Great Room Fireplace Transformation With Built-in Bench And Shelving

This great room fireplace transformation is the final makeover of our Instagram giveaway. I am so glad that I did this giveaway, it was a good challenge for me and a chance for me to time myself and get a better sense of what I can offer in the future.

This week's winner is Becky! Becky has an amazing great room off what they use for their main entrance. Becky had a clear idea of what she wanted to see in this space, and some great ideas to go along with it.

Great Room Fireplace Remodel

In Becky's email to me she explained that the fireplace is not functional and that it has been inspected and advised not to be used. There is nothing like a good woodburning fireplace, but thankfully there are a lot of alternatives in gas and electric fireplaces, that provide the same atmosphere.

Even before I read Becky's email I looked at the photos and imagined what I would do to the space. Something Becky mentioned and one of the things that first popped into my head was built-ins. She also mentioned about possibly removing the window beside the fireplace since the whole left side is fully windows.

Here is my design for this great room. I would leave the original fireplace where it is and build a frame over it, wrapping it in shiplap. This would create some dimension to a large wall and prevent any need to repair flooring that would be missing from removing the old fireplace.

great room fireplace with built-in and bench seat

I would add built-ins to the right for storage and a built-in bench under the window for extra seating.

The fireplace insert is set low enough that a mantel and tv can all fit overhead, combining style and function. I couldn't forget Becky's mention of dogs in her email, so I added in a great dog bed I found that is perfect for spills and pups of any age.

Great Room Furniture Updates

family room with floor to ceiling windows

What I first noticed from this view of the great room were the windows! I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many windows, I just love natural light! I thought about what type of window treatments I could recommend and settled on roman shades.

As you can see in the above photograph there is a staircase above the far window so curtains would be a little finicky.

I went with a round coffee table with ample storage space and an end table to the right of the sofa. Moving the location of the end table opens up space for traffic to flow into the living area from the entryway.

I chose a similar end table to the one Becky already had, a simple can of paint would makeover her current end table beautifully.

A few new pillows and a fresh rug would bring Becky's sofa back to life! You can transform any space using existing furniture and a little creativity, add a new blanket and throw and you have a whole new space! Add back all of her amazing plants into the space and it will feel so fresh!

Great Room Entrance Transformation

This back wall is the main entrance where everyone in the family enters all season round. The tiny closet is not super helpful and does not function for her family. You can see Becky has done a great job using what space she does have and has added cubbies. What she really needs is a whole wall of cubbies!

I have compiled some sources of great examples that Becky could execute to maximize this entryway space.

These cubbies are a great example of maximizing space, I love how they go right to the top of the ceiling with plenty of cubbies. Remove Becky's closet and add in a row of these and she would be all set!

I loved this example as it's all behind closed doors, and because it's all custom built from Ikea! Cabinets on both sides with a place to sit in the middle, leave the bench open on the bottom and you would have another place for shoes and boots!

open concept cubbies for entryway — source

I love the simplicity of this design and the cost-efficiency. Bench and shoe cubbies in one, hooks right up against a wall and a shelf for off-season storage.

My last inspiration is a mixture of everything. These are shoe cubbies, individual cubbies, plenty of hooks, and storage behind closed doors!

All in all, I just loved designing Becky's space! I hope that she can take these ideas and turn them into something that works for her and her family! And I hope that these ideas have encouraged you to make your house, home for you!