My Fireplace Mantel Makeover

It’s been a long time since I’ve participated in Between Naps on the Porch’s Metamorphosis Monday. Welcome if you are visiting!

This is a post on my fireplace mantle re-do. The mantel in my family has annoyed me for a long time. It had no character. It didn’t do anything for my revolving artwork and accessories. No pizzaz. The finish on the whole wall of bookcases(not shown) and the mantle were a reddish-brown stain, and the wood is oak. I’m not a huge fan of oak. The opposite side of this fireplace is our kitchen, in a dark cherrywood.

I debated a long time of whether or not to paint the mantle, bookcases, or both. Resale value of our home was the biggest factor, as people around here still prefer wood (even oak). Well, we’ve come to the conclusion that we’re not moving anytime soon as we are pretty settled in our neighborhood. So, testing the waters, I mentioned to my husband that the whole wall of built-ins and mantle were not doing anything for me. He agreed that it was looking dated, and that I could paint everything if I wanted… I love my husband….he has no fear of paint. :)

I decided to start with the mantle first. This was my inspiration:

Ledge from Pottery Barn

Here is a before of the mantle:

After much distressing, and layering of colors to achieve a worn, chippy look, here are the after pics:

I know this isn’t the look for everyone, but I love it, and I think my artwork looks so much better! Best of all, my husband loves it as well!

I will write a post this week on how I achieved this chippy look. Thanks for visiting, and check out all the other great makeovers on Metamorphosis Mondays at Between Naps on the Porch!