Cait Pappas, the creative mind behind the popular interior design blog Nest Out West, has been making waves in the world of home renovation and decoration. With a strong presence on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where she has garnered a dedicated following of 100 thousand, Cait has been inspiring countless individuals with her innovative design ideas and DIY projects.
Cait's journey as an interior designer and DIY enthusiast took a significant turn when she and her family moved into their '90s Colorado home in 2019. She saw potential in the property, even though it required a substantial amount of work to transform it into a bright, stylish, and modern living space for her growing family. Her dedication to the project was unwavering, as she explained, "We've done everything. It's not at all what it was when we moved in in 2019."
Main Floor:
The centerpiece of this revitalized living room is a back-to-back 36” built-in electric fireplace, a stunning addition that effortlessly bridges the gap between form and function. This fireplace is a nod to both classic elegance and modern comfort, offering the warmth and charm of a traditional hearth while showcasing a sleek, minimalist design. It effortlessly separates the living room from the adjacent space while maintaining an open, inviting atmosphere.
One side of the fireplace features marble-esque porcelain tile, evoking a sense of timeless luxury. The delicate veining in the porcelain tiles creates a striking focal point in the room, and its cool, neutral palette complements the overall bright and contemporary aesthetic of the space. On the opposite side, Cait chose white oak, a choice that adds warmth and natural texture to the room. This juxtaposition of materials not only creates visual interest but also cleverly defines the living room and adjacent areas while allowing for an abundance of natural light to flood in.
Basement:
Cait had a vision for the basement, wanting to create a space that catered to both children and adults. To achieve this, they divided the basement into different zones, with one area designed for busy toddlers and their toys and another intended for adults to relax while keeping an eye on the children. One essential element in the "adult" space was a fireplace.
Adding a fireplace to the basement was a no-brainer for Cait, who was well aware of the transformative power of this feature. With two units on the main floor, she decided to install the SimpliFire by Heat & Glo 50" Allusion Platinum electric fireplace in the basement. This elegant choice not only added warmth to the space but also became the centerpiece that Cait was looking for. Cait explained her design philosophy, saying, "When I'm designing a living area, I like there to be a focal point." The Allusion Platinum model's sleek and minimal style perfectly matched her vision. She further customized the fireplace by choosing a combination of white rocks and logs, giving it a unique and inviting appearance.
Adding the traditional look of a fireplace to your home has never been easier thanks to the Built-in electric fireplace from SimpliFire. A masonry-style interior, textured log set, and flame height adjustments give you all the ambiance of a real fire with the convenience of pressing a button. Available in 30-inch and 36-inch fireplace widths.
With the modern design of the Allusion Platinum, you can easily create a cozy atmosphere with an optional build-out kit or wall-mount kit, or enjoy a built-in, flush design installed by pros. Use this electric fireplace year-round, with or without heat. Available in 50-inch, 60-inch, and 72-inch fireplace widths.
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