You are not looking at a fire in Bossy’s wine glass, you are looking at a fire in a fireplace behind Bossy’s wine glass, in particular the fireplace Bossy and her husband built with their bare hands, and really what other kind of hands are there?
When Bossy and her husband first purchased their house, they were relieved it didn’t have a fireplace since they were moving from a carriage house on a farm in Virginia, and that carriage house was heated exclusively with a wood stove.
When, a handful of years later, Bossy and her husband decided they missed the hearth concept, Bossy began researching fireplace options. First she turned to the resources she has on hand from her days as an Interior Decorator.
While there is no doubt wood stoves, like the one on the farm, are entirely productive, Bossy wanted an open hearth. She also quickly decided she wanted that hearth elevated, and she wanted the whole fireplace brought into the room as opposed to flush with the wall.
Bossy’s research also extended to the materials she and her husband employed on the project, such as stained concrete, plaster, and a salvage barn beam in lieu of a mantel:
And, yes, while it’s true Bossy’s exhaustive research made everyone who knows Bossy lose all will to live, in the end it informed decisions that contributed to the room truly being used and loved.
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about a home project that was either a success or failure based on your research, or lack thereof?
And be sure to check back later today for the successiest of failures on the web.
Joie says
March 3, 2009 at 11:48 amNot a ten worder today. Instead have question. Did the two of you also put in the chimney? We have an old chimney (100+ years) in our farm house in VA. Can’t possibly afford to have professionals do anything to it but would love one day to get a fireplace up and going. We have a propane “wood stove” right now. Just wondering what your chimney process was like.
vuboq says
March 3, 2009 at 11:51 amCan this wait ’til I tackle the kitchen this Fall?
[assuming I have a job by then and can afford it]
Jean says
March 3, 2009 at 11:51 ammold. removal and redo success based on lots of research.
BOSSY says
March 3, 2009 at 11:54 amLove letters to neighborhood roofs resulted in learning Brands/colors.
BOSSY says
March 3, 2009 at 11:55 amDrawing one bazillion porches finally resulted in correct proportion porch.
swistle says
March 3, 2009 at 11:56 amVinyl! Hardwood! Laminate! OMG! So—got what Consumer Reports recommended.
kate says
March 3, 2009 at 11:56 amgreenhouse. epic fail. ended up as ski storage.
Cat says
March 3, 2009 at 11:57 amWallpaper stripping disaster turns into textured plaster wall success.
BOSSY says
March 3, 2009 at 11:58 amWho said sand in paint produces non-slippery step surface? Liars!
hollygee says
March 3, 2009 at 11:59 amNo, but that is one bee you ti full fireplace!
The Great Getzby says
March 3, 2009 at 12:00 pmNails to hold up a chain of Christmas lights? Yes!
Cathy D. says
March 3, 2009 at 12:00 pmPaint the interior of the house, which means one bathroom.
Domestic Goddess (in training) says
March 3, 2009 at 12:01 pmBought house with huge DIY list… haven’t started yet. Tomorrow?
Tiffany says
March 3, 2009 at 12:04 pmPainted squares on wall. Now I don’t want to move.
Dharmamama says
March 3, 2009 at 12:07 pmRenting so I don’t have to think about home improvements.
kerry says
March 3, 2009 at 12:11 pmArt student daughter stencilled bricks on hideous concrete patio. Stunning!
prefers her fantasy life says
March 3, 2009 at 12:12 pmMy hollow baby heads dented as we ascended the steps.
(a picture would help here)
darla78 says
March 3, 2009 at 12:14 pmTOILET IN A BOX
ANYONE CAN DO
SUNDAY
CALLED PLUMBER
carson says
March 3, 2009 at 12:19 pmBraswell water conditioner. Totally researched. Total failure. Bitter? You betcha.
Meredith says
March 3, 2009 at 12:30 pmOur apartment. Really nice till leaky upstairs neighbors moved in.
Kris says
March 3, 2009 at 12:31 pmCut countertops to fit new stove. Countertop is now crooked.
Lisa says
March 3, 2009 at 12:41 pmcan not get my mind off of Bossy’s husband’s hands.
Jamie says
March 3, 2009 at 12:44 pmBeige carpet right up to the front door?! Stupid developers.
The Domestic Goddess says
March 3, 2009 at 12:47 pmWallpaper, the bane of my existence. I just can’t finish.
POD says
March 3, 2009 at 1:00 pmFalling through deck 10 feet. Time for a new one!
David says
March 3, 2009 at 1:02 pmYou need a home to have a home project, right?
Dawn in Austin says
March 3, 2009 at 1:06 pmFireplace mantle, required prototype. Best project for Dawn & Dad!
Ellen says
March 3, 2009 at 1:12 pmscreened porch, beautiful, add eleven cats’ claws, not so much.
Helen says
March 3, 2009 at 1:42 pmAgonised for months over new flooring. Choose hemp. Love it!
Debbh says
March 3, 2009 at 1:53 pmAwesome lighting
hanging can cause divorce
hire an electrician – done!
Erin says
March 3, 2009 at 2:01 pmNew bathroom countertop too long? Learn to use beltsander quick!
dalgal says
March 3, 2009 at 2:02 pmBuilt entire new house with my hands and hubby’s hands!
pamela says
March 3, 2009 at 2:12 pmthis mama not allowed to help.
no ma’am.
not ever.
AmandaAmandaAmanda says
March 3, 2009 at 2:13 pmhardwood floors under carpet + glue – glue = georgous
Jacquie says
March 3, 2009 at 2:20 pmSAWED vanity to fit around pipes before measuring the depth
Lizzy says
March 3, 2009 at 2:33 pmRenovated house top to bottom. Love! Then moved. Stoo. Pid.
Avitable says
March 3, 2009 at 2:43 pmI don’t have anything to add in only ten words.
Cheri @ Blog This Mom! says
March 3, 2009 at 2:45 pmWe got soaked by the contractor more than pool water.
teriboberry says
March 3, 2009 at 3:25 pmOver the stove microwave- needed to saw stuff- who knew?
Melissa says
March 3, 2009 at 3:29 pmRennovations started. Baby arrived early. Rennovations stopped. Unfinished projects everywhere.
Stacey Ball says
March 3, 2009 at 3:36 pmDecide to change light switch, don’t turn off power, ZAP!
Catherine McP says
March 3, 2009 at 3:49 pmThink I’m going to start wonderful projects, nope, never do.
JT says
March 3, 2009 at 3:56 pmReplaced dishwasher, cabinets collapsed, wall rotted behind. Bye tax refund!
Bobbie says
March 3, 2009 at 4:20 pmHusband did all the research – I gave the final approval!
(kitchen renovation)
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
March 3, 2009 at 4:20 pmI have a domestic disability which precludes any home projects.
Leanne says
March 3, 2009 at 4:24 pmSpent today shopping for area rug. Still have bare floor. **Sigh.**
andi says
March 3, 2009 at 4:41 pmRecent kitchen redo. Scoured mags & books. Eternally happy. Beautiful.
jen says
March 3, 2009 at 4:45 pmTile countertop in guest bath. Ooops, no idea about tiling.
Manic Mommy says
March 3, 2009 at 5:02 pmKitchen bearing wall you say? See our lovely second mortgage.
Bossy\'s Friend Martha\'s Sister says
March 3, 2009 at 5:19 pmmust sell and leave all disasters behind and START ANEW!
Trenches of Mommyhood says
March 3, 2009 at 5:27 pmWill never buy dark blue carpeting again; shows LOTSA crumbs!
Jill says
March 3, 2009 at 5:46 pmReplaced tiny dishwasher drawer with full-sized model. Ahhhh, relief.
Meg says
March 3, 2009 at 5:56 pmFilled travertine made bathroom the nicest room in the house.
(By FAR.)
TamiW says
March 3, 2009 at 6:29 pmWill wait until someone falls through before getting steps fixed.
Bush Babe of Granite Glen says
March 3, 2009 at 6:31 pmOld laundry replaced by fabulous enormous deck. One day. Waiting…
Bush Babe of Granite Glen says
March 3, 2009 at 6:36 pmPS Love your fireplace Bossy!!!!
Meg says
March 3, 2009 at 7:52 pmProject: Paint room in a weekend. You can do it!
http://designsbymeg.com/blog/2009/02/project-paint-a-room/
zelzee says
March 3, 2009 at 8:00 pmcurtain rod – too high – take down -now too low-spackling!
Julie says
March 3, 2009 at 8:04 pmWait, what?
Still staring in envy at that red wine.
(HEY! It’s ten words!)
Kate says
March 3, 2009 at 8:14 pmOn-demand water heater. Lukewarm showers, hot, deep bath. Meh.
Kristin says
March 3, 2009 at 8:54 pmViking appliances. Supposed to be the best. Actually suck ass.
emily in il says
March 3, 2009 at 8:59 pmMicrowave cabinet on wall. CRASH. Stove and microwave NEEDED! OOPS.
PsychMamma says
March 3, 2009 at 9:50 pmPity for 90 y/o bricklayer. Agree to hire. Stairs? Crooked.
mary says
March 3, 2009 at 9:54 pmBlack kitchen cabinets ,, try explaining you aren’t a wican nut.
Cage Free Family says
March 3, 2009 at 10:16 pmDonated all belongings to Charity. Moved into self renovated RV.
noe says
March 3, 2009 at 10:36 pmorganizing during vacation? DONE!!!
blog princess g says
March 3, 2009 at 11:17 pmNo story here… just gobsmacked at what great style you guys have. I love a fireplace. It’s one of life’s basic needs in my opinion. For now, I have a dvd fireplace, crackling sounds and all.
Alana says
March 3, 2009 at 11:25 pmNew wood blinds cut for nursery. Too short for window.
g says
March 3, 2009 at 11:46 pmGarden design – perfect native plants – trusted my designer – how rare!
chantel says
March 4, 2009 at 12:02 amMy ex fiance installed a dishwasher, then called me Lucky.
Beth says
March 4, 2009 at 12:03 amMy hot hubby put in hot faux wood-burning stove. Yay.
chantel says
March 4, 2009 at 12:40 amFollow up — You totally inspired me to post. Go Bossy!!
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
March 4, 2009 at 1:14 amStarted with 1100 square feet and turned it into 2600.
Confused says
March 4, 2009 at 1:15 amfaux painted large basement – husband yelling, me crying- beautiful though
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy says
March 4, 2009 at 2:50 amBought a fixer. Lost job. Living with lots of ugly.
Amber Star says
March 4, 2009 at 3:41 amMust say what I gotta say in however many words needed. Your fireplace is so totally cool and truly lovely, words aren’t enough. However, unless you are very warm natured I think you need a pair of socks with those slippers to keep your ankles warm. There…the mother in my just jumped right out…just like that. Sorry…couldn’t help it.
carrie says
March 4, 2009 at 4:28 amsuccess: a wall transforming a room to please a “tweenager.”
jp says
March 4, 2009 at 7:30 amMILES of brick patio around pool, beautiful, constant pain in thumbs
Julie says
March 4, 2009 at 9:25 amOne week laundry room project…now entering into week 7.
David says
March 4, 2009 at 11:24 amWe built our log cabin ourselves. Our marriage survived it.
Unemployed Susan says
March 4, 2009 at 3:56 pmA coat of paint fixes anything that can’t be replaced.
rata2e says
March 4, 2009 at 6:51 pmTo sell your house, hide unfinished electric boxes behind antiques.
KellyS. says
March 4, 2009 at 9:34 pmLast year: new Ikea kitchen, done ourselves. Glass tile backsplash!
AJMick says
March 4, 2009 at 10:21 pmProgrammable thermostat; now waking to warm house and saving money!
Black Hockey Jesus says
March 5, 2009 at 9:34 amA wax ring? Under the toilet? That’s just crazy talk.
Dragonwing says
March 8, 2009 at 5:15 pmPerfectionist with to-do list where to start I give up.
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