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Live Laugh Rowe

Live Laugh Rowe

A lifestyle blog that shares crafts, recipes, tutorials and life's moments.

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Help! The Mantel Dilemma

07/22/2014 · Kelly Rowe · 15 Comments

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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I thought it would be fun to share a home project we’re considering and get your opinions on our (non-urgent) mantel dilemma.  Back in June, I shared our Summer Home Tour.  Shortly before that post went up, the hubs and I finally decided to say goodbye to our orange accent wall. We had that orange wall for 6 or 7 years and it got old — very, very old.  It seemed to make the room look smaller and darker too.

I couldn’t find a decent pic of the wall before we painted it, so here are a couple  instagram shots that will have to do.  Sad, I know {hee-hee}.

Mantel DilemmaNow that we painted the wall, we’re debating making some changes to the mantel.  It’s a bit of a mantel dilemma.  Of course using the word ‘dilemma’ is a ridiculous play on words, because there is really no dilemma here.  {giggle}  However, we can’t seem to make up our minds and continue to go back and forth on what we might do.  I actually posted a couple of pics on my personal Facebook page awhile back and a lot of my friends weighed-in on what they thought.  It was prob 50/50 on painting it versus leaving it as is.

So, I thought it would be fun to get your opinion too.  The picture below was taken during our ‘in progress’ paint job and I’ve attempted to give you a visual as to what we are considering our options to be.  Nothing fancy, but they give you a visual.

mantel dilemma

Alrighty then, what do you think?
Which of these three options would you choose?

Decisions.  Decisions.  Our Mantel Dilemma is deciding if we leave it as is, paint the oak mantel white OR paint the oak mantel and the brick.  Weigh in with you opinion at livelaughrowe.com

ONE:         Leave the mantel as is.  Period.
TWO:        Paint over the oak with a white paint.  Leave the brick as is.
THREE:   Paint both the oak mantel and the brick with white.

We tend to go back and forth between one and two.  Here’s the thing, I’m all about preserving the character of the home; however, with new construction there isn’t a whole lot of character.  Does that make sense?  Ultimately, I’d love to remove the oak and the brick and have a simple mantel consisting of old barn wood or beam.  I don’t think the hubs would approve, so I’m considering other options that he is open to.

If and when we ever do make a decision, we’ll be sure to share it with you here.  Looking forward to hear your thoughts.

In case you’re wondering, here is what the wall looks like now. The room looks so much lighter, brighter and larger!  We have discussed painting the house in a light gray at some point, but that will be awhile.  Painting is a lot of work!  Phew.  Getting rid of the orange wall and hanging lighter curtains really did wonders.

Warm and Cozy Living RoomOf course we appreciate that you stopped by and enjoy hearing your opinions.  I guess we’ll end on this note — Stay Tuned!

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A DIY fanatic, Kelly shares her journey through her blog, Live Laugh Rowe, where she showcases her recipes, tutorials, crafts, home projects, and all things DIY. This East Coast Girl at heart believes family is number one as she finds the perfect balance of being a daughter, wife, sister, entrepreneur, writer and woman of God. Be sure to follow along as she shares her passion for life, love and family! Read more...

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Comments

  1. Vicki says

    07/22/2014 at 7:42 am

    Personally, I like option 3 of your mantel conundrum. It looks light & airy, and looks wonderful with your paint choice. The brick, untainted, is a bit in-your-face in terms of contrast.

    Fwiw,
    Vicki

    Reply
  2. Janet says

    07/22/2014 at 8:03 am

    I think I would leave it as it matches back to the staircase 🙂 Ties it together.

    Reply
  3. Kerry says

    07/22/2014 at 9:43 am

    I like options 2 & 3…I think I’m leaning to 3 more, all white! – then you can literally do ANYthing with decorating it and don’t have to be mindful of the brick color. But just my two cents. It will look great either way!

    Reply
  4. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    07/22/2014 at 10:27 am

    I vote for #3! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Gina says

    07/22/2014 at 10:29 am

    Hmmm- well, my opinion would be that once you change the color of brick – it becomes difficult to change it back later. So if I had to choose I would pick option B – the lighter mantle with the brick left alone. However if it were my living room – I would take the wood darker to match the other wood in the room. The stair railing & the tables look darker & it might pop more if it were the same.

    Reply
  6. JaneEllen says

    07/22/2014 at 1:32 pm

    I am definitely leaning with 3, kept looking back and forth and always came back to #3. The brick would be something drawing the eye versus the new mantel/wall color if you picked #2. Will be interesting to see which way you decide to go.
    Happy painting. Hope your a/c works good if it’s super hot there as it is here, high 90’s and up into 100’s mid week. If it’s going to be this hot might as well move back to Tucson. Might have to ponder on that idea more, the humidity is getting worse in Tucson. The dog days of summer are brutal in Tucson. Ever been there?
    Love your sectional, looks like heavy corduroy, is it? The color is really nice. Happy summer

    Reply
  7. Delilah Gillio says

    07/22/2014 at 3:16 pm

    I vote #2!!

    Reply
  8. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    07/22/2014 at 4:53 pm

    My opinion is #2. The brick adds texture and can be played up or down depending on your décor style, and the season.

    Reply
  9. Lisa says

    07/22/2014 at 5:09 pm

    Hi Kelly! I can see why you’re having a dilemma! You’re living room is beautiful! Warm & cozy & the mantle makes the room feel that way too. That said, I definately think removing the orange wall was the best decision. Maybe if you’re planning on changing your l.r. color like you said you may want to paint it then otherwise I think it looks great!

    Reply
  10. Jeannette says

    07/22/2014 at 5:44 pm

    I love Option # 3 , but you have to be sure it’s what you want because, no going back when you paint brick ! And if you do paint it, would you also be painting the hearth?? That would be a lot of white. I do LOVE the white mantel though, so maybe you should just go with that at first and decide later on painting the brick! I know whatever you do will turn out great. Love the lighter wall, and love you both!

    Reply
  11. Debby Messner says

    07/22/2014 at 7:17 pm

    I am in the minority but I really like the way it is.

    Reply
  12. Lauren @ Bless'er House says

    07/23/2014 at 2:59 pm

    I’m a sucker for light and bright, so #3 all the way! But I really don’t think it is bad the way it is now either. It ties in with your banister nicely. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Laura @ The Turquoise Home says

    07/23/2014 at 7:38 pm

    I really love option #2!

    Reply
  14. Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says

    07/25/2014 at 11:17 am

    I’d say # 2 🙂 Good luck! We have the biggest (non urgent) mantel dilemma! Our mantle above the fireplace is SOO deep…. like 2 feet! Probably meant for an old style tv! I find it soo hard to decorate!

    Reply
  15. Jenn L Nilsson says

    09/04/2014 at 9:20 am

    I love the comment that mentioned staining it darker to match the staircase. That is what I was thinking as well. But if that’s not an option, I would pick #2

    Reply

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