Living Room Cabinetry Reveal
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyIt’s an exciting day! I’m thrilled to share my new living room cabinetry and updated fireplace and mantel.
Living Room Cabinetry Reveal
As I mentioned back in September when I shared the design plan for this renovation, I have been itching to update the cabinetry and mantel in my living room since the day I moved into this home two years ago. Well, that day has finally come and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
Before we get to the after, let’s start with the before. Here’s where I started:
Now, I realize this situation wasn’t terrible, but a couple things bothered me. Here’s a little recap of what I mentioned before:
- The shelves in the bookcases are only 8 inches deep so they aren’t practical for book storage. (At least half of the books I own won’t fit on the shelves without hanging off the edge.)
- I don’t love the mantel. I’m not a fan of the dentil molding, and like the bookcases, the mantel is narrow, making it hard to style.
- Because I have two other wood-burning fireplaces in my home, I’d love to have gas-burning logs in the living room so I can have a fire with the flip of a switch and no sooty mess to clean up.
- With the new cabinetry in my kitchen and entryway, the existing fireplace and bookcases in the living room feel dated. New cabinetry would elevate the entire room.
Okay, so now you’re all caught up on where I started. Let’s take a look at the after!
Ta-da! Isn’t it spectacular? I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. And yes, I realize that there is absolutely zero decor on the shelves. Sorry about that. I had wanted to decorate this all for fall, but then life happened and I just couldn’t get it together. However, the holiday season is upon us and you know I’ll be styling this entire space up for Christmas. It’s going to be magical!
I with with classic white for the cabinetry. It’s timeless and will be the perfect background for my seasonal decorating endeavors. The color is Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006. The finish is custom to the cabinet maker, but I’d say it’s between a satin and matte.
For this project I worked with Drury Cabinetry. This name might sound familiar as they are the ones that did my entryway cabinetry. They are AH-mazing! It was a joy to work with them. Their work is stunning (clearing) and I’m already thinking about what I can have them do next. If you are anywhere near Pittsburgh and need cabinetry, I highly recommend them. Let them know I sent you!
As you can see, all of the old cabinetry, mantel, and marble surround was removed to make room for this masterpiece. Everything was custom built and installed on site. I’ve tried to include lots of close-up photos so you can see all of the beautiful detail that went into this work. It’s exquisite.
I mentioned this before, but I should mention it again: the fireplace does not sit in the center of this wall so the cabinetry on the left is larger than the cabinetry on the right. This is just one of those weird things you have to make work. Besides, symmetry is overrated, right? To be honest, I love “odd” details likes this. It gives my home and this room character.
In addition to the new cabinetry, I also replaced the old marble with new Carrara marble. I was so excited to get this replaced as the previous hearth had a piece of quarter round trim that ran around the edge. It always bothered me. Now the marble has a nice finished edge.
I also made the decision to switch this fireplace from wood-burning to gas. Since I have a wood-burning fireplace in my family room just across the entryway, I thought it would be nice to have the convenience, cleanliness, and low-maintenance of a gas burning fireplace in this room. I can turn it on and off with the touch of a button. Plus, it looks pretty realistic too. I’ll be putting together a post all about this conversion, so stay tuned for that.
I do have one question for you! I don’t love the tan brick inside the fireplace. I was thinking about painting it black. Thoughts?
I did order a screen to keep my kitties out, so maybe the screen will hide the brick. It just sticks out like a sore thumb to me. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
The beautiful picture lights are from Husdon Valley Light. They are their 18″ Ridgewood in Distressed Bronze. It’s wonderful to have these light here as the lighting in this room so limited. I only have one other lamp so it always feels super dark. (Which reminds me I should get another lamp or two.)
I did slightly change the hardware I originally selected. You can find the knobs I selected for the drawers HERE and the pulls HERE. (The pulls are the same pulls I used in my kitchen remodel. I LOVE them.)
I am just so insanely pleased with the results. This is everything I wanted and then some. I’m so happy to finally be able to share it with you. Let’s take a look at a few more pictures.
And that’s a wrap on another Bayberry House renovation! Now I’m off to another project because my Christmas decor is calling me and these shelves are just begging to be styled. I can’t wait to show you how they look all dressed up.
Until then……..!
Gorgeous love the cabinetry and hardware especially the lights. Look forward to the styling.
Love your new cabinetry! I would paint the firebox a gloss black, the flames will reflect back from the paint a bit. Black will also compliment your hardware. As always, great design!
The end result is stunning! I’m so impressed- i love the design above the mantel! i think i would live w the brick for a bit – esp if you get a screen — see if that makes a diff— cannot wait to see it styled for the holidays!!
There is special paint designed for high heat. Just ask at your local paint store
Our chimney sweep recommended Rustoleum BBQ black – made for high heat situations. Made a huge difference in the looks of our fireplace and I think will put the finishing touch on your fireplace.
So beautiful! I also use a screen for the gas fireplace (3 cats). Maybe get your screen and then assess the bricks? Whatever you do it will certainly be fabulous!
I agree, get the screen first and then assess the bricks. The cabinets are beautiful! I can’t wait to see it styled for Christmas!
I absolutely love this! The fireplace bricks don’t bother me at all!!! I think it just bugs you when the fire is off. It’s such a great room and Eeek! Can’t wait to see how you style the shelves!!!!
It looks fabulous!
I LOVE ❤️ this! Gorgeous! About the tan bricks….they don’t bother me at all. In fact I didn’t even notice them. But they obviously bother you so I think you should go ahead and paint them black. Otherwise it’s going to annoy you every time you go in the room! Lol! Either way the room looks wonderful.
Your home is always so inspiring. Classic style and a statement that will always be current. It’s so cozy and I would love to settle in for a long winter’s nap. Bravo!
Oh wow, this is STUNNING! I just love what an impact custom cabinetry makes. it has totally transformed your room! Enjoy! xx
Instead of black, what about a dark grey, almost black? It’s a little warmer but will still give you a nice contrast. We just painted the brick of our fireplace surround (a similar color to the inside of yours) a dark grey and it looks fantastic. Black I think would be too harsh.
I think this is a fabulous idea, Shumway! My mother painted the inside of their fireplace black and it looked great, but the fireplace surround was a red brick with wood paneling around, so it all went together. Black may be a little harsh against all the white. One note of caution, though, Michael. My mother decided that spray painting would be easier and it was, until she saw all the mess that the “mist” created in the room. If you spray, cover EVERYTHING first. 🙂
I second this idea. I was going to make a similar comment and then read the one above. With all that white, I think you have the black accents you need. A dark gray will be perfect with the new marble.
I totally agree!
Paint it black. I think it will play off the lights nicely. Love the new cabinets.
Wow what a transformation, I just love the new look, it all came together, can’t wait to see it
Michael, your design magic is stunning. I enjoy your posts and pictures. I have been trying to think how I could reach your Mother….so I am taking this opportunity to tell her….”Barb, you must be so very proud of Michael ! ! ! His home and gardens are absolutely beautiful, he truly is a talented design artist.” (Please pass this note onto her . .
Stunning!!
What color do you have on the walls in that room? Love the cabinetry! Firebox, my vote would be black.
Love the results! I do like the idea of painting the bricks black.
Incredible!! Love it so much!
Beautiful cabinetry! And the lights and hardware are the perfect compliment.
How about taping some black construction paper in the firebox to get a feel for the black paint? Mock-ups help me with decision making—perhaps worth a shot!
This is a great idea. I love mock ups!
Beautiful space, love it all!
What a gorgeous outcome! You’re going to out-do yourself with your holiday styling of those shelves! I can’t wait to see it. The firebox works as it is, but would also look nice in black.
They look amazing! What you had looked nice but this really looks fantastic. I can’t wait to see them all styled. I agree with your idea of painting the firebox black, that last little touch.
Gosh, your new cabinetry is gorgeous! I’m also in love with the green chairs and can’t wait to see what you come up with in this room for Christmas! I agree with the fireplace thought too – black would look so clean and chic
Truly stunning! Love the interior of the fireplace just like it is though! Avoid the black!
Hi I love your cabinets. They are truly beautiful built ins!!!
I would do a mock up as well with your fireplace brick to see if you’ll like it black. I think it looks fine the way it is but you are the one looking at it all the time. The marble on the fireplace looks superb.