Focal Points in a Home

For me, the focal point in my living room is a fireplace on a corner wall. It was very plain and, well, ugly -gray 12x12 tiles which outlined a gas fireplace insert. There was nothing custom or inviting about it. It was not my style and it definitely was not matching the tan walls! I decided when I first moved in that this would be my first DIY project. (Disclaimer: DIY typically involves assistance from my Dad and sometimes my Mom.)

I was in need of inspiration for the fireplace. I had an idea in my head but needed a visual to assist me in determining what my final product would look like.  So, I poured through magazine after magazine looking for my inspiration.  I wanted something simple with clean lines and nice detail, but not overwhelming detail. As usual, there were things about each one that I liked but no single fireplace was "the one". So, in true Wedded Cottage fashion, I took the things I liked about each one and wedded them in to one, beautiful, custom-made mantle with a seating area.  (Thanks for the great idea, Mom!)

Here are some photos of the project (Disclaimer: I refuse to wear make up, matching clothes or contacts, when I am DIYing)

The Original Fireplace. 

It's looking like a real fireplace - almost!

The final photo is coming!  I'm working on mantle decor.  It's harder than you think with a TV above the fireplace! 

What is The Wedded Cottage?

wed verb, wed•ded or wed, wed•ding
-verb: to blend together or unite

The Wedded Cottage is a blending together of different styles for my home - and soon to be, my wedding. In 2007, I purchased a two bedroom, one bathroom condo. It was exactly what I was looking for: something small, a fireplace (which needed lots of inspiration), a nice kitchen with lots of room. It was a condo, but it was not industrial - more traditional and pretty much a blank slate. Over the past few years, I've learned that mistakes make great "custom" details, that nothing is as easy as it looks on HGTV, and the end result is always worth it. But most importantly, living in an inspired home is the greatest reward.