I have to start out with the statement that my husband is incredible. He will do so much to make me happy. That isn’t the only reason I love him – there are many reasons. But it is something that I want to acknowledge. And brag on just a bit. 
Since we sold our house in Chandler, I have missed having a fireplace. Not the heat of the fire itself (I mean, we do live in Arizona), but more what a fireplace symbolizes… warmth, family, a gathering place… I’ve always thought of a fireplace as the heart of the home.
So, I had this idea of creating the image of a fireplace. A faux fireplace. My original thought was just 2 sets of book cases and a shelf or mantel across the top of them. Simple right? Inexpensive, right?
So, I explained my dream to Tim, and after much talking, explaining my vision, sketching out plans, measuring spaces, and discussing furniture re-positioning, we drove out to Ikea to pick up a couple book cases and a floating shelf. Simple, right?
Well, not when Ikea only had one of the bookcases that would work perfectly.
Me, being me, started to re-construct me plans in my head… coming up with something that would work, but really wouldn’t be the same.
Not wanting to “settle for” something that wasn’t what we really wanted, Tim convinced me to keep the dream alive a bit longer, and go to Lowes. We made the trek over to Lowes.
Well, they didn’t have book cases that would work either, and they didn’t have the floating shelf that would make the perfect mantle.
But we caught a glimpse of some glass block… and a new idea was birthed.
What if we built the sides out of glass block instead of bookcases? And keeping the floating shelf as the mantle, what if we also create a mini hearth to set LED candles on? (we have 4 grandchildren, so this seems like a safer option.)
And what if we strung some twinkle lights behind the glass blocks? And that is how my wonderful hubby helped me pull together my scattered dream of a fireplace.
That dream is almost complete. It didn’t come together without many discussions revolving around money, redefining the original vision, a momentary loss of direction causing a heated discussion about returning everything and forgetting the whole idea, and finally much moving of furniture – and the satisfaction of nearly being done.
Two rooms have been impacted by this fireplace. The TV and sofa set have been moved to the newly created Family Room. The pool table and leather sofa have been moved to the front room. I’m not sure what to call that room yet, maybe just the pool room? Game room? We may just let it be known as the “front room.” The 2 chair and oak table pub set is now in the front room, more enhancing the game room/pool room feel.
Along with this change, we picked up a round dining room table that has switched hands from us to Michaela to Matt, and is now back with us. I had a desire for a table more than two people could sit and eat. 
An ongoing discussion on Facebook is helping me decide what to do with that dining table… paint it white, black, or a combination of the two colors. Currently – all black is in the lead!
The fireplace is almost done. There is one more step needed to finish it off – we need to paint and adhere some quarter round or molding around the top and bottom of the glass block columns. Then, one more change to come in the room will involve mounting the TV on the wall above the mantle – but we need someone to run the cable and wires for us. But until that happens, I just couldn’t wait to share it with you!
Beth, it’s beautiful! So creative and cute!