The existing brick colored stone fireplace was cracked in several places and the old hearth was fashioned from patterned 1970's tile mounted on piece of plywood affixed to the wood floor. We removed all of the tiles, including those serving as the landing at the front door, the glue and nails holding the old tiles in place.

Primed and faux stone painted out the dark brick. We wanted a minimal effect, for low cost; we filled the cracks and underpainted the fireplace with a medium grey-brown acrylic paint, and we used a lovely paperbag wall paint to lend depth, and give more of a feeling of stone.

The elements to complete this room include ceiling to floor curtains (from Ikea, with added details) for added softness and flow, a Japanese sideboard / entertainment center for storing CDs, DVDs, magazines and books, and a screen to secure privacy, and filter the bright southern light which flows in from the very large windows.

Fine and poster art, an entry rug, and a large water sculpture will be added as soothing elements for Peggy -- an avid mediator who loves the environment and is accomplished gardener.

The next room we will renovate is the second bedroom which will become her study and additional closet space, in a modern style - we expect to make use of a light coral color.