8.05.2014

from formal to cozy: mantel transformation

I've never been a huge fan of our fireplace mantel.  Something has always been off, but I could never quite put my finger on it.  The other day, I was looking at it and it donned on me...I'm drawn to things that are more casual and natural, but our mantel piece is super formal.  

BEFORE

In order for my mantel to be de-formalized (is that a word?), I had to change the finish and remove the scrolly thing.


 Oh...why not?  I put the scrolly thing on one of my picture frames.  Yes? No?


 After my fireplace was sanded and primed, I painted it with left over paint from my kitchen cabinet redo.  When the paint dried, I lightly brushed some walnut stain onto the mantel.  Next, I took a t-shirt rag and rubbed the tiles with the stain.  Then, I used the t-shirt rag and rubbed the mantel to blend the brush strokes.


One day, I'd love to have a stone fireplace with wooden mantel piece like this...
I suppose this little fix could pacify me until the day we can remodel.

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10 comments:

  1. Lisa PrayAugust 5, 2014 at 12:12 PM

    I love that you didn't just remove the scrolly thing, but you totally repurposed it and put it somewhere else!

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  2. Courtney SweetAugust 5, 2014 at 12:54 PM

    I almost spit out my iced coffee when I read formal scrolly thing =) Great job reusing it though. I'm sure I would have tossed it. Looks great. Glossy white is just so unfriendly. Much better!

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  3. Julie JoyAugust 5, 2014 at 1:03 PM

    How awesome! I would have never thought to use stain! What a great idea! And I love how you re used that scrolly "thing" ;)

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  4. leaculpAugust 5, 2014 at 8:16 PM

    Another good job! Totally changed the look and it looks great! And, love the new home for the "scrolly thing."

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  5. Leslie @ Our Joy...His GloryAugust 6, 2014 at 12:00 AM

    Thanks, Lea! I'm super happy with it and glad it didn't cost me a dime. Also...thanks for your sweet comments. They always make me smile. I've been following your blog for some time and always love your posts!

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  6. Leslie @ Our Joy...His GloryAugust 6, 2014 at 12:04 AM

    The scrolly thing was put to good use! :)

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  7. Leslie @ Our Joy...His GloryAugust 6, 2014 at 12:05 AM

    LOL!!! I know...I don't know what else to call that thing. It's definitely not my taste...but I think it works elsewhere.

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  8. Leslie @ Our Joy...His GloryAugust 6, 2014 at 12:05 AM

    That's my thoughts too, Lisa...Why waste a perfectly good "scrolly thing"!

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  9. Tiffany NagyAugust 8, 2014 at 7:36 PM

    i love the redo! Looks great :)

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  10. Leslie @ Our Joy...His GloryAugust 11, 2014 at 10:39 AM

    Thanks, Tiffany!!!! I've been loving all of the things y'all have been tackling in preparation for the new baby. Can't wait to see how eveything turns out!

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I'd love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment.

For our joy and His glory,

Leslie

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