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Hi Everyone,
Before we get into the elegant hide the TV solutions, many of you know, but many of you don’t know.
My sweet mama passed away peacefully and gently on Thursday evening at just after 10:00 PM central time.
I sent the word out in Friday night’s Hot Sales, but not everyone reads that. But, since then, have been flooded with hundreds of messages in my email and on facebook. Your notes are all incredbily beautiful and heartfelt.
And, while I haven’t been able to respond, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. It has given me so much comfort, I just can’t say. I know that so many of us have, are currently, or will soon be going through a similar thing.
This isn’t going to be a true memorial, but I just have to post a couple pics I put on my personal facebook page and say a few words. Probably a few hundred. haha.
(Note: I don’t link to FB, but if you want to stalk me, over there, just google my name and facebook and it should pop up for you. Everything is completely open. Being a blogger means saying ba bye to privacy.)
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This is my mommy, Lee Raffel born October 20, 1922 when she was about 17. Yes, I know… She was too adorbs for words. By the way, she wasn’t Lee Raffel back then. She was Blossom Lewis. That’s another story.
As, she graduated high school a year early, it would’ve been 1939. And, I bet that my grandmother, Hannah, made that dress. I never met her because my Mommy’s Mommy died in the summer of 1943 when my mom was not yet 21. Grandma Hannah had an inoperable brain tumor and a year before she died, Mom dropped out of Washington, University to care for her.
Mom married my father three days before her 21st birthday.
Yes, it was during WWII and they didn’t have time for anything big. She never got to have “the dress.” But, she sure made sure that I had one when I got married! We went traipsing down to Kleinfeld’s in Brooklyn. You New Yorker’s know the place.
Fast forward. My folks had two children in the 1940s. The early baby boomers. However, Mom REALLY wanted a third child. For years, she would discuss it with my dad and he always said, “no, Blossom, two is enough.” But, she didn’t give up. And believe me, she told me this dozens of times throughout my life.
Finally, my dad said, okay, as long as she earned the money to pay for the baby.
So, my mom did just that. She gave ballroom dancing lessons to the neighborhood teen-agers in our south-side of Chicago neighborhood. She LOVED to dance and did, every week, until she fell and broke her hip nearly five years ago.
In fact, on her last day of being conscious (August 23rd), the nurses brought in some music from the 40s and Mom did a little bed dance with her hands.
Lee continued to teach ballroom dancing throughout most of her pregnancy.
So, it just stands to reason, that she would give birth to a dancer. Right?
One day, nearly three weeks before her due date which wasn’t until the end of February 1956, she decided she couldn’t bear being pregnant one day longer. And, so like the dutiful child I was, I slid on down the one-way shoot on February 7, 1956 at about 1:30 PM.
I tried Mom’s “I can’t bear being pregnant one day longer” 34 and 39 years later with my own children. It’s time to come out!
Well, both of them firmly ignored me and were each born two weeks AFTER their due date, but only because the doctor used a giant crochet hook to let out the water in their warm bath. Otherwise, I’m sure they’d still be there. :/
Sure, go ahead and laugh. Foreshadowing, they call it.
Lee and I (aka: Buttercup) January 1957, shortly before I turned one. As you can see, my mom was the original Mrs. Maisel. Mom looked pretty much the same until about 10 years ago when the dementia began to take hold. She was always beautifully put together.
Well, I could go on and on… But, I won’t. Mom is having a green burial on Tuesday. There is no funeral.
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Here’s Mom, age 95 in March 2018 with her “Buttercup.” It was our last photo and the last time I saw her. Yes, I feel awful about it, but it broke my heart to see her like that; not old, but cognitively, functioning at about a two-year-old level and more. I can’t talk about it here. Some of you know the deal.
I read an interesting piece earlier today by a man who wants to live to be 75 and be done with it. He makes some very compelling points.
Lee was a brilliant woman before her illness; a published book author– twice. Real books. You can see them on Amazon in the link! And, she was on email at least five years before I was!
Okay, we need to get back to the subject at hand which are the elegant and clever ways to hide the TV.
This is a reworking of a very old post that isn’t being read very much. This one has a better headline, I think. The old one was “decorating around the TV.” But, maybe that’s too ambiguous? This post includes some of those ideas and many new ones. In addition, there are some truly clever and hidden solutions. And, also, some hiding in plain sight ideas.
What do I mean by “hiding in plain sight?”
Well, the idea is to make the TV blend into the surroundings. So, let’s begin with that idea.
It wasn’t that long ago that decorating around the TV was not only a problem, but sometimes a really big problem. The TV was big, boxy and the only solution was to stick it in an armoire or have it sitting out on something. Remember?
The first idea is one that I’ll direct you to. It’s another post about the living room TV as we know it is over.
By golly, I published that post above, on August 30th 2017.
There must be something about this time of year that makes me think of hibernating and watching TV. Yeah… labor day weekend. And us northerners all know what that means.
But, please check out the post above in the link. I think that you’ll enjoy it a lot, even if you read it two years ago.
There are some great ideas for hiding the TV, some funny bits and some cool technology that gives one way to hide the TV in plain sight.
I remember in the early days of my career (mid-90’s), I found myself in many a home that seemed to be made entirely out of windows. And where there weren’t windows, there were doors or stairs– or it was open. No walls.
One time, on an initial meeting in such a home, I suggested to the prospective client that she consider covering up the windows flanking the fireplace. After-all, there were about 30 other windows. We could then install two matching cabinets and one could house the TV.
She looked at me like I had three heads and then I never heard from her again. haha.
However, in other projects, we did on occasion cover up a window to put in a built in. Nobody missed the window, but the pay-off was huge!
Now, of course, we have our beautiful sleek flat screens.
We no longer need the bulky equipment or if we do, it can go in another room. Still, we’re not completely satisfied because now we have the option of putting the big black thing on top of the fireplace.
Focal point?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Fabulous living room with a built in TV over the fireplace. They could definitely do a Samsung Frame TV in the niche. They could also could’ve done bi-fold or sliding doors. But, this is fine too.
See what the Giannettis did in their own home. It’s astonishing!
Below is another TV that is hidden in plain sight.
I love how unobtrusive the TV is in this traditional library
Let’s explore the options for hiding and/or decorating around the TV.
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Here are some of my favorite ideas for hiding the TV over the fireplace
I love these folding panels using the art prints. When closed, it looks like pretty prints over the fireplace.
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Another screen with art prints
And one more with the same idea.
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McKinley Residence, designer, Suzanne Kasler, Atlanta, GA – via Southern Living
I absolutely adore the work of Raymond (RL) Goins
Above and below is the fabulous work of Raymond [RL] Goins These are hand-painted scenes that he turns into a flat screen TV cover.
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Raymond Goins Design – via Facebook – gorgeous TV screen
RL Goins Red Coromandel Chinoiserie Screen
And the last one, I am totally dying over.
(Okay, maybe dying isn’t the right word, this week)
RL Goins – exquisite verre eglomise mirror
Interior @landygardnerinteriors
Can I tell you how much I adore this!!!
Let’s look at some other ways to hide the TV
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This is a more unusual treatment but perfect for this rustic home.
Traditional pocket doors in a built-in fireplace surround house a flat screen TV. One word of caution regarding pocket doors. Sometimes they break or get stuck or are just hard to work. So, what happens is that they are always in their pocket. Hence, what is the point. It is much better to use either a bi-fold or sliding door. Or if a small TV, just two doors might be fine.
Looks like a William and Mary-style highboy, right?
Nope. Not really.
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Pretty cool, huh?
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An antique Swedish or French Secretary could be used to house a TV
A free-standing cabinet perfect to house a wide-screen TV. Of course, you can use any kind of cabinet you wish. And it can even be a bookcase because we no longer have to deal with the big box. That’s a big help!
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via Dwell.com – James Wagman – Architect – hide the TV – behind sliding panel
This is beautiful for a contemporary setting, but it could be adapted for a traditional room as you’ll see in a bit.
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via Dwell.com – James Wagman – Architect – Panel over fireplace – conceals TV
However, it looks kind of plain doesn’t it? You could definitely do some large scale art on the flat panel.
UrbanartCN on Etsy – large scale art
Clever design by Tom Stringer – Via Traditional Home
photo – Gordon Beall – Traditional Home – Meredith Vieira home.
I’d love to see this closed. I bet that the panels are very pretty. Lovely fireplace mantel. It looks very similar to some of these we were just looking at.
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If the TV were integrated into the wall, one could just lean a light-weight piece of art over it. Or, anchor it down like we were just discussing if it’s heavier art. OR, create a sliding system with the art, like we saw in the other post.
This has to be one of the nicest TV installs in a kitchen I have ever seen. I don’t mind it being open.
Can I tell you how much I adore this integrated panel with storage behind it?
And one more which is very cool
Veranda- Design Peter Pennoyer photo – Christopher Mason
No TV, but there could be. Fabulous millwork!
Let’s go back to hiding a TV in plain sight.
via Rainonatinroof.com – Definitely check out Jenna’s post. She gives a detailed tutorial on how to do this. And there are several more photos.
One of the best ways, however, to hide a TV in plain sight is the paint the wall a dark color.
Decorating Around the TV with Art
The rest of the images will incorporate the TV into a wall of art
Check out her tutorial on how she refinishes that Parson’s console!
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Coastal style. The table in the foreground is actually a ping pong table!
Matthew Kowles for Lonny
This one’s kind of fun and if you can’t afford art, just draw boxes on the wall!
Please also check out this post where I did a little gallery wall and incorporated it with a TV
And, there are also some tips for making the wires disappear.
I hope that gave you some great ideas for how to hide the TV or integrate it beautifully into your decor.
What do you do with your TV? Is it out in the open or behind closed doors?
xo,
PS: A little bit of important business. It’s one of the biggest sales weekends of the year.
If you want to save some money and/or get a head start on Christmas shopping, please check out the main Hot Sales page first.
There is also a new link to a page which gives the work around if your OKL promo code no longer works. Shhhhhhhh… But, about 20 of you contacted me about that so, that is why I broke down and added it in. You are definitely going to want to head over, because most of the site is on sale and then further reduced with your promo code.
Please don’t ask me for the promo code though. It’s listed on the pages and in the descriptions about 100 times. haha. Plus, once you put it in, it remembers it on the OKL website.
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Hi, I'm Laurel and Laurel Home is the website and blog for Laurel Bern Interiors. I've been creating new-traditional interiors for over 27 years. The blog is where I share all..png)
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by Laurel Bern
Laurel, I know how hard it is to go through the loss of a mother. A certain smell, song, or just about anything can bring a flood of memories. Dwell on your good memories of your precious mom. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you Donna.
Hi Laurel,
Please accept my condolences. She sounds like a woman for the ages. Someone I’d have liked to know. Better yet, someone my own mother, may she Rest In Peace, would’ve been friends with. Smart, funny, clever, fun and invigorating to be around – they were so much alike. May her memory be a blessing to you.
Leslie
Thanks so much Leslie.
Thank you for your posts. I’ve been following you for awhile now.
I’m sorry to hear about your mother. Dementia is a terrible disease. I lost my grandmother to it. She was a little French-Canadian woman who had funny sayings for times when she lost her keys: “I put my keys down there on the table and there they were – gone!”
So my friend, Slaid Cleaves, and I wrote a song about her little saying and how hard it is to lose someone to this disease. It’s called “Gone”. I tried sharing my copy but couldn’t.
Oh, how cool that you co-wrote that beautiful song, Nicole! Yes, though still alive, the person we once knew is indeed, “Gone.”
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Laurel. This is a lovely tribute.
Thank you Salena.
Deepest Condolences, I too just lost my sweet mother on the 27th of August to Dementia. She was 93, and could have been your mom’s twin! Always dressed to the nines and extremely creative! We must make them proud, and so far you are roaring right along with your witty humor, beauty, and talent! Thank you for sharing and my heart is right there with you!
Thank you so much Jaime and same to you, as well. I know I’ve said this a few times, but I’m amazed at how many of us are going through the same thing. Or, have very recently.
Dear Laurel-
Thank you for sharing glimpses of your dear mother with us over the years and this summer. If you have the inclination to write more about her – now or in the future – I hope you will consider sharing it as a post. My deepest sympathy on your loss.
That is so kind of you to say, Libby. I’m thinking about doing as an optional post or page. Just something that I would link to not, the main post. I’m a little late for the early morning Wed. post. It’s nearly finished, but too pooped to push through right now.
Oh Laurel, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Mother in April of this year. She was 91. You and your family are in my prayers. Take care of yourself even more during this time. Enjoy all the sweet memories. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Thank you Crystal and condolences for your recent loss as well.
Dear Laurel, may fondest memories of your dear Mother bring you comfort always.
Thank you Jane.
Hi Laurel
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and although I can’t access the sales, as I live in Australia, I love your sassy attitude. Today I wanted to reach out to you due to your mother’s passing. My mother died earlier this year year in the final stages of Alzheimers. It is a cruel disease that steals the person before you even realise it is happening. Sending you hugz.
Rowena
Thank you so much Rowena. It is a cruel disease. It slowly but surely, robs its victims of their dignity and in time, the very essence of what it means to be human.
Last night, I was talking to a very close friend of my mom’s who’s going to be 91 in two weeks. I mentioned her earlier, I think. I met her 39 years ago and she sounds exactly the same. However, her mom died just shy of her 106th birthday!
The same phenomenon happened with my Grandmother when she was dying in 2005. Not the talking part, but she was suddenly very aware of everything and looking around.
We have a Samsung Frame TV. It’s not bad! In full daylight it does look convincingly like a photograph. In low light it’s less convincing. But people really are “fooled” by it. My dad thought we really had a giant framed photograph of our dog’s face on the wall, and he struggled with what to say about it until I told him it was the TV and the photo could be changed :).
I wanted a lift cabinet but husband vetoed it and the Frame is probably better for our very narrow living room.
Hilarious about your dad’s reaction to the giant “framed photograph” of your dog.
Laurel, how interior designers do floor tile layout? How many different tiles are too much together? I remember your beautiful greek key detail on bathroom floor you designed (from an old post). Such an important topic I know nothing about, I’d like to read about bathroom floor and wall tile layouts. Maybe you find this topic obvious but I’d like to read about it. I see so many weird looking bathrooms, they all have something wrong with tile layouts. So I wonder are there any rules or is it just a matter of taste (good or bad). I bet there are the rules!
Hi L,
No, I don’t find it obvious at all. But, there are so many variations in shapes and sizes of bathrooms. And then the other finishes and pieces to consider, as well. However, I’m generally of a less is more philosophy. That doesn’t mean that one can’t have a smashing border on the floor. But, then leave it at that.
So sorry for your loss! I am caring for two elderly parents – one with dementia and one declining physically. I understand completely what you have gone through. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of you two. I also enjoyed the article you linked to about living a full life, but not necessarily a prolonged life of illness. It is very interesting. All the best to you as we move forward into fall.
Thank you Jane and to you as well.
Dear, dear, Laurel,
Beautiful tribute and absolutely fantastic post. We are sending love to you, as you know. XOXOXO
Thank you so much Nancy. Love to Marc and Lily, too.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Your mom will live on in your memories of her when she was ageless and beautiful. Treasure those, they will hopefully bring you peace.
Thank you Debra.
Dear Laurel, I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s death. I am sorry that you have this sorrow. Having lost my mother to Alzheimer’s last September, I can tell you that I miss her every day, but it was also a relief to have her free from her failing body and mind. You had an amazing Mom. She brought up an amazing daughter. I hope the memories of your mother recall her vitality and love. I hope you live your life to honor hers. Heidi
Thank you Heidi and blessings to you as well.
My condolences Laurel. I am dealing with the same illness in my mother. It’s very sad to watch. And my father passed away 3 weeks ago from natural causes as a result of Alzheimer’s.
If you are ever tempted to be tested for the genes associated with the disease take my advice to not open yourself up to that.
On another note, I was seriously contemplating purchasing the Clementine nightstands from OKL but see that lately they are not included in your sale recommendations. Have you had negative feedback on them?
I was seriously considering getting them.
Hi Rachelle,
Thank you for the condolences. And, I’m so sorry to hear about your parents, as well.
As for the Clementine nightstand. No, I have not had any negative
feedback. The reason that it’s not on the bed and bath sales page is because it is currently not on
sale and the promo code does not work for that particular piece either. But, it’s a reasonable price.
Hi Laurel,
I loved reading about your mom. What an amazing woman! As heart-breaking as it is to say goodbye, you are fortunate to have been loved so profoundly. You have written a lovely tribute. It sounds like you inherited both her love of dance, and the ability to write. You look like two peas in a pod. My sincere condolences.
Thank you Michele.
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I am so thankful for the parents I had and miss them everyday and wish your memories bring you comfort. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about them and wish I could talk to them again. As far as the post on tv’s I liked the black wall behind it.
Dear Laurel,
You are both beautiful women!
I send you a big hug.
Thanks so much Carolina
So sorry for your loss, Laurel. Sending healing thoughts.
Thank you Petra.
I understand your pain. I just lost my mother after a long, devastating illness. There is not a lot of upside in this loss, except the memories that we have to hold onto. Thank you for sharing some with us
Condolences to you as well, Ellen.
My condolences to you Laurel on the loss of your mom. What lovely pictures. My mom similarly always looked good. I still miss her.
Love all the examples of how to hide a TV. I had one client who had their seldom watched TV set up inside a built in unit with a panel created that clicked onto the unit. She hired me to permanently affix a piece of artwork onto the panel. Anytime they wanted to watch tv, they could just simply unhook the panel. Otherwise you never knew a TV was there. Another client who was a movie buff arranged for a pull down screen from his ceiling. The screen was set into a built in casing that was barely discernible because of all the great architecture in the room.
Sounds like a clever solution. Thanks for sharing that Margaret.
Dear Laurel,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing your Mother. No matter how old or young you are it’s never easy to lose a parent.
I have learned so much from reading your blogs about decorating. This one on hiding the TV is enlightening. Thank you!
God Bless you and your family.
Thanks so much for all Vivian.
Forgive me. There are at least two dozen comments waiting to be moderated. I want to be sure to read each one. So, I’ll do that later on Monday. xoxo
Hi Laurel,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. What a woman she was, especially for her era. I loved seeing the pictures you posted of her, you look so much like her!
Great post on hiding the TV, which is so much easier with the thin TV’s available today. Back in 1990, we remodeled our master bath, and hid the TV in the cabinet behind the bathroom, in the master closet. An opening was cut into the wall of the bathroom,revealing the screen of the TV, which was then covered over with a mirror. We had the mirror installer remove the silver on the back of the mirror to just expose the television screen and the electronic eye that turns the TV on and off, when using the remote.We had a speaker installed in the ceiling for sound from the television. You couldn’t tell there was a television behind the mirror until you turned it on. It turned out so well, and we loved using it until we lost the house in the 1994 earthquake in California, sadly!
Hi Rosalyn,
Oh, that sounds amazing! In the other post I linked to, there are some TVs in a hotel that are behind mirrors and again, you don’t see them until they are on. It’s probably different engineering, but it’s such a fabulous effect.
Laurel, you inherited your mother’s pretty face. She sounds like a wonderful person. Wishing her soul peace and may her memory be a blessing.
Thank you Lorri. When I was young, I never thought that we looked anything alike. But, the older I get, the more I see her face in mine. However, looking at the young Lee, I do see the resemblance.
Laurel,
I’m so sorry about your mother’s passing. She was a beautiful woman.
I can see by these pictures how much you loved each other. She must have known every day she was loved.
Hi Mary,
One of the miracles that often occurs in the dying process is called terminal lucidity. I had read about this phenomenon before and you and others may also know about it. But, if not, in some cases, particularly with dementia patients, the changes that occur are profound. Sometimes people who couldn’t speak a word for years are suddenly speaking, sitting up, laughing, eating. It might be for a few minutes, hours or even a couple of days.
My mom had this exceptionally lucid period on the 16th and 17th of August. My sister likened it to when a person has a bad flu and the fever breaks and they are alert and weak, but much more like themselves. Holly said that she was speaking better than she had since she broke her hip in 2014. And, she was eating like a horse!!! She was even smiling and laughing. They were able to talk and say how much they loved each other. Oh, what a gift and I knew it at the time.
On Sunday, Mom stopped talking and went back to her dying and steadily declined until she fell unconscious six days before she passed. Scientists have studied this and aren’t sure what causes it. Maybe as the brain is dying off,(due to diminished oxygen levels which my mom had for months!) a piece that was blocking the processing of information is destroyed, thus allowing the neurons in parts of the brain that control language and other cognitive abilities to fire again. But then as more and more of the brain dies off, that ability ceases and the dying process continues as expected. Mom did have one last brief blast, the Friday before she passed when she was able to enjoy the music and do her little bed dance. Can’t tell you how happy that makes me!
How lovingly you share the deep bond with your mother with your adoring readers. She was a remarkable woman and an outstanding mother as are you. Grieve gently and many thanks for the joy you bring to us!
Thank you Candy.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Hold those sweet memories close in your heart.
Thank you Bonnie; I will.
May love surround you and memories sustain you during this difficult time With deep sympathy…
Thank you Kate.
Laurel, I wish you calmness, peace and joy as you remember the best of times spent with your dear mother.
Thank you Sandy.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beautiful Mom. I am sure she was so proud of the way you help us all with your talent and humor. Peace and Love, Pam
Hi Pamela,
She would’ve been proud, but her ability to learn new things we severely diminished even before I began this blog. By the time it started taking off 2014 on… she just couldn’t comprehend. I would tell her, but it didn’t register. She had a few rote phrases when she was still able to speak some sentences. One of them was. “You do beautiful work.” She would repeat that over and over… But that was about three years ago.
Hello Laurel, I am terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I thoroughly enjoyed your tribute to her today, both photos and stories. I see that she was the first of a long line of people who had to get a second job in order to afford your services, but as always it was worth it–you were pretty decorative!
About the televisions, mine is the old large CRT type, but it has not been attached in several years. When I go back I am going to give it another chance–I even got a few new dvd’s, including a cheap horror movie that is set in a historic octagon house in the Hudson River Valley. One problem is that without a tv, there is no focal point in my fireplace-less living room, so if I hid it, I would have to create something to give the room some focus and orientation.
–Jim
Hi Jim,
In our old home, our TV was out and also a CRT. We didn’t have the funds for anything else and it lived in our little den. I was fine with it, although would’ve preferred a flat screen after the prices came down.
Sending peaceful vibes your way, Laurel. I’ve noted before that our moms were the same age, and we are the same age. They were both formed by the war era, which generated some strong women. They died just weeks apart, under similar circumstances (though mine didn’t develop total dementia). I hope you find peace in your memories, and know that the mom you knew left you a long time ago and is at peace now.
Thank you for the beautiful comment, Anita.
There’s a woman I take ballet class with. Actually, her entire family dances. One time about 15 years ago, she had me come over to her home for a consultation. And, I couldn’t help but notice that there was a photo of her sitting on her grandfather’s lap and the date was Nov. ’56. I told her that I had the EXACT same photo of me on my grandfather’s lap in Dec. ’56.
I asked her how old she is. Well, she’s three weeks older than me. So, we laughed and I decided that we must be twins, separated at birth (very long labor for our mother) even though we look nothing alike. But, there’s more. One time I was talking about my mom who, at the time was 91. And, she said that her mom is also 91. I said, you must be kidding. And, she said, well of course, she is. We have the SAME mom! hahahaha
As it turns out, her mom is three weeks older than my mom! Crazy time coincidences. Alas, her mom does not have dementia and is doing super-well. So, she will be 97 at the end of this month.
I am so sorry for your loss Laurel! It is so sad to say goodbye to your dear mother. I am praying for you and your sons in this most difficult time. God bless you all.
Thank you so much Sondra.
So so sorry Laurel. Everyone’s comments are so heartfelt and mirror exactly what I am thinking. My mom is 100 and seems more like a 5 year old so I understand what it’s like to lose a mother before you actually lose them. Even so, losing a parent at any age is still an incredible loss. You are being sent my sincere condolences. I dread the time when I will have to say goodbye to mine.
Thank you Laurel. And, regards to Abe, too.
I love you and your smile is exactly like your mom’s on photos. That’s just too sweet for words and I’m so sorry! My big big hugs Laurel!!!
Mark D Sikes TV option is such a great lesson… Like a modern painting in traditional settings he use a lot… he made almost the same with TV. It works!
Hi Val,
I agree with that wholeheartedly. I love the hidden in plain sight idea.
Laurel, I live in an old house that was built when people lived a bit more formally, before TV was even in existence! There was only radio. There is a lovely large living room, but, (happily, I have to say), we’ve always been reluctant to put a TV in there. Mostly, we all want to watch different things at different times, consequently, the TV’s are in the bedrooms, which of course still leaves the “where do I put the TV so it is convenient to watch for everyone, but isn’t obtrusive” dilemma. I find I’m less and less interested in TV and movies, and more interested in tranquility, books and nature, which I guess, makes me the older generation! Great ideas for integrating the TV into living spaces, though. I LOVE that red, Goins, chinoiserie panel. The kitchen by Dee Dee Taylor Eustace is fabulous, and the paneled dining room by Peter Pennoyer is gorgeous!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for the lovely comment.
My sincere condolences Laurel! Your mom was a wonderful woman. May she rest in peace. My thoughts are with you. A big comforting hug!
Thank you Val.
Dear Laurel, with sympathy for the loss of your beautiful, talented and amazing Mother. My Mother passed away 23 years ago, and I miss her still. My mother-in-law is 98 years old and lives in memory care in Orlando near her daughter. I am in Los Angeles and I treasure the time with her when I visit. She does not know who I am but that doesn’t keep me from her, heartbreaking as it is. My husband, her son, passed away 6 years ago, she does not know.
So dear Laurel, it is with deepest sympathy and empathy that I share your loss. You bring so much joy to the world, inherited now I learn from your beloved Mother. Love and Hugs. Linda
Hi Linda,
Yes, eventually, they forget everything, including their own name. It is heartbreaking for us, but I really think that they are fine. And even if they aren’t, 30 seconds later, they won’t remember it! I believe it’s nature’s way of making the end of our time on earth, easier.
I’m so very sorry about your mom, Laurel. I lost my mom eight years ago today, actually. It just now dawned on me that it was September 1, 2011, and my dad four years ago. It’s still hard. You are lucky that you were blessed with a special mom. I was too. I really think that generation was a very special one. The generation that lived through the depression and WWII. They were truly amazing and exceptional. God bless her.
Hi Lisa,
Yes! My mom had the most beautiful stories she would tell. I loved hearing about Grandma Hannah, especially; her love of baking and hatred of housework. lol And how she sewed all of my mom’s clothes and dancing costumes. And, how she managed to keep the family afloat with little money during the depression. I inherited so many traits of hers that I felt like I knew her through my mom even though she died during WWII.
So sorry for your loss. I see your beautiful mother in your smile. I know she was very proud of you.
Thank you Elaine. She was.
Hi Laurel, I want to extend my condolences for the loss of your mom. Almost nothing is harder. What a wonderful tribute to her! I loved the article you shared about dying at 75. Very thought provoking.
I do have a question though about TV placement. The examples you shared were indeed lovely. But should a TV be placed at eye level? Isn’t it uncomfortable to have to look up at a movie over a fireplace when seated on a chair or sectional?
Hi Pat,
There are several factors. One is how far away one is. The other is that TVs that are two high should, ideally be angled down for optimal sight lines. OR, one can also situate themselves in a somewhat reclining position. But, actually, if you are sitting and looking at a wall say 12 feet in front of you. You can move your eyes up and down without having to move your head at all. Is it uncomfortable? I don’t know. Maybe good exercise for your eye muscles! haha
Hi Laurel, I’m one of those who pretty much ignores the sales posts (no money :)) but I knew as soon as I opened today’s blog and read your first few words that your mother had passed. It is wonderful that you have so many good memories of your mom. Mine was always “difficult” and angry dementia the last 10 years (she almost made it to 91) sure didn’t help. I find myself thinking about her more now than I did when she was alive (both the good and the bad) and am hoping I don’t leave any bad memories behind for my children when I go. I always tell my daughter “I’ll go peacefully, promise”. Hope I can keep my promise but understand that some things are beyond our control.
Hi Liz,
I’m so sorry for all you had to go through with your mom. Not one to sugar-coat anything, my mom was over-all an amazing person, but not perfect. And, neither am I. However, we were always able to talk about it and work things out. That’s the best that one can hope for.
Alas, our children see us through their own filter. It matters not how wonderful a parent we are or how hard we try. Sometimes we do our very best; give until we have nothing else to give. And, a child can still think and believe whatever they wish.
My thoughts are with you Laurel. I have been following your blog for about 6 months and I love it! I send all my designer friends and clients to your blog for the best information about interiors. I’m about your age and an interior designer. You are not only very talented but humorous too, I can relate! Must have inherited your writing skills from your lovely Momma!
Hi Mary,
Actually, my sister is a real writer and I have a first cousin, Dawn Raffel, who’s related to me on my father’s side who’s been on Oprah’s recommended reading list. uh huh. And, then I must mention my other first cousin, Cherie Raffel who is a brilliant artist.
Yes, my mother has the same last name as Dawn and Cherie. No coincidence. My wonderful stepfather, Mark is also Dawn’s and Cherie’s father. He was first my uncle, so I used to jokingly call him d’uncle.
Well, that was fun! lol
Connie, I checked in my Mini-Bob and indeed “églomiser” isn’t there. It is in the TLF, however: verbe trans.
Décorer les objets en verre au moyen d’une dorure intérieure soudée au feu entre deux pellicules de verre.
The word comes from the name of a famous framer in the C18, Glomy, dixit the TLF.
Hi Gilly and Connie,
I could’ve sworn I had put in a link to a Wikipedia definition for Verre églomisé. Don’t know what happened. But here it is– definitely.
My condolences on the loss of your beautiful mamma. You are definitely her clone. It’s tough to watch disease take someone you love one piece at a time until you can hardly recognize them. It makes the grieving very long. I read Emmanuel’s article, too, and had to laugh. As a 68 year old married to a 74 year old, my answer is, “Ask Emmanuel again when he’s 70!” Loved your post, especially the wall painted dark. Our family room has built in cabinets/bookcases one each side of the fireplace with a large space for the TV. But it was made for one of the huge older TVs and not the long, low flatscreens. So when we replaced the behemoth I had my hubs paint the inside of the TV space (back, sides and top) black. That way it camouflages the unused height and depth, as well as the black cable box and the extra speaker.
Hi Donna,
I agree with you wholeheartedly re: Emmanuel. I don’t think it’s so black and white like that. My mom has a close friend who’s about to be 91, feels terrific, looks 71 and sounds the same as she did when she was 51. And, that’s just one example. On the other hand, a fragile 90-yr-old with Alzheimer’s and cancer, should they be treated aggressively for the cancer?
It’s beyond torture for them and actually, might even hasten their death. In fact, Mom used to say about 15 years ago that if she got cancer, she’d not go for chemo/radiation. She said that she would die from that. Knowing what I know now, I seriously doubt that. She’s got to be the toughest person I know of.
Dear Laurel – my condolences on your beloved mother’s passing. John Donne was right ..
and it’s something adult children must deal with.
However, your postings have been wonderful and inspirational.
Thank you – as always.
Thank you Sandra
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your mom. May God comfort you, Laurel.
Thank you Sally.
Wow! Your mom was such a trailblazer. What a fabulous woman. Women of my generation owe so much to people like her that were brave enough to buck the status quo and do whatever it took to make a beautiful life for themselves and their children. May she rest in peace.
Thank you a million times for that fabulous Etsy art source! What beautiful paintings and fabulous prices. I’m renovating my fireplace surround and mantle this weekend and was wondering what I would put above it. But how will I choose?!
Thank you Gail. She definitely was a trailblazer! But, she had a burning desire to make something more of herself than the quintessential homemaker. She was awfully good at that too. But, she wanted more. And then it became essential, as she needed to earn a living.
I am sorry for your loss. This is a lovely tribute. I can see your face in the younger pictures of your Mom. I’m sure she passed along lots of other wonderful traits as well. I wish peace for you and your family.
Thank you Janet.
Laurel, heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your mom. What a beautiful, touching story about her life and your ongoing connection with her. Love your names, Blossom and Buttercup. Hugs and prayers for comfort.
Hi Robin,
Her name really was Blossom! What happened is that Mom’s birth name was Leah. She was named after her aunt who tragically died at 19 of TB. However, my mom’s grandmother, named Blüme (pro. Bleema) means flower, in German. Blüme died six weeks after my mom was born of diabetes. Insulin had just been discovered earlier that year. I don’t know if it was readily available or not. But, as the story goes, my grandparents decided to change Mom’s name to honor her grandmother, Blüme. Henceforth, the name was legally changed to Blossom.
However, my grandfather, nicknamed my mom “sister.” I always thought it odd until I understood the context.
Mom never liked her name. So, she decided to become “Lee” as she felt it suited her better. That was some time in the 70s.
My mother, also named Lee, died almost 30 years ago; she, too, was born in 1922, so she was only in her 60s when she left us. Soon I will have been without her as long as she was in my life – BUT, I can say unequivocally that she truly has never been gone. She’s as alive in my mind and heart and memories as if she were sitting in front of me this very moment. Love endures forever and oh, how I loved her! I believe the loss of one soul is a loss for all of us and send you my sympathy in the loss of your dear one.
Oh, that is waaaaay too young to lose your mom. I’m so sorry.
Hi Laurel:
So sorry about your mom! She sounds like she was a wonderful lady! I’m sure this is a difficult time- but I wanted to ask you about doing a post on how to design with textiles. I’m a textile collector myself and have beautiful embroideries, brocades, even collector’s pieces of fabric (can’t afford to upholster with these designer fabrics) . I’d love to hear your ideas about how to use antique and contemporary textiles in a room. I have seen Michelle Nussbaumer and others ( in the book Haute Bohemians) use textiles in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Would be great to see some examples about how to drape, pin, mount, etc fabric and textiles to add color and pattern to a space- without having to upholster .
Thank you for your fantastic blog!
Julie
Hi Julie,
That sounds quite interesting. I don’t know if the topic has broad enough appeal and it’s not an area I excel in. If I had such a collection and could show how I had used the fabrics in my home, that would be different. Did you get any ideas from Michelle’s book? She’s such a lovely lady, BTW. I spent a few days with her 3.5 years ago on a High Point Market designers tour I was privileged to be on.
Laurel, Please accept my condolences for the loss of your sweet Mother, she was adorable! Life without my parents has been an adjustment, but our wonderful memories together are always with me and now bring joy. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Thank you Susan.
Dear Laurel, what a beautiful tribute to your Mom. Thank you so much for sharing this personal part of your life.
Thank you Diane. Y’all are like family to me.
My deep sympathy on the loss of your mother.
Beautiful pictures of her and the good news is that you look very much like her.
I still miss mine.
Thank you Leslye. We’ll always miss our mothers. God bless.
Thank you for another wonderful post. I so look forward to ALL of your post!
All I can say is that I am sorry that you are going through one of the worst times we ever have in life. Our mothers were contemporaries. Those women who lived through WWII were incredible. I count myself incredibly lucky to have known and been loved by mine. I know you feel the same. May you always live in her love and know that she is with you forever in so, so many ways All my best to you my dear.
Thank you so much Liz. And, the same to you, as well.
Very sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed the pictures!
Thank you Lisa. The one of Mom alone was full of bad cracks and has developed a strange reddish tone. So, I had fun spending about an hour getting rid of the really big ones and correcting the tone. You can still see the crazing on her dress sleeve. But, I kind of like that because you can see, despite her clothing that it’s an old photo. Nearly 80 years old!
RIP mamma!! We were lucky enough to keep my father at home with us until he passed (four years ago). I have a 13″ boxy TV in my living room. I picked out some fabric and my dad sewed a little cover to put over it so it’s not quite so objectionable when you are not viewing it.
Treasure your memories, little Buttercup.
awww… thank you Susie.
Laurel,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. It’s a heartbreaker of a road that we’ve all tread, mine passed on 31-March-2017.
In your last picture together, it shows that both of you are stunning ladies, sharing the same good looks and genes.
May your pleasant times together be your fondest memories and here’s hoping they make you smile. Sincerest condolences. Helen
Thanks so much Helen.
Thank you for sharing the photos and memories of your mother. It’s easy to see where you get your beauty and talent. May her memory be for a blessing.
Thank you so much Ivis.
Laurel,
First off, please accept my condolences on the passing of your beautiful Mom. It’s so heartbreaking to see parents decline and then pass away. Your tribute to her is beautiful, and she sounded like an amazing person.
I’m spending Labor Day weekend with my (almost)95 year old Mom, and I’m cherishing every minute, as I don’t know if this will be the last time we’re together.
Regarding the TV, all of the images are amazing ways to hide it, and every room is gorgeous! In my house, the TV is NEVER OFF when hubs is home, so having doors or artwork to hide it would be a total waste! So the family room is a TV room, it’s front and center, and there are no other TVs in the house. When I want to watch a program on TV in any other room in the house, it’s on my laptop 🙂
Hi Diana,
That brought back a memory of some family friends that we would visit for dinner maybe once or twice a year. This was in Evansville,IN. I just remember that their dining area was in the family room. And, it had a cathedral ceiling, but it wasn’t a huge space. It was home-y yet typically 60s-modern. Their TV was also ALWAYS on. My folks were incredulous.
We had one portable black and white TV that lived in our somewhat dank, dark basement. I used to bet my mom to let me watch Bewitched which was on just past bedtime. haha.
Dear Laurel,
What a beautiful tribute to your mother! I’m so sorry for your loss and am sending prayers to you and your family. She sounds like she was a smart, loving, and lovely woman. Hoping that you can find some peace in this difficult time.
With love,
Claudia
Thank you so much Claudia
My dad fell in love with the TV series, Banacek. Apparently, he had a TV that had a picture that slid across to cover it. My dad embedded the TV in the wall, used a small motor in the attic, and used piano wires to hang a picture. In the hallway, he had a toggle switch we could press to make the picture go up and down and turn the TV on. The switch was up high, too, so we couldn’t reach the switch by ourselves until we were tall enough…..
How very clever your Dad was! I love that.
Good Morning Laurel,
I read your sweet story about your mom with tears running down my face. You’re lucky to have had such a wonderful relationship with her. God bless you both.
I loved this post with the clever TV solutions, and am wondering what the term eglomise means. I looked it up in my Petit Robert French dictionary, but it isn’t in there–it must be a very specific decorating term. It’s quite beautiful, whatever it is. I’d love to know.
Thank you Connie. Yes, I was very lucky in regard to the mom I chose. ;]
Unfortunately, my father should’ve been in prison. And, I am not being in the slightest bit facetious. But, she bravely threw him out and divorced him at a time (1970) and place where that never happened. Shitshow doesn’t even begin to cover it. My grandparents came down from Chicago and my grandmother had a heart attack and died.
Mom was ostracized by many of her once close friends. I was too. It was horrible, but that last year we both made new friends and then we moved several hundred miles away, 15 months later and both had a very needed fresh start. She finished her undergrad degree before we left at the University of Evansville and then got a master’s degree after we moved to Wisconsin. Those three years were the best years of my life.
I realize that some people have two wonderful parents, two so-so parents, or two hideous parents, or one wonderful, one hideous.
I guess this is why God invented shrinks.
First, the important bit: all my best wishes to you, Laurel, at a sad and difficult time. Hug the great memories.
Second, the unimportant bit: I love all these folding screen systems with prints or art that you show. I’ve saved quite a few just in case the unthinkable ever happens and we get one of these infernal machines!
Hi Gilly,
Thank you. I hardly ever watch the big one I have in the living room. For that matter I don’t watch the other one either very much. Mostly for the weather forecast if I’m getting ready to go out. I’ve pretty much stopped watching the news which I used to enjoy. I don’t like our president, so why would I want to spend hours learning about his latest antics? I’ll stick to the weather and watch the hurricane show. Prayers for those affected by this latest monster.
I think the most successful ones are the designs that acknowledge that the TV will actually be watched. Yes, the screens/cabinets look nice when closed, but what do they look like when open? Will the cabinet door swung open get in the way? Will someone knock their head on it? The Dee Dee Taylor Eustace design is the strongest for this reason. You don’t need to physically change the space to watch the TV. The new TV designs like Samsung’s Art Frame TV or their other new designs that slim down the TV are excellent solutions. Unfortunately, pricey. I am hoping competitors will follow Samsung’s lead, flooding the market with options, making attractive TVs less expensive.
Hi Rachel,
That would be a good thing.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. I’m at 2 1/2 years without mine. It’s a raw empty feeling you never really learn to cope with. You just do…….. thinking of you often!
Hugs,
Joni
Hi Joni,
I’m sorry for your loss, too.
I am very sorry to learn about your mother. Thank you for helping us get to know what a wonderful and accomplished woman she was.
We have our television in our family room. My husband is a wonderful DIY guy and put the tv, speakers, and turn table behind a wall. He built doors for them to be accessed. I would love to share before and after pics of our entire ranch house sometime. It was a built in 1951 and was a major fixer upper when we purchase it in 2001. Fortunately the house had wood flooring underneath the carpeting.
Patricia,
Thank you. You can send your images in response to any email you receive from me, announcing the new blog posts or hot sales, if you get that.
Hi Laurel — My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mom. Mine is 93 and I dread the day she’s no longer here.
Re hiding the TV: I love the art panel for disguising the monolith, but generally am not a fan of placement over the fireplace. Just seems like an awkward angle for viewing. Don’t really like TV in a living room at all. In my new home, it’s going into the den on a beautiful console of some sort — maybe from Pottery Barn if I’m lucky.
Thank you Marguerite.
Laurel, above fireplace installation of the TV Screen is sometimes too high for comfortable viewing. The old “crick in the neck” is often a problem if you watch at an angle for too long. You have included in your post screens located lower to the floor and I would be interested to know if there is a rule about height of placement in relationship to your eyes when sitting down.
Hi Carole,
If the TV needs to be mounted higher than eye level, then it should be put on a mounting device that allows it to tip forward. So, yes, the flush in the wall TV is not really ideal for prolonged viewing, unless one is reclining a little and maybe supporting their head somehow.
I wish there were magic words. I did not know what to wish for with my folks and my husband’s mother. It seemed like all choices were bad and worse. I wish you peace.
Thank you Amyll.