Sunday, August 22, 2010

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:


pbledge


Ledge from Pottery Barn



Here is a before of the mantle:


fireplaceledgebefore


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


fbafter2



fbafter3



fpafter4

fpafter5


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!

9 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

It looks wonderful. I love your chippy paint job. Beautiful. Hugs, Marty

Dandelion and Daisy said...

Great job of "shabbying" the mantle. It really lightens up the firplace and, yes, your painting shows up so much better. You are a very talented artist, as well as, decorator.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

WOW...what an awesome looking makeover...you did a wonderful job on it!!!

Blessings,
Linda

Hop over and enter my GIVEAWAY…I think you will like it!

Mary said...

Your mantel looks better than the inspiration piece! You are very talented!

Mary

Gloria said...

Greetings! I just found your blog. LOVE your mantle. LOVE your ART!!! Good luck to you, you deserve to be recognized and famous!
Best regards,
Gloria
P.S. If I wasn't laid off from my job, I would purchase one of your art/paintings!

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Love the mantel. Great job!

Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block said...

Wow! I love how light and bright it is now -- your painting is wonderful, too! Great redo!!

René said...

The new texture and finish looks great against the brick. Very nice.

-Rene

Atticmag said...

Don't know about IRL but in the photo the color change in the mantel seems to bring out more of the white in the brick -- the brick looks lighter (optical effect I expect).
Very nice transformation.

Good news! We're staring a Friday Giveaway link-up party this Fri. 8/27 plus we are giving away custom backsplash! Please join us. Jane F.