The Shabby Creek Cottage

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The DIY fireplace mantel

old fireplace

I’ve always admired my friend Beth’s love of decorating her mantel. She plays with it to satisfy her decorating hunger, and I adore the way she uses it as her own personal canvas. My wonky old fireplace was tricky to decorate – not because it was ugly, but it was slanted. Stuff would just slide right off. But, my friends, no more.

broken tile

Last week I told Mr. SCC that it was time. I was ready to tackle pulling out the old, non-functioning insert, take down the shelf, rip out the tile and basically start from scratch.

wood mantle Each time we start a project, we buy a few extra pieces of wood. You never know when a small mistake can set you back 2 hours to go buy another 1×8. (Oh the luxury of living in the country!) All leftovers go into our “wood savings,” then can be used on the next project. There was enough to build our entire mantel without buying a single extra piece – gotta love use what you have projects!

Simple 1x8s and 1x6s framed out the columns and structure, and a stair runner was used for the top. Stock crown molding and simple trim helped to give it a little detail. All the components were cheap solutions for whatever projects they were originally intended for – we rarely go all out.

behr dragonfly

We did, however, have to purchase two sheets of beadboard to go on the walls. Slowly, but surely, every wall is getting the striped stuff that I just can’t seem to get enough of.  A couple of coats of Hawaiian Sky later, I moved on to painting the mantel.do it yourself fire place

The mantle part got the dark greeny blue – and the “firebox” surround was coated with the same plain white as my trim. A good brush and steady hand was all it took – no taping off here 🙂beach cottage fireplaceAnd there she is – in all her glory! My favorite little birdcage fit perfectly into the firebox (which is a wood surround painted a dark grey called Cracked Pepper).

aqua bead board

We decided to use leftover flooring from the kitchen for the hearth – free off cuts, and it makes the rooms more cohesive. Win-win!

wood distressing

Mr. SCC accidentally dropped the mantle on the gravel floor, even before it was painted. That’s ok though! I love the age appeal it adds 🙂

cottage mantle

I’m not quite finished playing with decorating – but I’m loving the simple elegance of just a few key pieces. Ikea Watering Can

Peach tree blossoms in an Ikea watering can (bought on my recent trip to Ikea with Cha Cha) gives me that farmhouse feel I love.aqua blue mercury glass

My addiction to mercury glass candlesticks finally came in useful!

peach blossoms See the beautiful imperfections?

shabby chic fireplace

Paint colors for DIY fireplace mantel: Wall – Hawaiian Sky (Dutch Boy); Mantel – Dragonfly (Behr); Trim – Stock White (Behr); Flooring – Jacobean (MinWax)

 

 

Filed Under: DIY

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Comments

  15. Gina, that is a fantastic transformation.

    I would like to do the same thing with my fugly fireplace insert, but I’m wondering about something; how do you prevent cold/hot air from coming down the chimney, into your home?

    Reply

  18. I love it! If you are writing a book, this should go in it — maybe even on the cover! It sure would make me pick up a volume & look through it!
    Perfection, here in the Northeast, would include some kind of heat source. Still, I would nearly call it that! 🙂

    Reply

  22. You did that so fast! It’s wonderful. I can’t see any imperfections, only perfect memories. (too sappy? sorry)

    The colors are great. I built my own mantle a couple of years ago and I love fixing it up and changing it. You’re going to have such a good time with yours! Lisa~

    Reply

  29. Wow, Gina! It’s just gorgeous! I love the transformation! And I had to laugh about your husband dropping the mantle and “aging” it for ya! My husband frequently hauls furniture projects from one room to another for me and has a habit of bumping into doors and things. He either says “now it’s distressed,” or “you’re going for the shabby chic look, right?” Nice.
    Thank you for hosting your fun party!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

    Reply

  32. AWESOME!! loving the new mantel!! i absolutely adore the color you chose and the simple yet beautiful decorations you put after it’s finished, mind blowing, love it love it love it!! can’t wait to see the living room when ur finished! x

    Reply

  33. Wow, I’ve just stumbled across your site and I love it!! Please can you come and decorate my house?? I will definitely be taking tips of here!
    Sam xx

    Reply

  40. I was SO excited to see your transformed fireplace mantel, and it was SO worth the wait! The paint colors you chose for the bead board and mantel, compliment each other so beautifully. I love the accents you’ve added so far too. The reflective metal watering can, and the soft pink blossoms, really add lovely touches to the overall color palette. Job well done!! As my husband says, “You’ve got to be happy with that.” ; )

    I linked up here this week, with a post that is actually being featured for ‘All Things Inspired’ this week. “An Old Ladder, With a New Purpose”. I didn’t know it would be such a hit over there at ‘All Things Heart & Home” when I linked up (happy surprise!), but I had planned on linking up here with it this week before, because it is a ‘real transformation’ of something in our home, much like your fireplace/mantel. (It was scary too!) So I’m sharing it one more time.

    Reply

  58. WOW!! What a transformation – AND party!! I love the refreshing Spring look you’ve got goin’ on!! Thanks for hosting!

    😀 Lynda

    Reply

  60. It is beautiful, Gina! I didn’t think it was at all bad before, but the difference is remarkable! You must be so pleased. The colors are gorgeous. Good job, lady (and Mr. SCC)!

    Best,

    Kimberly

    Reply

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