New House Journal: Slipcovered Sofa Set and Mantel Makeover

We're making a lot of headway at the new house, with several things coming to completion. The hardwood floors were installed before Thanksgiving and the finish of the carpet install was this afternoon. I'll share those once I get decent pics. Right now I have something hiding underneath plastic drop cloths that I'm anxious to share. One of my favorite things on my check list is the long awaited delivery of my new Slipcovered Sofa Set. Big Yay.

We are finishing up the painting upstairs, and you can see from the green plastic trough that we had a wallpaper project to start in the Master Bath. So these babies are staying under wraps until we are done and get busy with the major clean-up that we have to do.

I have to admit I'm a fan of the slipcover "trend". I remember my mom had custom slipcovers on a sofa set when I was small. Back then it was usually to cover up a hand-me-down or worn sofa, not something that you purchased ready made. Having a neutral sofa and walls makes for so many decorating possibilities. And since I love changing up pillows and seasonal decor I'm looking forward to the versatility this will give me.

I started collecting sofa pics and links on Pinterest a few years ago, because I was thinking of a loveseat for the kitchen sitting area. There are no outlets here in my town to purchase any slipcovered furniture, so I gathered information and reviews online. I ended up ordering a set by Klaussner Furniture from Sam's Club. Sam's has a site that gives the opportunity to buy different pieces at a discount. You can also go to the company site and get information and read reviews. Sam's gives a small discount to members and a "white glove" delivery that enables you to check the furniture pieces before the delivery guys make their exit. I ordered the sofa, chair and ottoman. I always check dimensions but these pieces are pretty big, but oh so comfortable. I'm looking forward to many hours with a warm throw and a cozy fire.

Klaussner Kari Slipcovered Sofa, Chair and Ottoman

When we looked at the house I knew that the white painted brick fireplaces were going to be good, they just needed a clean-up with a liberal dose of white paint. The Hearth Room fireplace had a skimpy concrete mantel and the basement didn't even have a mantel. Those weren't working for me, so I knew we would have to get creative and come up with something.

listing photo

Here again, I did some investigations online and found a few sites that shared ways to get that chunkier wooden mantel by layering wood planks and moldings. Our guys that worked on some projects for us (front porch, and redoing the laundry/bath) looked at a few photos then got to work to come up with a better look for me.

Hearth Room

The photos below were key in coming up with our final look.

How to Build a Fireplace Mantel

Here's the basement Family Area, where a mantel used to be, but now was no where to be be found. We purchased a premade mantel from Lowe's that was an easy fix. It was primed white so a coat of our woodwork paint worked perfectly.

listing photo

We've lived in a lot of houses and each one except the first had at least one fireplace. But lately the fireplaces we've had have been in newer homes with unvented gas. I'm sorry, I just cannot stand the smell. I'm extremely sensitive to odors and smells, especially since I've had problems with autoimmune illness. Gas and fumes literally give me a massive headache and sick stomach, so while looking at houses this time I was not going to settle for something that made me feel ill each time I wanted to enjoy a cozy fire.

We're just a few projects short of starting a move-in (in stages). First the rooms that aren't used daily, like the Dining Room and Basement Living Room and Guest Room. Hubby's office and "man cave" goodies will hopefully be in that batch. I'm missing Christmas Decorating, but really looking forward to see all this come together. Hope you're having a great week, I'm trying to Christmas shop in between paint and wallpaper... but it's coming along!

This is not a sponsored post, 

just a happy homeowner sharing some fun!

joining in here:

Sunday at Home at Little Farmstead

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Dishing It and Digging It at DIY180

The Scoop at Cedarhill Farmhouse

Inspiration Monday at Refresh Restyle

Tips and Tutorials at Home Stories A to Z

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Share Your Style at 21 Rosemary Lane

Style Showcase at Shabby Fufu

Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur

Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage