometimes challenging, it allowed us to completely reimagine our space and align it with our vision. We learned the importance of being flexible and considering every family member, including our pets, in our design decisions. This journey showed us the value of thoughtful planning and staying true to our vision, even when facing unexpected challenges.

In the next blog, I’ll dive right into the different types of flooring we explored and share how we made our final decision. I’ll also cover how changing the baseboards made a significant difference. Stay tuned for all the details! -Nancy