Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Fireplace mantle make over

Yes! Finally a post from yours truly. No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Just keeping busy with a 2 month who the past couple of days, has decided that the only way she can sleep is in my arms. 

Recently, I found a website called Houzz.com, which I love. There is a section called Design Dilemma, where you can post a picture or question about your house, and designers will weigh in with their suggestions. 

I've always had problems with my mantle decor. Like, I've never been able to figure it out. There are so many beautiful mantle decor pictures on Pinterest, and still, mine just looks like a catch all for whatever home decor crap I shove up there. 


This is it at its best. Lame and usually littered with toys which I shoved out of the way cleaned up. 



So I posted my question on Houzz, and they all said the same thing. The mantle is too small and the wrong style for all the stone. I noticed on Pinterest, that whenever someone had a huge fireplace with a crap ton of stone, they all had a simple beam mantle. Found this blog post on pinterest, showed it to hubby, and he loved it. I was never able to find the thin veneer that she used, and the guy at Home Depot didn't know what it was, so I skipped that part. 

Now, apparently I've forgotten how to blog, since I didn't take half of the pics that I wanted. Lame, right?

First thing we did was pull down the top trim piece, which made a HUGE difference. Hubby and I have always hated it, but never thought to take it down. 




Then I painted the ceiling that needed it. 



And can I just say, 12 feet doesn't sound that tall, but when you're up on a ladder, painting at 4 in the morning, it's pretty damn tall. 

Next I hit up Home Depot, and found some wood that I liked. It was called whitewood and I found it in the lumber section with all of the tall, straight boards. 


I bought one 

1x10 at 6 feet long
one 1x8 at 8 feet long
one 1x8 at 6 feet long. 

I made sure that the boards were straight and had some pretty knots in them. I had them all cut to 67 inches, which would give me 4 inches of room on each side when installed on my stone. I made sure to keep my scrap pieces, since I knew that I'd want to use the scrap piece of the 1x8 to cap off the sides. Then it was as simple and making a box. After I attached the 1x8's to the 1x10 with some wood glue and screws, I measured the sides and had hubby cut my scrap piece to cap off the side. Those were around 7-8 inches. In this pic, I had the sides just sitting in there, which is why they look wonky. 




Then I beat the crap out of distressed it, concentrating on the front (since that's all you'll really see). Some spots I hit with a hammer, some with a screwdriver. On some of the edges, I let the dremmel with a drill bit gouge out some of the wood. 



Then I filled in the screw holes and all the seams with stainable wood filled, and after that dried, I sanded the crap out of it and made it super smooth and worn. 

Then came time for staining after I applied the wood conditioner. The whitewood is super soft, and I wanted to make sure it took the stain evenly. The color I used was "dark walnut". This was one coat that I let sit for a couple of minutes. I ended up doing one more coat of stain, because you can always add more, you can't take it away. Which is why I tend to err on being too light than too dark. 



While I was doing that, hubby disassembled the mantle inside. I swear, this thing was built to withstand a nuclear bomb, it took a while to pull it all apart. 



Again, there should be a picture here to show what it looked like after we pulled off the decorative pieces, but imagine a wooden box built around some 2x4's. 

Then it was as simple as sliding on the box that I made, screwing it into the box that was already there, go drop $40 on candles at Walmart, and voila! (I've seen somewhere where a lady bought cheap drinking glasses, covered them in contact paper, and they looked like candles for a lot cheaper. But I'm an instant gratification kind of gal. Plus, with it being at eye level, I was worried that it would be obvious if I tried to fake candles). 



And since we all love a good before and after shot...





I think I spent $70ish bucks on this for the candles, the wood and stainable wood filler (I had the stain and screws already). I love it, and surprisingly, it's one of the only few projects that hubby and I both love. I'll call this project 99% finished, since I need to get some wood for the fireplace, and the wood grate holder thingy down from the attic. 

Whatcha think? 

Let's party like it's 1999...

38 people love me:

Sam | Away She Went said... [Reply to comment]

It looks great! And definitely fits the fireplace better. The stain color is perfect. I'm always worried about it being too dark too. I need to do something about my fireplace/mantle too, but it keeps getting pushed further down the to-do list. One of these days...

SkinnyMeg said... [Reply to comment]

Muuuuuuch better! You did an awesome job and J should totally let you take over the house now because that looks awesome!

Janice said... [Reply to comment]

Jen, it looks REALLY great! I love it.

Junky Vagabond said... [Reply to comment]

Awesome job! It's much better than the old mantle - Houzz is the bomb, isn't it?

Accidentally Wonderful said... [Reply to comment]

I need to do this to my fireplace! I’d love it if you’d share this at my linky party! http://accidentallywonderful.blogspot.com/p/inspiration.html

Ness said... [Reply to comment]

LOVE IT! What a difference it makes! You and DH did a phenomenal job. So glad you'll be able to enjoy it in the months to come.

luvGodncountry said... [Reply to comment]

I love this!! I can't believe how easy it appeared to look to be able to do. We were thinking of doing the same for my parents house. Thanks for sharing. I would love to feature this on my Fireplace Decorating blog. Let me know if you would be interested.

Here is my blog (currently down for updating but will be back up tomorrow and you can email anytime) thanks for the consideration.
http://www.brick-anew.com/blog/

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Fritz said... [Reply to comment]

I noticed on Pinterest, that whenever someone had a huge fireplace with ... holdersfireplace.blogspot.com

HealthTips said... [Reply to comment]

See also more and compare for best prices deals for Fireplace Compare here!

Elizabeth J. Neal said... [Reply to comment]

Napoleon's Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces do not require a chimney and can be vented directly through a wall or roof. ethanolfireplaceshop

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

Awesome! What kind of stone is that? I know you didn't do anything to it but I love the stone.

Amelia Harris said... [Reply to comment]

Your fireplace pics are excellent looking... I hope it will look nice when complete. Thanks for sharing your fireplace construction pics fireplace Winnipeg

Joe said... [Reply to comment]

Thanks for sharing the information Jen. I liked your new Fireplace Mantel looked amazing and beautiful because of its color. Fabulous picture...

Marble Fireplace Mantel

HowardGrace said... [Reply to comment]

Needed to write you one bit of word just to give thanks yet again for your personal gorgeous things you have contributed on this page. It's quite incredibly generous of people like you to give extensively just what most people would've offered for sale for an e-book to earn some profit for their own end, certainly given that you could have done it if you ever wanted. These advice as well worked to be the good way to be sure that many people have similar eagerness similar to my own to know the truth significantly more when considering this problem. I'm sure there are millions of more enjoyable sessions ahead for those who see your website. non combustible fireplace mantel

ZEALSOLUTION said... [Reply to comment]

Thanks for taking time for sharing this article, it was excellent and very informative. Its really very useful of all of users. I found a lot of informative stuff in your article. Keep it up. Online Effluent Monitoring System

Michael A. Gutierrez said... [Reply to comment]

I love to see your blog and keep posting your blog in future also.
round bed sheets

Tony G. Frank said... [Reply to comment]

Very interesting blog and I read this blog and I am curious to read this type of blog in future keep posting us.
round bed sheets

Howard Philips said... [Reply to comment]

What's the best way to express your thoughts.Thank you for your blog.
camper bed sheets

kerry eason said... [Reply to comment]

Awesome and interesting blog.
burgundy bedding

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

Thanks for posting this blog, i am very impressed with your blog and it is very useful for me and other. Please visit at "comfort beddings", i hope it be prove useful for you.

king size waterbed sheets
waterbed sheets

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

You made an article that is interesting.You are so amazing. thank you for sharing informative blog.

waterbed sheets
king size waterbed sheets

Charlie Oscar said... [Reply to comment]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful blog. Click here for - Marble fireplace

QuickBooks Error Support Number said... [Reply to comment]

Nice Blog !
Our team at Quickbooks Customer Service Number never misses any deadline for delivering high-quality service in the midst of a crisis.

Shapemyhoouse said... [Reply to comment]

You Are Looking for the best construction company in Delhi,
Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida,
Faridabad then Welcome To Shape My House -
A Residential and Commercial Property Reliable Delhi construction company.
We proved that Shape My House is the leading brand among top construction companies in Delhi.



shapemyhouse.com

Buygenmeds said... [Reply to comment]
This comment has been removed by the author.
Buygenmeds said... [Reply to comment]

thank you providing the information. I thought the colour of your new fireplace mantel made it seem amazing and beautiful. wonderful image.
we are sharing Buygenmeds
Vidalista is a prescription medicine used to treat impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, in males (ED). Fildena is more effective and so sells more.

Modafinila said... [Reply to comment]

Thank you for sharing such great content.
Buy Armodafinil 150mg to treat sleep Apnea.

Powpills said... [Reply to comment]

Similar to Viagra, Cenforce 100 could be a phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitor. At the minuscule level, genital organs have synapses—cyclic nucleoside monophosphate (cGMP). The job of this unique neurochemical is to go approximately as a scaffold between the mind and moreover the penis. Because it sends the message concerning sexual incitement, the mind reacts by way of erection the penis.

Powpills said... [Reply to comment]

Vidalista 20mg might be a medication want to treat disorder in guys. On the off threat which you expect to get Vidalista 20 mg online, here Powpills is one a number of the preeminent famous online drug sellers for furnishing diverse forms of remedy with the exceptional price. In the occasion which you don’t desire to search for at the net, it’s covered to purchase at a clinical keep.

Powpills said... [Reply to comment]

Fildena 100 is one of the leading normal manufacturers of Sildenafil citrate, and it's miles available in nearly all the pharmacy shops, you could easily discover one near you. If you want to shop for Fildena on-line, you could visit various online pharmacies that deliver Fildena at your doorsteps and come up with exciting offers and extraordinary reductions.

sophijohn said... [Reply to comment]

Cenforce 150mg is prescribed to men who experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity, a condition known as erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil citrate helps improve blood flow to the penis, enabling a stronger and longer-lasting erection.
Read More: Cenforce 100mg |Cenforce 120mg

arrowmeds said... [Reply to comment]

Cenforce 100 mg is a prescription containing sildenafil citrate, used to treat erectile brokenness (ED). It has a place with the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, elevating expanded blood stream to the penis during sexual excitement. This outcomes in improved and delayed erections, assisting men with ED accomplish and keep a good sexual encounter. Cenforce 100 is accessible in tablet structure, commonly required orally around 30-an hour prior sexual movement. It's fundamental to adhere to recommended measurements guidelines and counsel a medical services proficient for proper utilization. Secondary effects might incorporate migraines, flushing, or stomach related distress, so careful use is encouraged.

sophijohn said... [Reply to comment]

Prior to utilizing Cenforce 120mg, seeking the counsel of a healthcare professional is crucial, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications. This consultation ensures that the medication is a suitable and safe choice, taking into account individual health circumstances and potential interactions.
Read More: Cenforce 150mg

Coupons Studio said... [Reply to comment]

"I want to applaud your commitment to fostering a positive and respectful online community. Your blog not only educates but also encourages meaningful discussions. Thank you for creating a space where diverse opinions are valued."
davannis coupons

Coupons Studio said... [Reply to comment]

The Fireplace Mantle Makeover is stunning! It's incredible how a few changes can transform the whole room. For those inspired to revamp their own space, https://couponsstudio.blogspot.com/ might offer discounts on home decor items, making it easier to achieve a beautiful mantle like the one showcased in the blog.

Discount Drift said... [Reply to comment]

The Fireplace Mantle Makeover is stunning! It's amazing how a simple update can transform the whole room. For those inspired to revamp their own space, https://discountdrift.blogspot.com/ could offer discounts on home decor items, making it easier to achieve a beautiful mantle like the one showcased in the blog.

Nadia Adams said... [Reply to comment]

The Fireplace Mantle Makeover is stunning! It's amazing how a simple update can transform the whole room. For those inspired to revamp their own space, https://krazycouponclub0.blogspot.com/ could offer discounts on home decor items, making it easier to achieve a beautiful mantle like the one showcased in the blog.