janishill It looks unfinished. Perhaps if it were capped with a beam similar to that you will be using on the ceiling...or if the entire wall is done in the same stone.

Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design I really like it, better than the builders. Actually janishill's idea of the wood beam capping the top will look really nice, Also, I was going to suggest a concrete bullnose cap with a little ogee detail (your contractor will understand), in concrete tinted to match the stone, may work as well.

jdkrebs So would you just do a thick wood beam across top of arch? Or all the way across wall?

jdkrebs So you would do the whole wall? Won't that make that wall to heavy? Huge wall of stone-- I don't even know if wall could support that. Anything else we could do other than tearing it out? We love the rock inside. Just didn't know the final look. What if we put a ledge of small stones along the top- like the smaller stones under the arch? Just to outline it?

Terri Symington, ASID I would have added a limestone cap to the top to keep the color all the same, but the problem is it won't be able to fit into the left corner. I think that once the ceiling beams are in and the wall painted it will look finished without adding a cap. The wall is already unbalanced and a wood beam to cap it would only emphasis it even more. I think the solution to balancing the wall will be determined by what is on the wall to the right of the opening. I'd like to see more of the wall to the right side to see if some art work or other option will help balance the wall.

jdkrebs I will go back over to see if I can get better pic of entire wall. We were thinking of putting wall mounted fountain- a cool modern one on wall.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Hi, nice room.
But the masonry arch was not necessary to having a nice room in here.

And with the ceiling beams you DON'T need a beam over the masonry too. That would look eye browish and detract from the arch. You don't want to harden the line there anyway.

The ceiling is the star and the fireplace. And hopefully beautiful furniture, case goods, rugs, window treatments, later to come. Dont forget how expensive furnishings are. They add up. Especially in larger homes.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Yes, don't do the whole wall. I first only saw the first pic and not the finished one. I agree. The house would probably not be able to handle that heavy a load.

aksnt11 I would paint the wall and get the ceiling beams up, then decide about doing anything more with the arch. It's tough looking at white on white, the gray on the wall will add dimension. Beautiful fireplace !

jdkrebs We liked this feature in the builders last floor plan - so we really wanted to keep one arch- she had two entryways outlined in brick ( we used limestone obviously instead) and just did one. But until they were up, we didn't know we would question how they looked. I still like it- and think it will look better once everything else is done. But not sure....and the painter pulled us aside and said he thought it didn't look finished. Now my husband is very upset and questioning what to do.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Does the brick get finished? It gets sealed and if this is the same stone at the fireplace that does to. There are sealants that deepen the color and those that do not and are matte. I like the brick lighter. Esp with contrasting brown beams or wood.

collettec I think paint of a different color will really add the distinct definition. If you add a cap of any type it would continue to cut into the arch on the left. I would add the beams, paint and see how you like it before adding things that might not be needed.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. And then I would paint the walls a breezy color that matches the brick. Pick a color from it in my opinion and keep the room looking clean, unheavy and fresh. A creamy white would be gorgeous with beams. Don't listen to a painter. He is a painter -not an experienced designer who can see the entire scheme played out. But seal the brick for sure. Is it limestone?

Bohnhoff Woodworking The stone wall looks unfinished and will continue to look that way until you cap it. The brick wall looks more complete because of the solider course of brick give termination to the running bond pattern of brick. In other words it stops your eye and moves you toward the beams.

Cindy Moore I think it looks gorgeous and ties in beautifully with your fireplace. Great idea. I agree. Finish painting first and then decide. The paint may frame it enough that it looks finished.

jdkrebs How do we cap it?

Ironwood Builders Don't listen to painters. I worked with one for years. I specified all paint colors and finishes. Then one day I came in and found him painting the blue dining room green. I asked him what he thought he was doing..a little elevated, as you can imagine....he asked me what I expected...he is color blind....

ann It does look unfinished

Ironwood Builders About the arch...I always think things exist for a reason...or did. When I see a ruined archway in an old abbey in England, I think, wow,, that once supported something big. Even fake ruins here in the states, my imagination does that. But your arch is not doing a job..it is new and it needs a job. A beam or some projecting timbers or going all the way to the ceiling. As for support...you have to have foundation under that much stone no matter what. If it is out in the middle of the floor with no load path to dirt, it is going to move...inches. So more stone is probably not an issue. Continue the stone up to the ceiling or run a cornice or a beam or put a projecting course of the same stone (like the brick vertical, but pushed out an inch or two) or some timbers that project beyond the face a few inches....

jdkrebs It's not just painters though--- our interior decorator doesn't like it either. She wasn't crazy about it from the beginning. We like the feature-- just didn't visualize exactly how it would turn out. I don't know how to "finish it". What can we do? People shot down the idea of a wood beam across top. We could do small rock trim along top?? What is solution to this very expensive problem... And is it even a problem?

lilion I think a good rule of thumb is, if you can't tell if something is finished, then it is. Sometimes less is more. Finish the rest of the decorating and then see if you think it needs something. But right now, it looks terrific!

jdkrebs Ok- our messages crossed... So you think putting a row of stones that project out a bit along top would create a "cap" or finish this?

BJL Aquascapes I would continue the arch to the right and put a mural on the wall, then run a thick wood beam across the top. :)

Jane Antonacci Interior Design I would suggest covering the entire wall in the stone if you can afford it. It would look so awesome! Very dramatic and a nice statement. Plus, it would look finished...!

Aja Mazin It looks unfinished and off balance.

The left top stone/brick should be replaced.

Terri Symington, ASID To continue the stone across the wall would require removing some of the stones on the right side of the wall so that the stone can be layed in a staggered course.

What would look really great with the stone is to apply, to the un-masoned areas of that wall, a weathered gray planking.

Jayme Hobbs I think it will look better with paint on the walls, and some trim will do wonders...There is a definite "ledge" look espec. on top...I would get a pro finisher to trim it out all around the edges tapering it to the walls...paint the trim as similar to the rock tone as possible.

mdamron61 The arch would have looked better done in "soldiers" not in a stretcher look. Also the last stretcher on the right is shorter in height than the ones on the left. A keystone in the middle of the arch would have looked nice. Other than that it looks nice

Jayme Hobbs Trimmed out like this

mdamron61 Exactly!

Jayme Hobbs I am aware that this is different as your ceiling is higher...However..I still believe a good trim carpenter could trim it out well and it would look great.

tomda I think yours looks nicer than the inspiration pic. I think once the room is finished it will look really good.

Christal I think when you get the room painted it will look totally different. What are you using on the floors? I agree with Jayme Hobbs about the trim. It will be beautiful.

jdkrebs Dark hardwood floors. Thanks for the encouragement. I think it will be ok, too. Although wish there was some way to visually see the end product.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I completely agree with tomda. I don't like that inspiration pic paint or brick.

jdkrebs What is the "inspirational pic" ? ... Not sure what that is.

apennameandthata Yeah, the inspiration pic looks more like a before pic. I would build the stone right up to the ceiling. That way it would match the fireplace. I agree with the person who said that an arch should at least look like it has some job to do. If the stone wall goes right to the ceiling, then the stone would look like it was functioning as a wall, and the arch would look like it was functioning as door way. Right now, the arch's only function is decorative. One problem with going right to the ceiling is that you would have to rip bits of stone out.

Christal Is your foundation reinforced to handle the extra weight of that much more stone? If not you will have other problems. I wanted to do my fireplace from floor to ceiling, my ceiling is probably 13' tall and my builder said it couldn't be done because the foundation would have to have been reinforced when the slab was poured.

Jayme Hobbs This one appears to have a ledge or "cap"...

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Yes that looks nice Jayme because its centered. And its off a soffet so it has a natural cut off line.

Jayme Hobbs I would try other options before removing it

Jayme Hobbs Have you spoken to the installer yet about various capping options if u want to cap it with the same stone?

jdkrebs Not yet-- meeting with builder tomorrow morning. I will see what she suggests. She should have maybe foreseen this issue-- she is the expert. So little bit frustrated with builder. I do think once wall is painted and beams are up, that it will look better.... And I'm not sure we can add a lot more stone on that wall. How would it look if we painted a beam the white of the trim and put it all the way across? From above stone archway to the far right end of wall? That way, it creates a seam? It what if we rounded the archway on top?

Jayme Hobbs IDK if runnning a beam across the whole wall would look right..Also wondering if extending stone all the way to the ceiling will throw it off balance on the wall...the other piece of wall will be bare, and not equal...What are you putting on the wall? I can't see the whole wall and how wide it is..hard to tell from the pic. Just was thinking adding a built in on that wall for balance.....but looks like your focal point will be your fireplace wall...I agree u should talk with your builder for ideas/suggesions. My husband is a finisher (carpentry) for a quality builder and I know magic can be done with trim...I agree this will likely look better once the walls are painted.

Aja Mazin Geeeez....

Jill Coert I think you should take a deep breath and stay the course. Get the design done and see if you like it. You obviously loved the builder's designs enough to have a house built based on them. Sometimes in the midst of a build we get too focused on one particular thing and can't see the big picture. If something really needs to be done once you get the beams and the paint and the lighting and the furniture in, it can always be remodeled. I think the arch is gorgeous and I really like it better than the darker brick onw. What is your color scheme for the room? Just curious :)

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. No- You don't need a beam over the brick. But on the ceiling. Who needs a harsh line-an eyebrow where it doesn't need to be?

Genevieve brick the whole wall

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=3&gs_ri=psy-ab&pq=arched+brick+walls&cp=9&gs_id=10&xhr=t&q=interior+arched+brick+walls&rlz=1C1CHMD_enCA371CA371&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42553238,d.aWc&biw=1517&bih=725&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=5tYjUaacI8a6yQGblIGgBA#um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&rlz=1C1CHMD_enCA371CA371&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=living+room+interior+arched+brick+walls&oq=living+room+interior+arched+brick+walls&gs_l=img.12...35255.38853.0.41544.12.12.0.0.0.0.203.1904.1j10j1.12.0...0.0...1c.1.3.img.p4a3PyuHmH8&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42553238,d.aWc&fp=f3c0a876775ce0c9&biw=1517&bih=725&imgrc=whnhDYnGvGIXsM%3A%3B6_WuxvXcT13-sM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fjp1.r0tt.com%252Fl_10bb8340-59e7-11e1-9faa-637d54c00001.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.juxtapost.com%252Fsite%252Fpermlink%252F1187a510-59e7-11e1-808e-9b6e38646498%252Fpost%252Fbrick_wall_w_arch_will_be_between_the_living_room_and_dining_roomkitchen_%252F%3B400%3B300

Rustic Brick and Stone I think that once painted, it will look more complete. Also, capping it will help define some use for the structure. However, what seems most incomplete to me (my opinion) is the actual build of the structure. I think it would have turned out better with either a keystone or if the stone used on the bottom side of the arch were turned vertical to accent where most of the strength of the arch would need to be. As it sits, it almost looks like the pieces of limestone could fall off the bottom of the arch (ouch). If installed properly, that won't happen, but I feel it changes the feel of the arch to be more decorative than functional. Aside from that, it looks absolutely fantastic. Please add some finished photos when the project is completed!

trasgorshek I believe Terri has a great suggestion with the weathered gray planking or even white tongue and groove the rest of the wall. Wood with stone balance each other and would look beautiful. You could mimic the effect with your beams. Instead of a dark stain on the beams do either the grey weathered look or the white to match the wall and tie everything together.

jdkrebs I will update when project is done. Met with builder and she feels like doing much more will add more emphasis to it and it is a detail (not focus) of the room. She told us that the"brick" she added in the original floor plan she built was an after thought and she had the same concern when it was done.. like maybe it needed something else. She brought designers and another builder in and they all felt like it was good as is and turned out to be one of the features getting best comments in the house. We both agreed NOT TO stone the whole wall. The room is not that big and it would be too much of this big heavy stone. We don't want to add stone in a "ledge" at top because that would just create make the rock stick out even more and create more of a ledge. We both think once it is painted and the ceiling beams are in, it will be great. If after we do that, we want to add a wood trim piece over the top, we can. It woudl be similar to a trim piece above a window and would painted to tie in with the stone. My main thought now is that maybe we should have added the stone in the entryway aswell... which the plan originally called for.. that woudl have reduced the attention on this arch. However, when we were starting that arch, we changed our mind because both arches seemed way to heavy.
I included pics of where the arches were designed to go. Keep in mind, we moved our fireplace to be straight on the wall on left and opened up the back wall with all sliding glass doors.

Jayme Hobbs I had the feeling finishing the room, then possibly trim later would be helpful! Glad u got this thing going your way again! Good luck!

Donna Van_Atta I like it!

Steven Alvarez General Contractor I am an architectural purist. It is not a real structural arch. You are trying to make a massive structural component a decorative item. Stone arches are not decorations. It does not make sense and looks like a prop from a movie set. I know this sounds like a waste of money but sometimes this happens. Dont keep a mistake just because you are already in too deep. If you want an arched opening then do one trimed in modest but appropriate sized molding that compliments the style of the house theme and is complimentry of the other moldings in the house.

Again sorry,but it the stone arch looks applied and fake. Keep it simple and use architectural items as they were intended. best! I am sure it will work out fine.

Steve

Aja Mazin Agree w. Steven Alvarez General Contractor.

Steven Alvarez General Contractor Thanks Aja, Btw I thought that I am the only one silly enough to be awake at this late hour commenting. Even later for you.. or earlier I guess.

rouxb jdkrebs I think you are on the right track with first finishing the beams and painting then deciding. I wouldn't cap it with ANYTHING. The arch looks incomplete to me because the room itself is incomplete and unpainted. And, yes, two of those arches would be too much in that size.

Aja Mazin Steven Alvarez General Contractor,


I am glad a GC [who is qualified to address the problem] said it. It needed to be said.
No sense throwing good money after bad.

mandek You loved it in the first place, you even found a picture! I like the stone you picked better than the brick in the picture. Finish it and then see what it needs, the arch will go with so many things. You could do different things around the wall as well, love the mural idea, you could do some paneling even barn wood, beams to boot! Find a story, is it from an old castle, cottage or barn in England or in the US. I think wood and stone are natural together. Have fun dreaming and theming!

Aja Mazin The general consensus was no arch.

http://www.houzz.com/discussions/324865/Arches-or-no-arches---

jdkrebs I appreciate all the comments very much and I know that if I wanted to be "design" correct, I would take out the arch and leave the fireplace without a mantle. Both would be aesthetically pleasing changes to make a perfectly designed house. HOwever, I like the stone arch. Didn't turn out exactly like I wanted and I wish it was fitted into the wall so it looked better... but I still like it i think. And I want a mantle on fireplace because I like it for the holidays. So at what point do you put personal preference over design? I'm not sure... and I'm not sure I'll like the looks of this when done... very tough. But I'm not at the point of tearing it down yet.

Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design ID, please keep in mind if Michelangelo had put a picture of the Sistine Chapel along with his painting diagram into a discussion group, it never would have been painted probably not even built if we here got a hold of it soon enough. You will never have group consensus, just read all of the other discussions.

I think the arch brings grand character to the rooms that it opens through to. I work with contractors, like all designers, all of the time. They are, IMO, hardwired to look at construction according to the way they are taught construction should be, and tend to be purists. Which is very often an excellent quality, as they often fall into the position of constructing for someone who does not have a designer (penny wise and pound foolish, always have a designer- IMO) but they can not afford one or want to save money, and contractor's position is definitely fail safe. And, definitely will not cause harm to the subject project.

However, there is such a thing as artistic license. Designers take it all the time with great success. I will give you an example of a television program I am sure many of you have watched on HGTV called International House Hunter, I think that is the name. Anyway, you will see homes, all of the time that have old walls and parts of old walls, and interesting architectural features jutting out and it gives it a sense of charm and character. I have even seen interiors in some of the finest design magazines taking advantage of such charming elements

Your archway will bring that to your room, when, as others have said, it is finished. So, go back in time, regather your original thought, and complete your wonderful room and enjoy it. When your room is done, there will be so many other things to look at: drapes, furniture, pictures, flooring, lighting, and accessories, that every thing you worried about will go away. And, don't quiz everyone you know on do you like my arch? Because when you ask that question people will look for problems, as they start to mentally dissect it, that they never would have thought about before. i.e. my Michelangelo analogy.

Aja Mazin Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design.

I would think that a "professional interior designer" would have some small knowledge of the Sistine Chapel.

"The architects were: Pope Sixtus IV, Domenico Fontana, Baccio Pontelli, and Giovannino de Dolci.
Pope Julius II (also known as Giulio II and "Il papa terribile"), requested that Michelangelo paint the chapel ceiling.

Michelangelo was a sculptor. He referred to himself as such, and vastly preferred working with marble to almost anything else that life offered. Prior to the ceiling frescoes, the only painting he'd done was during his brief stint as a student in Ghirlandaio's workshop.

Julius, however, was adamant that Michelangelo - and no other - should paint the chapel ceiling. What Julius wanted, he usually got. "

Your analogy fails and so does your "logic".
http://arthistory.about.com/od/famous_paintings/a/sischap_ceiling.htm

steph8058 If you bring an arch onto your fireplace, you will create visual harmony . You can do this by having your mason form an arch over your rectangular firebox opening in the same stone. I have done this on a project I am working on recently and the effect is beautiful.. By the way, congratulations for taking a risk. Normal is ordinary. Pushing for unique can become extraordinary.

Steph Foley

Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design Aja, it is unfortunate that your comment was so mean spirited, totally non-constructive. I see you are a student of law, but you completely missed the point of my comment!

Actually, I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Interior Design and Honors in Art History, and neither I nor anyone here needed your cut and paste history of the Sistine Chapel as that was not the point being made.

This is a wonderful forum. People come here with dilemmas. And, I love anything, anyone has to say, if it is on point and not with the intention of just being personal. I learn a lot from the professionals and the non- professionals alike.

The contractor has a legitimate viewpoint, and it was HIS personal viewpoint. In my opinion, when it comes to questions of construction, we generally defer to them, and when it comes to questions solving aesthetics they defer to us. Of course this is not an absolute, but that is how we function, generally, in the whole scheme of things. But, again, as Designers generally are not the builders, they are ones that solve the aesthetics. And the problem this person was dealing with is one of of aesthetics.

And, as the comments show, there are many here trying to help her keep her arch in a constructive manner. One among many is Jayme Hobbes. She has excellent advice all of the time. And she gave this homeowner excellent advice, in my opinion

It would be nice to keep the vitriolics out of the forum :o)

Jayme Hobbs No picture posted on this site can show what this area really looks like in person. Our view from our screens likely is not a true picture of the reality of the room. Therefore, I choose to offer suggestions and no more.

collettec I love it. Certainly it's a decorative feature but everything outside of the functional structure is - including stone arches when they are used as decorative features. There's no difference between stone framing arches and other framing door arches, including wood framing as arches, except the material. I think you have a lot of vision and commend you for it - it's going to look gorgeous! Please post pics when it's all finished and put together - would love to see it!

bevballew Definitely unfinished. What about running wood above it? Like a flat paneled wood with same color of stone. Not beadboard but along the lines of a pretty light stained wood, maybe the rest of the wall? What about a beam same color as stone. Or you have to get a stone that acts as the bullnose. One of the above pictures had a beam and it looked great. Run stone to the edge of the wall and then a beam all the way across. Keep us posted. Fp is stunning!

Aja Mazin Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design,

Oh course, you are embarrassed!

blah, blah, blah.....

bevballew I looked at the link given above and to go to the ceiling would take away the beauty of the arch. I think as you decided to get the beams up and then you will be able to tell. Having stone finish by turning the direction of maybe the same stone or a stone same in color will finish it, or I still think a beam would work as I thought it looked good above, of course painted the same as the stone. Not sure if a good idea to go straight across to the right might work. I think the beams up will solidify the final decision. Can't wait to find out what works.

Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design emzc You described it perfectly. I agree in this case it is being used as a framing rather than a support/wall. Makes total sense!

Jayme Hobbs Thank you for the compliment Mary Poulos. I just try to go with the basics and then panic...LOL..Working with what a person has is not always a bad thing..many things are in the eye of the beholder. My work has taught me much about how I view things. And also that we all have something to contribute.

Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design I have noticed you often in the discussions as one of the people who does great research and brings back the very answer that makes me think "she is right". I like the pictures you select, they are perfect.

builper.com It's beautiful, just not finished yet.

Serra Design Inc I have not read all of the comments, however if it has not been said 100 times before I would flush out the surrounding wall with studs and sheet rock and give the appearance of having a really fat wall. I think you should beef up the other door casings left opf the fireplace so the door does not look so wimpy by comparison to the stone entry.

Jayme Hobbs @ MaryPoulos, thank you-Trying to learn as well as contribute. This site has a lot of bright people with varying experiences. I love it when people work together and the "posters" end up with some help or at least good info to help guide them.

Jayme Hobbs I imagined something like this...maybe not the same color, etc...Not trying to re-start a debate or anything!

jjdesignkloos Aja...are you for real?

Jayme Hobbs I hope I didn't incite any problems...I didn't mean to...My work makes me a problem solver..Trying to make logical suggestions that do not entail destroying something before it is even finished. Did I miss something today here?

twylahaj One of the posts by jdkrebs, the one with the design dliemma, asked "So at what point do you put personal preference over design?" My answer would be when you are the one paying the bills and living with the results. Trust your own instincts a little more and remember that things look very different when they are finished. When you envisioned your arch and your fireplace with mantle, you didn't picture them by themselves but in a room completed by paint, window coverings, furniture, lighting, flooring, and both decorative and functional items. When you consider your arch, consider what it will look like with all that in place and with your family living in the room. If, when the room is more or less complete, you find that the arch is overwhelming, you can always balance it out with built-ins at the other end of the wall or massive artwork alongside it. After everything is in place, if you still think the top looks unfinished, you can add to it then or soften the top by how you accessorize. And if all else fails, you can always add a top of some sort in the future. You wanted the arch for a reason. Don't let people scare you away from it. And just think of all the wonderful conversations you can have with folks you are entertaining in your new home about all the various suggestions, insults, ideas, and encouragement you got when posting about your arch.

lessismoore Why am I sure I'm going to regret this? However ...
In the "visualization" of the arch (the computer generated one) It does not have a "chip" out of it in the far left corner near your ceiling. It squares up. In "reality" it has that chunk out in that corner. and it is visually disturbing! In a perfect world (where you get your arch, and I get great proportions ... and a winning lottery ticket) all of this would be "centered" on that wall. If for reasons of electrical/plumbing it can't be, and you still want the arch (with the brick) could you live with a smaller opening and drag the whole thing at least a foot to the right? I don't think any kind of trim will ever make it "square up," it needs to move to the right. The more trim you pile on, the more it will feel "squished" in there.

lessismoore Or even arch the arch and balance the width on the sides?

bevballew After other things are completed, as has been done already at the bottom edge of the curved part why not just finish the top the same?

bevballew Great look lessismoore. I would vote to do what you just did! How smart! Gorgeous!

builder00 Where is this house located? Do you have an exterior picture? It looks very nice! I am working on similar arches in a custom.

builder00 The lessismore photo would look great. The stone mason just needs to put a stone ribbon around the top of the arch like the picture above. It would actually look like part of the wall and therefore, giving the idea of serving as support.

Jayme Hobbs The curve looks great...how about a mason weighing in on how to do it? The stones are large and thick, irregular..curious as to how that work work out.

jdkrebs Lessismore.. how did you do that picture??? That is amazing and boy, would have helped us. That is great idea and I really like that. Not sure they can make the change, but I'm sending it to builder and husband.
Everyone's comments have been very helpful and I read them all.

Serra Design... we did consider building the wall out so it would be "flush" but builder felt like that would take away the 1 foot extra we built into the room and make it seem smaller.. plus, she was a bit afraid that it would look like a "veneer" instead of actual rock.. i don't agree with that. We can always frame that wall out if we decide to, although the dust doing it at the end, woudl be a nightmare.
Anyhow... all the comments are really helpful and we are still in discussion on what to do. Now I promise, I will send completed pics at different stages on the whole house... so I can get commnents of other rooms.

But all along, what I needed was Lessismore's computer skills. I'm sure it's a simple program available.. but not one person in our builder process suggested or provided any of that and I feel like I'm paying 50 people for every step of this project!

bevballew I think the stone itself is gorgeous. Your fp is beautiful. And yes it is what you want and not just what designers think. Hopefully you can round it and your problems will be over. Like someone said it is not finished. I watch hgtv all the time and people get scared and designers say wait till finished and they are right. So once you get the beams up you will be able to discern what to do. Sorry you are going thru this. Will be fun to see end product. Carolyn above always has beautiful suggestions. Top notch!

jdkrebs Builder00---- this house is in Arkansas. I can send you pictures of rest of house if you want... not sure how to do that, but will take some and upload them here.. woudl that work? Not sure when I'll get over there.. some time this week though and will add some pics. What specifically did you want to see?

lessismoore Hi - I used photoshop, but in this case, it could have been any photo editing software. I'm glad to hear that you liked it and maybe it was useful. I don't know how much prep your stone folk put into calculating materials for the arch, but I think that they needed to calculate that more carefully. From your initial design rendering, there are those subtle differences (the depth of the bricks too, your final stone juts out more than the rendering) so that too makes it feel a bit off. Plus, the brick in the rendering is all similarly sized, especially for working with the height, while the limestone is far more random. You would almost have to grid that out, piece by piece, on the floor to not have it go a bit "off." But hey, the fireplace looks perfect!

Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design I think your builder was correct in thinking if the stone was flush, it might look more like a veneer. For me personally, given the size of the room etc., I like seeing the mass of the stone. In the inspiration home with the used brick, it did not have enough mass, and it looked just like a veneer. Do like Lessismoores arch, and I am great with the way it is as it mirrors the rectangularity of the fireplace. I think arch makes the two not work together as well.

collettec I agree with Mary. The arch isn't there by itself, and mirroring the arch of the doorway - it's mirroring and balancing the large stone fireplace which is rectangular and has a squared off top at the ceiling. I think going with the square was the right choice and don't think it would work as well in reference to the fireplace with a rounded arch. If you round it, you are tying it visually to the arch of the doorway instead of to the top of, and shape of the fireplace stone surround. I would consider working with what you have and finishing with painting, etc. If you don't like it you can always remove stone to reshape, but it would be harder to rebuild and reform.

Aja Mazin Because of the nature of stone versus brick, this seems to be a standard design for a stone arch.

collettec There is no standard. There are pictures. They are not a "standard". The nature of the stone fireplace in this room is square. The nature of design is balance.

Penny Construction My Two Cents: The original used a 4" brick, it appears that the stone sticks out maybe 7 or 8 inches. The original one had the top of the brick coming out of the "line" where the wall and the ceiling meet, so the "line" of the room follows the line of the brick. The new one is 6 inches or so above the wall/ceiling line. So the thickness makes it look bulky and then the room line does not flow. Don't know the plan, but if you put a 10"deep bookcase on the right side, that would make the stone look recessed. You could mortar between the stone and the bookcase or put a piece of cabinet trim on the side of the bookcase to hide the "joint". On the top, you need to re-establish the line of the room of the wall and ceiling. The top of the bookcase could extend over the top of the stone to intersect with the wall ceiling line, an L shaped piece that on the bottom would re-establish the wall/ceiling line and tall enough to give the top line some strength across the top of the stone, the bookcase and beyond.

builder00 Jdkrebs i really like the rustic floors from the house with the brick arch from above. Do you know what kind it is and brand. As far as the photos, just curious to what the exterior looks like and the over exterior style.

lewis + smith I think the real problem is that the archway opening has no real relationship to the actual architecture of the building. the opening seems somewhat arbitrary when taken in context with the rest of the space. While capping it with something might make it seem more finished, I don't think it will make it seem any more resolved from a design point of view. I would probably skin the entire wall in the same stone to avoid the half finished feel of it.

Aja Mazin jdkrebs.

You previously stated that:

"It's not just painters though--- our interior decorator doesn't like it either. She wasn't crazy about it from the beginning."

What does your interior decorator think now?

You are paying her for her expert, experienced opinion.

Aja Mazin emzc,

Rather than "standard" or "usual", I should have said most commonly used when architects and designers choose stone to be used in interior arches.

PYRAMID DESIGN GROUP Since the arch is not in the center of the wall and there is a funny transition from the stone to the ceiling I suggest making the entire wall of stone. THis will make a much more successful design statement.

mcbriec I think the stone in its current configuration makes the room look extremely unbalanced and that the stone should either continue all the way across the wall at its current height, or most of the stone should be removed, leaving only stone "trim" around the arch. If you keep the stone as is, I would definitely try to put something very high and substantial next to it to make it appear less unbalanced.

Aja Mazin Here is a design ending the stone BELOW the point where the inward angle of the ceiling begins and uses trim to give the design a more "finished" look.

Rosemarie Penny Construction has the perfect solution, if you still think it looks incomplete. I love the stone and think you had a wonderful idea . I also know that it has cost a small fortune so tearing it down is just plain impractical and if putting in the bookcase adds too much to the cost then skip that too. You have what you like--stone--its your home, love it ! So much changes your perceptions during construction--first it looks small then big, back and forth..to plain to not enug. Just take a deep breath , changes during construction can add up to big dollars. I loved my design work but what I loved equally was helping the client get thro the build, a little hand holding is called for :) Trust your Designer and builder and yourself a little more--they have done this a hundred times or more and know how emotional this build and remodel process is. You will love it when you're done and have the final accessory placed !

Amy Stanley I have to admit I was wondering what solution your interior designer was suggesting? Since the room is incomplete I don't see how you can decide what to do or if you need to do anything to the arch. The beams and paint will make a difference. Where is your design photo I am thinking there must have been a completed plan showing a finished space?

Aja Mazin Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design,

"At some point the owner felt convinced by a designer and/or a builder that this would look great in her home. I believe that was the builder/designers true opinion, and probably is still now."

We can not assume this.

To be factually accurate and for the record, the owner previously stated that:

"It's not just painters though--- our interior decorator doesn't like it either. She wasn't crazy about it from the beginning."

My take away from this is two-fold:

1.] there is an inherent danger in attempting to recreate a specific design in different materials and expecting to achieve a similar effect;

2. ] although architects, builders, and interior designers have different functions, they must work as a team
to produce the home desired by the client. A disagreement should act as a red flag, indicating that more
consideration is needed.

Sue So Nothing like a visual to help you decide. I would use software to 'paint' the picture and see what helps define it, including decor on the wall to the right (when looking at it) to balance it out. No use in tearing it down b/c "it could have been better" otherwise. There are some things that can't be saved but this doesn't seem like one of them.

Tarey Cullen Ironwood Builders made an excellent observation. " things exist for a reason" . The eye wants to complete the structure, and, as you have not finished the construction it is even more difficult to see the finished wall.
Because the archway is to the left of center, it will need balance on the right side. Perhaps a bookshelf or an area framed with same wood as beams with a set of cabinets below ( wet bar ?) and add large framed object inside that framed area with proper spot lighting. The arch will work with the future ceiling beams you mentioned. Framing to blend will complete the connection.
Although it's rough sketch you can get a sense of the balance with wood added. Hope this helps.
Good eye ironwood. my guess you know where I'm going here.

Sue So Tarey you rock! Nothing helps like a visual! p.s. what program do you use?

Rosemarie Tarey---excellent !

Aja Mazin I wanted to see a comparison.

IMO the stone extends up too high.
It should end just below the "ceiling line" as does the "inspiration" design.

Aja Mazin The "inspiration" design compared with the existing arch.

rouxb Yep, the stone is about a course too high-my only issue with the application. I like it and think once the room is complete it won't be all that egregious. And I like it much much better than the round top suggestion for this room.

soberg Your pale stone arch is 50x better than the awkward brick example from the magazine. Still, I am seeing that architecturally, all is not quite well. Form should follow function. Stone supports beams, pilasters or dome, not just drywall. I don't know how to fix this and if it were mine, I would call it done and love it as it is. The stone is beautiful and well-executed, just a bit extracontextual somehow....

yvesun I would have just arched it and not have made it square or made sure when they installed the arch it was centred. I love the fireplace!

Jayme Hobbs I still think the pic is making it look awkward than it prob. does in person...it is at an angle and making the left side look more cramped than it prob. looks in person..the white, unfinished wall isn't helping the appearance either...

rosiegabby I have not read all the comments but the curved line created by the arch seems out of balance with the ceiling angles. Doesn't work. I think the more you enhance this you just draw more attention to it.

Naomi Frash I think it's great. You've made the design your own. And, it sounds like, it is going to go with the colours that you have chosen for your walls.

OnePlan I think that the stone you have chosen is quite beautiful !
The arch - as it stands right now is the only curved item in the room - that's because the room is empty !!
When the room is finished and you have furnished it you will wonder why you worried about it !!

K.O.H. Construction Corporation Jd. I am a Master Mason. I've built many unique masonry structures. The craftsmanship of the stone looks very nice. I also agree with Ironwood and Steve. These things need a reason, an arch needs to hold something up. The brick arch is not appropriate either, it doesn't serve a purpose. I don't like the idea of tearing it down rather enhance it's purpose. Tary with Ironwoods suggestion posted a drawing that suggest building out the wall above the arch and beefing up the right side. Don't discard this, it is a good idea. I suggest spending some time searching and talking to the others on this particular idea. Don't despair, these ppl are good at what they do. Even Aja has a an idea every so often.

anne dee Redundant....

apennameandthata If you lay some railway track the arch will look like form is following function. But then some pedant would ask where the train was and whinge that, from an architectural point of view, form should follow function.

bevballew Love the word pedant. Looked it up in the dictionary. I need to use it in my vocabulary. I hear ya!

Aja Mazin There is excessive whinging on Houzz.

jjdesignkloos Aja--how true.

bojaby I think it is beautiful! The limestone gives a light feeling to a heavy product. Gray or charcoal will be the perfect wall color. My only question is, do you really want beams? I am afraid they may distract from the focal points in the room. If you do choose beams I would have them just a bit darker than the walls and not wood. However, I think the bottom line in building and decorating is to go with what you love. Your painters and masons will soon be gone and you will be left to live there. I learned the hard way on a remodel when I let the contractor make a lot of decisions. He made choices I would not have..

eagledzines I would do the whole area behind the structure, as marked in red, the ceiling as well, in the limestone, that is, behind the wall. It would make it look like the building was built around the cube and the fact that it is a course or two higher than the whole would not then look so out of place. Everyone seems to be looking at this in 1-D, at the wall itself. Look at it in 3-D.

I would not cap or put a soldier row across the top since that would draw attention away from the cube. Also, use stone face floor in that cube. Also, I don't think that balancing the wall is the solution. The solution is creating a space within a space, a cube that gives the eye a cohesive reason for the stone to be there.

Any bookcases, balancing, paint issues are secondary and come later to the construction at this point. Once this is solved, the interior decorators can do their magic.

bevballew I wonder what stage they are at now? We have not yet seen the progression of work so far completed. Some things must have changed.

Jayme Hobbs I want to know the status of this work of art!

Southwest Greens of New York Is there any progress on this project? I'd like to see the finished details! :-)

bevballew This soap opera needs an update. What a fascinating and interesting project!

Brown Bros. Masonry I would continue the stone up to the ceiling so that it looks like a structural stone bearing wall.

MyCraftWork, LLC Looks beautiful!!

Jayme Hobbs Wondering where this thing is at

Aja Mazin Over 3 weeks ago, jdkrebs commented:

"Anyhow... all the comments are really helpful and we are still in discussion on what to do. Now I promise, I will send completed pics at different stages on the whole house... so I can get commnents of other rooms."

sweetnoor No.

jdkrebs Sorry for no update in awhile--- was getting overwhelmed on feedback. Things are rolling along - will update pics soon when farther along. We like it and as paint and rest of beams continue to go in, we are really pleased. This arch in limestone - instead of brick- was our idea and so we weren't sure how it would turn out-- probably would have framed wall out to bulk it up so arch would not stick out as much if we could do over and made built in niche on wall to right maybe to take advantage of the framed thicker wall...but overall love the arch and so glad we didn't tear it down. Builder suggested we wait and see when interior is done-- good advice. It would be a pain to frame out wall now probably-- but let's see when done.
Will update with pics... Right now house is full of paint fumes. Thx again for all the help and I will update.

rouxb And the feedback was certainly overwhelming so I can appreciate the need to step back. In the end the only thing that matters is that YOU love it so congrats! As to the new photos, it would wise to remember that if the homeowners love the result there is no need to re-hash whatever it was that wasn't to our own individual style, taste or expertise. Climbing down...

jjdesignkloos thanks so much for the update!!

Jayme Hobbs Sounds like you are happy, glad to hear! Would love to see pics!

Madeline Like Jayme, jjdesignkloos and everyone else, I'm anxiously awaiting photos. I've bookmarked your post. I'd actually enjoy seeing anything that has to do with your build. Good luck and try to find time to relax your brain.

Aja Mazin Perhaps we will see stalactites and stalagmites and other beautiful formations that are commonly found in limestone caves.

LOL

drpetemcd I would have ferred the wall out to make it look as though it actually supports the structure rather than slapping it on the outside of a wall. Ie. the outer surface would be almost flush with the wall minus an inch or two which would be achieved by the thickness of the stone