A Living Room Mantle Renovation

Most the original details in this 1925 Spanish home still reside but there are some recent interior additions that just don't really work

 The fireplace has been reimagined (I'm being nice) using stacked ledger stone with the TV 

front and center...ugh!

So off came the TV and we were able to see the old plaster work 

and the original outlets for sconces.  

The wiring was hot and actually buried behind the stone....

While starting this project, I actually came across this wonderful intact fireplace surround 

from the same time frame manufactured by Claycraft.  

Claycraft was one of the many companies producing scenic tile during California's Golden Age which included Batchelder, Cal Art and Alhambra Kilns to name a few.

  After taking a few more photos and all of the measurements back to the house

 it would have worked!  

I couldn't believe it.  

But after much thought we decided it would overwhelm the room so we went to plan B

We opted to completely re-plaster over the added stone and re-plaster the walls.  

All of the walls throughout out the house will need to be re-plastered so this gave us a glimpse as to how the finished walls will look

 After 3 coats the fireplace started looking like the original circa 1925 probably did

 Millie found this whole process boring and decided a little nap on the workers jacket was in order

 The fireplace looks a little pink here, but it has no pigment at all and will dry almost white 

 Before we could finish all of the walls (which were also a patched cobbled mess) 

the electrical needed moving and updating. 

 In order for the plaster to adhere the walls are sanded and then a layer of glue is applied

 The ceilings are quite high and the corners have a soft rounded curve which is really pretty

 Two coats of plaster was hand trowled on all of the walls 

and then burnished when almost dry

  presto! 

well not actually presto but pretty close 

The walls will dry much lighter and have a really natural patina and texture

Now for some sconce shopping....holy cow! 

 One of my favorite Antique stores in Pasadena is California Revival Antiques.  

They have an impressive collection of lighting (understatement ) 

as well as furniture, art and garden Antiques.  

The owner Marie is wonderful to work with and the staff was really a pleasure.  

 In addition to lighting I purchased this great rattan lounge chair and ottoman, as well as the two small bamboo end tables.
 Ironically these came from the Ford Estate in Ojai when the owners recently sold it.
 Marie helped them originally to furnish the home with period pieces, many of which she recently
re-acquired

 The fixtures and furniture in this store are incredible and most of their acquisitions come from homes and large Estates in
Los Angeles
 that are being demolished or remodeled.

The paneling along the very back wall is from Phyllis Dillers home in Beverly Hills.  

 I purchased some great little pots

 And a wonderful tiled side table, all

of which will go in the newly refreshed living room

The Television will be hidden in this cabinet from Restoration Hardware...if I ever get it!

I had some great pillows made from patched Japanese indigo and African Mali fabric

 And of course the fun chairs with patches 

The new/antique sconces are installed and the plaster has dried a nice creamy white.  

I hung my first piece of art over the mantle.   

Why is it so fun to hang your first picture in a new house?  Sigh ; )

I will share some more snap shots of the room as we get it finished....in the mean time....

you can find me in the garden ; )

Hope your summer is bringing wonderful things and happy memories

xo 

Kelley