Wednesday, April 21, 2010

MAKEOVER time!

True Mantle Confessions:
The Boredom Files

Here, in all it's non-glory, is my fireplace: Ugh. Blah. Ick.
I'm SO over it.

The Details:

  • Builder-white walls. Can't paint because I rent and don't want to invest in painting 20 foot high walls that don't belong to me. Also, am lazy.

  • White fireplace. See above.

  • White mirror. Scared to commit to another color... but ready for a change.

  • Cream scrolly iron candlesticks. Disappear into wall color, time to paint.

  • Gold-y candlesticks. Yawn. Need new paint.

  • Red candles. Never burned. Also yawn. Wrap in pretty paper maybe?

  • Red votive holders. (One somehow moved to wrong side of clock, grrr.) Glow prettily when lit, but kinda bored with them. Re-vamp?

  • Valentine's heart decorations. Oh, so lazy! Take them down!

  • Little blue birdy. LOVE! Keep in new mantle-scape!

  • Grandma's antique clock. LOVE! MUST stay where it is.

  • Almost perfectly symmetrical set-up. Yuck. I want excitement, and this is not it.
(click photos to biggify)

The bottom of the fireplace... hmmm. I love the screen, the fireplace itself isn't working right now, so I light the tealights in the fireplace screen instead (pretty!). Definite keep. Fireplace tools are clearly not needed, but I like pretending. The little basket holds scented pine cones, but I think I can do better.
The Challenge:

  • Spend as little money as possible.

  • Repurposing and re-vamping are a must.

  • Use what I have on hand: books, paper, paint, decorations that have no home
Think I can do it?
~
I'll share my progress with you here- I plan to start playing with elements today. Spray painting and rummaging through my house are on the immediate agenda! I can't wait to show you what I come up with!
~
Have you re-made a mantel lately? Have one you CANNOT STAND like I do? I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment, and if you've blogged about it, link it baby!
~
And, as always, I'm happy for any tips you lovelies wish to share. Trust me, I need the help.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I wish we had a fireplace and a mantle. The last house we lived in had one and I miss it. Dullsville.. made me laugh. Oh, and biggify too. ha ha

Frugal Home Designs said...

Can't wait to see what you come up with. I think mantles are the hardest to decorate. I think mine might be even more lame than yours!

Susan Schrock said...

What about one or two pretty hurricane lanterns filled with river stones that you nestle a pillar candle inside of? It would more weight to your mantle than the light scroll holders.

Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic said...

I like how you think! Will be back to watch your progress.
Mantles are so hard.
Rose

Fire Restoration West Coon Rapids said...

Thanks, great post.

Related Posts with Thumbnails