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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)

 

 


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Filed Under: DIY

About Gina Luker

Gina Luker is a writer, photographer and lover of all things quirky. She's usually found with a drill in one hand and a cocktail in the other while blogging along the way. She's addicted to coffee, polka dots, rock stars, Instagram, and everything aqua.

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Comments

  1. Lina - Fancy Frugal Life says

    March 24, 2011 at 12:58 am

    That blue color is awsome! Great makeover 🙂
    Thanks for hosting!

    Lina-Fancy Frugal Life

    Lina

    Reply
  2. Lindy says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:01 am

    I love, love, love the new mantle!

    Reply
  3. HoosierHomemade says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:01 am

    Amazing transformation! Love it!
    Thanks for hosting!
    ~Liz

    Reply
  4. Decorchick! says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:05 am

    Gina that is gorgeous!!! That blue beadboard is fabulous too. Great job with the mantel and fireplace, it rocks!!

    Reply
  5. Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:08 am

    Gorgeous Gina!! As always! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:16 am

    It turned out fabulous! Love the colors. And the pop of the peach tree blossoms… wow!!

    Reply
  7. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:17 am

    Love the new fireplace, Gina! So pretty and springy! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  8. Aaron says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:19 am

    Wow!!! I really loved the crown, but that color combo is swoon-worthy. Well done!

    -Aaron {the girl with the boy’s name}

    http://www.mudpiesandmarigolds.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. Ali @ Honey and Maple Syrup says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:23 am

    Wow, what a transformation! It looks great!

    Reply
  10. Katie says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:25 am

    Love love love this!! I adore the color! And I love the staging… the blooms just make the aqua pop even more! Great job!!!

    Reply
  11. Restoration House says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:26 am

    What a transformation! It looks great and I love the colors. Great job.
    Kim:)

    Reply
  12. Sarah says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:35 am

    Beautiful job! I LOVE it!!

    Reply
  13. Krafty Kat says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:45 am

    Gorgeous! I am swooning all over it!

    Reply
  14. Cha Cha says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:53 am

    LOVE IT!!!! The color is perfection. You are right it is a Mercedes. I can’t wait to catch up, will call soon.

    Cha Cha

    Reply
  15. Mel says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:56 am

    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
  16. gail@myrepurposedlife.net says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:57 am

    gina! it’s gorgeous! great transormation!
    thanks for hosting!
    gail

    Reply
  17. Debbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:03 am

    Gina, this is wonderful. I love the color love how you changed it all around. Then I love the window on top….you really did such a great job.
    blessings,
    Debbie

    Reply
  18. AuntLou says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:18 am

    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
  19. Chrissie says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:27 am

    Gina, I love the fireplace. Your colors are gorgeous too! Thanks for hosting today!

    Reply
  20. Jen says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:32 am

    GREAT makeover! I absolutely love every bit of it!

    Reply
  21. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:12 am

    This is so pretty! thanks for hosting this link party.

    Reply
  22. The Pennington Point says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:44 am

    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
  23. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:57 am

    What wonderful soft colors – it’s perfect!

    Reply
  24. Gabby @ The...Late, Young Family says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:16 am

    Your new mantel is absolutely wonderful and breathtaking. Like always, thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  25. The DIY Spot says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:22 am

    Love the mantel, love the color and love the accessories! As always, thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  26. Janet says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:24 am

    Your mantel is beautiful! I just love it!

    Reply
  27. Kristen @ ladybug-blessings.com says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:30 am

    that looks AMAZING!! It looks like it is from a magazine!

    Reply
  28. Carrie says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:43 am

    I LoVE your new mantel! The color is the Beautiful. Thanks for hosting

    fineandhandy.blogspot.com

    Reply
  29. Amanda says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:56 am

    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
  30. Kim @ Second Time Furniture says

    March 24, 2011 at 6:11 am

    Wow…the mantel looks so beautiful! The apple blossoms are gorgeous! Thanks for having the party!

    Reply
  31. Amanda says

    March 24, 2011 at 7:39 am

    The fireplace looks wonderful! The colours you used are fab, very calming.

    Reply
  32. ♥ Miss Tea says

    March 24, 2011 at 8:23 am

    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. manths says

    March 24, 2011 at 9:31 am

    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
  34. Amy @MaisonDecor says

    March 24, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Love the mantel and the beadboard wall~especially the colors you picked out! Really fresh.

    Reply
  35. hosted outlook says

    March 24, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Awesome dear! Just wonderful! I am dumbstruck looking at this amazing creation!

    Reply
  36. southernscraps says

    March 24, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    The mantel is awesome and the decorations are perfect! Love it!

    Reply
  37. Hi I'm Misty. says

    March 24, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    This is amazing! The blues look fabulous with just a touch of pink. Great color choices and a gorgeous mantle!!!

    Reply
  38. Curtains In My Tree says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    That transformation is beautiful and I have never tackled a project like that. Blue is my favorite color and it fits the mantle perfect.

    Guess I need a handy man LOL

    Janice

    Reply
  39. Lindy@Itsy Bitsy Paper says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    That mantle and fireplace look amazing! I’m sorry that my link was done twice! Oops, I’m number 268 and 270. I don’t even know how I did that two times but I did.
    Thanks for hosting this great party!
    http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com

    Reply
  40. Laura @ Our House Of Joyful Noise says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    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
  41. LouLou@thelifeofloulou.blogspot.com says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Ok hun, that looks amazing! I love the blues. We built our own fake fireplace in November. I know yours isn’t fake, but ours is smaller scale like yours. I love everything about this redo. You did a great job!

    Reply
  42. Clydia says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    Love that makeover!! Love your blog!!! Thanks for hosting! XOXO

    Reply
  43. Kristy Carberry says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    That is a HUGE transformation! I love the way you’ve decorated the mantle. Simple elegance!

    Reply
  44. kayla says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Looks amazing! I’m lovin’ the Peach Tree blossoms too!

    Reply
  45. ~K @ VintageSkye says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    You guys are amazing! How fun to have a brand new wall and mantel to look at everyday!

    Reply
  46. Barb@curlywillowdiy says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    That was made from scraps?! Simply amazing, Thanks for hosting another great party.

    Reply
  47. House Revivals says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    Gina, you knocked this one out of the park!
    ~Amanda

    Reply
  48. Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    Gina I love the blues!!!

    Reply
  49. AliLilly says

    March 24, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    Whoa! Gina! You never cease to amazing me!! Thanks for hosting! 🙂

    Reply
  50. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage.com says

    March 24, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    Beautiful mantle! Thanks so much for hostessing.

    Reply
  51. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    March 24, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    I love your new fireplace! It looks fantastic!

    Reply
  52. randee says

    March 24, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    wow! it’s stunning! how sweet & how beautiful.
    you’ll have so much fun decorating it. you & your hubby do amazing work.

    Reply
  53. Heidi says

    March 24, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    Gina! Hey love the New Fireplace. I bet you do too
    thanks for the link up!

    come visit
    chickhardware.blogpspot.com

    Reply
  54. Nanniepannie says

    March 24, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    It looks so so so good. The colors are wonderful.

    Reply
  55. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking says

    March 24, 2011 at 11:54 pm

    Gina that is so pretty, I love your colours and decor.

    Reply
  56. ♥ helen says

    March 25, 2011 at 12:21 am

    wow! That is really beautiful.

    Reply
  57. Kristine: Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    March 25, 2011 at 12:43 am

    Oh that turned out beautifully!!!

    Reply
  58. NYCLQ says

    March 25, 2011 at 1:13 am

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

    😀 Lynda

    Reply
  59. Laryssa Herbert says

    March 25, 2011 at 1:44 am

    Gina, it looks wonderful!! Great job.

    Reply
  60. The Sterling Cherub says

    March 25, 2011 at 1:56 am

    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
  61. Sarah says

    March 25, 2011 at 8:53 am

    That IS aweseome!

    Reply
  62. Sarah says

    March 25, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Awesome! (bad typo)

    Reply
  63. Patricia Torres says

    March 25, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Thanks for hosting this every week… You rock!! I’ve linked in two entries today.. and am off to check other inspirations now!!

    Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!

    Reply
  64. Irene Robertson says

    March 25, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    I love that color! It’s amazing!

    Reply
  65. Red Hill General Store says

    March 25, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    Just wanted to say that the fireplace looks phenomenal!

    Reply
  66. Elena says

    March 25, 2011 at 9:28 pm

    That is what creativity is all about. Nice job.

    Reply
  67. Pam says

    March 26, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Beautiful….you and Mr. Hubby did a great job and I love the color. It just needed a loving touch to turn it around to a beauty.
    http://pam-lifethroughmyeyes.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  68. ANDREA COUTINHO says

    March 27, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    LOVE! ADOREI!TUDO LINDO!
    VEM ME VISITAR TAMBÉM!
    AGUARDO ANCIOSA SUA VISITA!
    E NÃO ESQUEÇA DE DEIXAR UM RECADINHO, TÁ?
    E SE NÃO FOR PEDIR MT, PODE TB ME SEGUIR???
    ANDREA COUTINHO
    andrea_coutinho_vasconcellos@hotmail.com
    http://redonscriar.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  69. Alison says

    June 27, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    Wow! I love it. It’s SO cute. Nice colors too!!! 🙂

    Posted a pic and link of it on my latest post: http://foryoubylove.blogspot.com/2011/06/christmas-in-july.html

    Reply
  70. Sheila says

    March 11, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    I love this mantel! Where did you get the pillar candle holders? Thanks!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Home Projects: How Can I Build A Mantel Around My Fireplace?. ~ diy-home-projects.vwx.info says:
    November 17, 2015 at 8:16 pm

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    Reply

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