We have a lot of wonderful updates for you on our Gray Oak Gives Back project, including a reveal of the color we painted the walls!

If you’ve been following along on Facebook or Instagram, you know that most of the trade work is done. The wallpaper was removed (by our client herself), recessed lights were added and old sconces removed, and every crack and imperfection in the old walls repaired, patched and painted. The room looks brand new.

With the exception of the fireplace. The fireplace is mid progress and has some work ahead. Below is what it looked like when we started this project.

So far, we’ve removed those sconces and wired for new sconces a farther apart than the originals in order to capture the full width of the mantel. We have a beautiful mirror planned for between the sconces. We’ve also removed the diamond and rectangle molding on the top panel of the surround and removed the curved molding sitting on top of the mantel. Then everything was given a fresh coat of White Dove by Benjamin Moore. And here we are now.

Gray Oak Gives Back - Fireplace Progress

Already looking lightyears better. But, the old brick surround and tile hearth are bad. And the brass and black door is worse. Those guys are next on the list. First will be to simply remove that door. We understand that by loosening a couple screws it will come off cleanly (fingers crossed…). Then, the surround will be tiled and the hearth replaced with stone.

But what kind of tile? And what kind of stone? And, seriously, what color did we paint the walls?!???

First, the walls are painted Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore. It’s a beautiful, warm gray. It has the slightest violet undertone (which adds to that warmth) and works so well in rooms that have traditional elements because it’s not too modern, but still completely fresh and clean.

And now, the details on the fireplace transformation and the rest of the room. Because we’re sharing our mood board with shoppable links to everything! We use mood boards to help our clients see all the elements of the room together. They make it easy to visualize how a space will look and feel. We do warn clients, and we’ll warn you now, that mood boards sometimes feel a bit cold because they don’t include a ton of decor. This is because the accessorizing phase for all of our projects is very fluid and most choices are made onsite during Install Day. Seeing everything in the space is key to making the perfect decor choices that will bring life to the space.

Gray Oak Gives Back - Mood Board of Planned Transformation

Fireplace Surround and Hearth - The surround will be marble tile in a herringbone pattern with a slab marble hearth.

Mirror - A mirror over the fireplace will bounce light around the room, add visual depth and (of course) bring the pretty. We love the shape and the grayed woodgrain.

Sconces - Polished nickel sconces will flank the mirror.

Curtain rods and curtains - We’re going with a satin nickel finish for the hardware (the exact curtain rods are TBD, but we’ve linked to a budget friendly option). What we do know is that we’re using our favorite linen, ivory drapes. We use them often and we love them always.

Console Table - We’re adding a transitional style console table. We love the low shelf that gives an opportunity for decor.

TV Stand - The key to a great TV stand is the functional, open storage and the functional, hidden storage.

Art - These blue plant prints are a placeholder. Final art decisions (like decor) come later in the process. But, if you like this art (it is modern and cool), we’re including the link.

Gray Oak Studio - Give Back 2019 - Living Room Mood Board

Sofa - This is a GREAT sofa. It’s wildly comfortable (high quality will have that affect) and the clean, track arm style is modern but ultimately timeless.

Rug - This big boy (we’ll be getting it in a 9x12) is just the right amount of graphic to add interest to the room. It’s also wool, which we try to use whenever possible. Natural materials wear better and last longer.

Armchairs - These guys are a modern take on a classic wingback chair. Beautiful, right?

Ottoman/Coffee Table - This upholstered coffee table is amazing. It’ll be comfy as a footrest and functional as a coffee table with a tray.

Floor Lamp - We believe every living room needs a floor lamp. We’ll be using the nickel finish, but it comes in brass and bronze too.

Pillows - Who knows if these guys will make the final cut, but here are links to all of them: heathered blue, ivory, modern plaid

Navy Tasseled Throw Blanket - We’ve used this in a prior project and we love it.

Last, but most important, we have a list of vendors and craftspeople who had made donations to this special project. The giving spirit of so many has truly blown us away.

DONATIONS

Big Dog Painting - Donated ALL their time (5 days) as well as some materials to repair the walls and paint everything (walls, trim, fireplace, interior door)

Home Decor Group (Peabody) - Donated the paint

Willow Carpentry - Donated time to remove molding from the fireplace surround and mantel

Curtains by Paula (Middleton) - Donated time to hem drapes and fabric for custom pillows

Light New England - Donated the sconces

Worcester Marble and Granite - Donated the marble slab for the fireplace hearth

Pottery Barn (Lynnfield) - Donated the floor lamp, drapes and decor

Pottery Barn (Burlington) - Donated the rug

West Elm (Burlington) - Donated A TON of decor and an accent chair (not in the mood boards, but will be in the final room)

Arhaus (Burlington) - Gave us a major discount on the upholstered coffee table

Four Hands - Gave us a major discount on both armchairs

Wayfair - Discounted the TV stand and marble tile for the fireplace surround

Thank you so much for following along. We’re just so happy and excited for everything that has happened so far and everything yet to come. We’ll be back soon with more updates. Until then, keep an eye on progress by following us on any of our social media accounts (links below).

- Leah