E-decking the Halls (or should I say “Walls”) at Just a Girl’s house: Part Two

Good news! My friend Chris liked the little surprise I left her yesterday (yahoo!)- but she did have another thought on the whole “to arch or not to arch” subject:

“Layla you KNOW how much I love those virtual transformations you do, and it was literally like Christmas morning clicking on those pictures! Thank you so much. I just love it! Just out of curiousity, is there any way you can make the arch look more like “trim work”? I’d love to see what it would look like if I did chunky crown molding and side “columns” painted white. If it’s too much trouble, just disregard my unappreciative pickyness. I love you! -Chris”

She attached this photo to her email so that I could get a better idea of what she was thinkin’…

So I put together another presto chango for her, so she could see if she liked the look of it…

(Move your cursor back and forth over the photo below to see her trim-a-licious idea)

And because so many folks asked about where all the “stuff” came from, I thought I’d post my resource list today. Here goes…

POTTERY BARN.

Yep.

Every. Single. Thing! The rug, the stockings, the pillows- you name it. The photos on their website are really big, so it’s really easy to cut and paste things in when I’m working in Photoshop. (Plus I just love their stuff!)

The idea I had for above the fireplace was to trim out a custom-cut mirror with a couple different types of molding/wood, and paint it the same color as the rest of the fireplace so that it would sort of look like this:

Except imagine it made out of white-painted wood & trim from the home improvement store, and mounted to the wall- not leaning against a van in the driveway.

Here’s a closer up/blurrier-because-I-had-to-enlarge-it view of the fireplace so you can sort of see what I’m gettin’ at…

As you can see, my hand-drawn trim isn’t really all that trim-a-licious, but I just wanted to sort of throw it out there in case she liked the idea. If she does, she can go wild creating the look she loves. Ooh- and if she really wanted to get fancy-schmancy, she could probably have the mirror edges BEVELLED too! (insert a quickened pulse at the thought of that last sentence here)

And for the peeps that asked about the art hanging on the wall to the right of the fireplace- you can find it HERE. But, again, it was really just meant to show how using something that really filled up that wall would help balance the visual weight of the armoire on the other side of the fireplace. There’s nothin’ like a well-balanced room to make everything feel all comfy and cozy! Well, that, and stockings. And blankies. Stockings and blankies are really good at it too.

PS- Some folks also asked about the paint color I used in my drawings. Truth is, I’m not sure!  I just took my little eye dropper tool in Photoshop and selected some of the wall color that’s on the fireplace wall. Check with Chris for the name and number!

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51 Responses to E-decking the Halls (or should I say “Walls”) at Just a Girl’s house: Part Two

1. Aura says:

   Nov 12, 2010 at 11:17 pm

   I love love love that display of photos hanging. And Christmas decorating! I CAN’T WAIT!

   

   Reply
2. Nita@ModVintageLife says:

   Nov 12, 2010 at 11:59 pm

   Oh…yes…that’s the way to go. She definitely needs to do all that white trim around the doorway…it just makes the space!

   

   Reply
3. Keri says:

   Nov 13, 2010 at 12:14 am

   Love, love, love that! I like this better than just the arch!

   

   Reply
4. Angela says:

   Nov 13, 2010 at 12:15 am

   Layla,
   I just love all the prest-changos you do, and how kind to send them as little early Christmas presents. come on over and visit me, as I am new to blogland and although not “Desperately Seeking Susan”, I am desperately seeking followers (and constructive criticism).
   Angela

   p.s. I love you and Kevin and wish that your were my neighbor

   

   Reply
5. SDW says:

   Nov 13, 2010 at 12:26 am

   What paint color did you use in the makeover? I like the green.

   

   Reply
6. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says:

   Nov 13, 2010 at 12:26 am

   Oh that makes a huge difference! I had to go back to the last post because honestly, I didn’t even notice the arch in the last set of pictures. I kept thinking to myself, what is a Layla talking about, what arch thing? Now, the arch stands out. Beautiful!

   

   Reply
7. MotherShip says:

   Nov 13, 2010 at 1:05 am

   Oh, my gosh! I can’t believe what the trim does to the area! I like the arch from yesterday, but it seems so dull when compared to today’s idea. Thank you for sharing.

   

   Reply
8. Rachel @ *FrenchFarmhouse425* says:

   Nov 13, 2010 at 2:23 am

   ~*~*LOVE the transformation!!! Hopefully she will be able to get that done!!~*~Hugs,Rachel

   

   Reply
9. Kim says:

   Nov 13, 2010 at 7:52 am

   That was trim-a-licious, beaut-i-licious, and decor-a-licious! Love your posts! They are so much fun to read! Keep it up. You and Kevin r on the right path.

   

   Reply
10. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 7:52 am

    Wow, I’m loving the all the gorgeous wood trim! And Layle, your talent leaves me speechless!

    

    Reply
11. Cindy K. says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 8:25 am

    You are presto-chango perfection. I wish you’d come presto-chango my place. I’m stuck in a rut and I’ve decided you are the only one that can drag me out of it.

    

    Reply
12. Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 8:43 am

    I sure hope she get’s her arch on!! It’s AMAZING the difference it would make..it’s so classy.

    And I get ALL of my holiday inspiration from Pottery Barn…I just love it!

    

    Reply
13. LindaSonia says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 8:43 am

    not sure what i’m doing wrong, but nothing changes when I move the cursor over the picture???

    

    Reply
    • glenda b says:

      Nov 15, 2010 at 9:48 am

      I have never been able to get that to work for me either. – thought maybe it was because I only have access on my phone. It would be so much fun to see the magic!!

      

      Reply
14. LindaSonia says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 8:44 am

    never mind…. duh… :/

    

    Reply
15. Dana says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 8:45 am

    Oh man! I might, just might, be doing this to my fireplace now! Love it!

    

    Reply
16. Sindy says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 8:58 am

    BINGO!!!! The first arch was a little plain and didn’t seem to quite fit the style of the home. . .the second design, well, I am absolutely drooling and I think it is SPECTACULAR & PERFECT! That’s a great solution for the fireplace surround/mantel, too–love your creativity and total design talent!
    Blessings,
    Sindy : )
    PS Are you still doing virtual consultations?

    

    Reply
17. Fairfield House says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 9:07 am

    The trimmed out arch frames the fireplace beautifully. I like it. I like it a lot.
    Your Friend,
    Deborah

    

    Reply
18. Kim says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 9:27 am

    It is trim-a-licious, beaut-i-licious, fantast-i-lious! Love your posts! You and Kevin r on the right track.

    

    Reply
19. jaclyn says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 9:35 am

    i love it! the arch is gorgeous. it makes it look like a completely different room. so much character!

    

    Reply
20. Holly says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 9:37 am

    Layla: You are amazing. The End.

    

    Reply
21. kim says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 9:52 am

    the after pic of the arch is great!! i love it!!
    thanks for posting where everything came from.
    you always pull things together that i would never even think about. i try to look at catalogs, magazines and of course online and “pick” out items i could recreate. sometimes it is the smallest details that give me a lightbulb moment- or leave me dizzy. lol
    this room defintely looks much better after the transforamtion. its warm, cozy and ready for christmas.
    nownot that i didint like it before. cause i did. i just like it afterwards better.

    

    Reply
22. Sarah Teske says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 10:07 am

    So beautiful!

    

    Reply
23. chris says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 10:35 am

    That is a much better design , I thought the drywall arch was ho hum , collaboration , I sure hope they do the over the fireplace modifications

    

    Reply
24. Nicknee says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 11:07 am

    So…I have a 100 year old small, wanna-be cottage. All of my trim is mahogany/cherry mix. it’s been burning in my brain for a while now…so I think I’ll ask the professional (and all of her friends!) Should I go white (ish) with my trim? Or do I keep the old stuff? Help!

    

    Reply
    • Megan says:

      Nov 13, 2010 at 7:16 pm

      You should DEFINITELY keep the original trim color ESPECIALLY if it its mahogany or cherry. I could see painting it if it was some other lighter or poor quality wood, but original molding in a dark wood such as mahogany or cherry you don’t see very often and it is a rare gem. In order to make your wonderful dark molding pop, try painting your wall color something lighter or contrasting to the dark chocolate tones of the trim. Good luck!!

      

      Reply
      • Nicknee says:

        Nov 16, 2010 at 5:06 pm

        Thanks, I totally needed that! Sometimes my brain and my heart don’t marry up well. I knew that I came to the right place!

        

        Reply
25. Rachel Schindler says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 11:12 am

    What a transformation! Love it!

    

    Reply
26. emily says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 11:18 am

    Love it! I’m a fan of thick mouldings and this looks great!

    

    Reply
27. Kristen says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 11:19 am

    LOVE The Arch with the trim work. I was thinking the same thing Chris was…it needed something more. Definitely makes it pop and a nice change into the room. I’m doing the same thing with an existing arch into my kitchen.

    

    Reply
    • Kevin & Layla says:

      Nov 13, 2010 at 11:24 am

      Just to clarify- I am a fan of the chunkier molding too! I just misunderstood what she was looking for the first time around.

      Layla

      

      Reply
28. Sandra says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 11:36 am

    I really really do love these! I wish you had time to provide it as a service again – and then post all of them!

    

    Reply
29. Kathy says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    Yours is my very favorite blog (out of I lost track of how many I subscribe to months ago…). I’m an addict-you are my crack-no intervention please.

    

    Reply
30. Allison says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    PLEASE, PLEASE offer your consultations again! I was signed up but you didn’t get to me before you became too busy

    I have that Pottery Barn photo display and get tons of compliments on it.

    

    Reply
31. Sandra says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    Layla,

    I love the chunky molding. I didn’t know you could do all this in Photoshop.
    BTW, I went to Eastbrook Flea Market for the first time today since you mentioned it in one of your posts a while back and OMG! I could spend hours in there.

    Love the work you and Kevin do.

    

    Reply
32. Marianne@Songbird says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    You are a true wizard with photoshop. It would take me at least a week to do this and even then….
    Really you are so good at this. Seeing exactly what a room needs and then make it happen. I am in awe.

    

    Reply
33. jeannine520 says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    Lovely, millwork makes all the difference.

    

    Reply
34. Londen@Sixty-Fifth-Avenue says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 7:08 pm

    Fantastic Layla! The trim looks amazing! Can you do mine too?
    Londen

    

    Reply
35. LaPriel says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    The first arch looked nice, but this really makes the room pop! I like how it mirrors the trim on the fire place. It turns is from a builders spec home to an elegant custom home. Besides, I just love your before/after scroll over pics. Too fun.

    

    Reply
36. Rosa says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 8:13 pm

    Love the before and after ideas! Such a great new look!
    Rosa

    

    Reply
37. Ali @ Honey and Maple Syrup says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 11:00 pm

    I hope she goes for an arch like this! I love it!

    

    Reply
38. Chris says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 11:38 pm

    Just getting in from a weekend away. I’m. in. love. (as you know). You’re brilliant, and it is SO what that area needs. Now if I can somehow convince that husband of mine… Thank you, my love! You’re so great!

    

    Reply
39. Kristen @ More Than Mulberries says:

    Nov 13, 2010 at 11:58 pm

    WOW! I’ll bet Chris is just flipping out over this right now! It looks fantastic!! I also going to guess her husband is rolling his eyes over another project. (or not….just a guess….but how can she NOT do this now? It looks that good!)

    

    Reply
40. Linda says:

    Nov 14, 2010 at 1:38 am

    Wow, the trim makes all the difference, adds extra dimension to the dining room and adds a tradtional look. Thanks for letting us know that the “stuff” came from Pottery Barn!

    

    Reply
41. Rene@BargainHoot says:

    Nov 14, 2010 at 8:43 am

    Arch and trimwork…double amazingly awesome!!!

    

    Reply
42. Carmel says:

    Nov 15, 2010 at 8:03 am

    I LOVE the trimwork and that fireplace surround is seriously swoon-worthy! I’m having a little dilemma at the moment- trying to decide whether or not to paint my brick fireplace. I’d love for you to work your virtual magic so I could finally just make a decision already

    

    Reply
43. Sunny says:

    Nov 15, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    That pale green wall color really looks a lot like Restoration Hardware’s Silver Sage – an all-time favorite of ours!

    

    Reply
44. Anne @ It's a Baltimore Life says:

    Nov 15, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    Oh you just got me so excited to decorate for Christmas!!! Like I really needed an excuse…

    

    Reply
45. Miriam says:

    Nov 15, 2010 at 11:03 pm

    Hey! Just to be helpful for anyone else looking, her website says that wall is Benjamin Moore’s “Berkshire Beige” which looks way more brown to me on the Benjamin Moore site, but you know how lighting changes everything. Love that color!
    Oh, and she said the other wall is just a shade lighter “Grant Beige” FYI.

    

    Reply
46. Leslie says:

    Nov 16, 2010 at 10:56 am

    Layla – the FP and arch moulding is just the ticket for “basic box” plain walls.

    Berkshire Beige is my all-time favorite BM color – I’ve used it on the exterior of a former home (an all white early 1800s farmhouse – the renewed white trim just popped against it!) and on the interior of my current (and soon to be former) home (a brick midcentury suburban ranch with great, Ralph Lauren-style bones!). I used it on all the moldings and tongue-and-groove paneling in the public rooms and on the walls of the kitchen in the ranch (the natural, light maple cabinetry pops against it there!) to prep the house for sale and it’s now in contract, so I think it did its job well! (Boith homes are near the real Berkshire mountains, so it makes using it an extra nice, “indigenous” touch!)

    

    Reply
47. Melissa says:

    Nov 17, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    Ah-ma-zing transformation! You should be proud, it’s add a whole level of elegance that I would not have thought possible.

    

    Reply