Well, if you’re a regular around these parts, you might recall my post back in 2014 (yes, you read that correctly — 2014) about The Mantel Dilemma we were having. Do we paint it? Do we leave it? Decisions, decisions. Well, as you can see from the title of this post — it finally happened. We decided to take the plunge and proceed with a mantel makeover.
Since recently re-painting our downstairs a light gray, getting a new sofa and chair — and waiting for a new La-Z-Boy piece, we knew it was time to tackle the mantel. It just stood out like a sore thumb. The plan was to paint the oak. I did some research, sent links the hubby and thought we were ready to proceed.
However, Steve found most of the articles saying that painting oak is not for the faint of heart — and others stated that it was criminal (a bit dramatic, don’t you think?). So, after further discussion, we decided that we would build over the existing oak mantel — only having to remove the top cap and some trim.
The big mantel makeover started while I was out of town, so I apologize for not having a better before shot, but you get the picture. This picture was actually taken before we painted the walls gray.
Below are some shots of the process. There is no tutorial, being that we drew a pencil sketch and made it happen… with a few arguments, frustrations and a whole lot of sanding (and a mess from the dust). Just keeping it real, friends.
Then we arrive at a few of the after shots. There are no full room shots due to it still being a work in progress after the holidays (feel free to take a look at how the room was decorated for Christmas in our Woodland Home Tour). I always feel like my room looks so ‘vanilla/plain/boring’ after taking down all of the Christmas decorations… a little depressing. Anybody else agree with me?
Talk about keeping it real, that is a raw, unfinished dresser sitting there to the left of the fireplace — and, if I was being totally honest, it’s been there for MONTHS. I am just stumped as to what I want to do with it. I even started a Pinterest board for Dresser Inspiration. Have any ideas to send my way?
Here’s a couple different angles so you can see a bit more detail.
Anywho, at least you can see the mantel makeover done and painted. We LOVE it. The hubs is even thinking about doing a plank wall extension above the mantel (behind the TV). I confess, I was a bit shocked to hear those words come out of his mouth. HA!
What do you think? I know that I’m opening a door that may include criticism, but that’s okay. We all have our own style and preferences…. We are very happy with the before and after. Let’s hear your thoughts {wink}.
BTW — if you have tiles on your fireplace, this fireplace makeover and how-to paint tile is a great resource!
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Mary H says
I think it looks great! We have a similar style fireplace with a hideous orangey wood mantle that we have been trying to figure out what to do with. I am pinning this for inspiration!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Mary! Appreciate it…and the Pin as well. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend. HUGS.
Liz says
Looks so nice Kelly
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Liz! 🙂 I appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your evening. xo.
Tina Barrett says
It looks nice however going over solid oak wook is a shame I prefer to restoration rather than renevation
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Tina! Although we went with renovation over restoration…I thing everyone should explore their options and go with what is best for them. 😉 Enjoy the rest of your weekend. HUGS.
Katie @ The Casual Craftlete says
Love it! It looks so fresh. I kinda like the unfinished dresser. Can’t wait to see what you do with it. What color gray did you use? We just painted our living room Passive gray by Sherwin Wlliams.
Stephanie R says
It turned out really great! I need to makeover my mantel because its ancient!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Stephanie! Appreciate it. Have fun doing your mantel…it’s always fun to enjoy the final product. Have a great evening. xo.
Melissa B says
Your mantel makeover looks great!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Melissa! You are too kind. 😉 Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xo.
Neelam says
Wow what a transformation! The before and after are remarkable. I love your paint colour too! Thanks for sharing.
xx
Neelam
http://patternsandprosecco.com
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Neelam! I appreciate it…and appreciate you stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your evening. HUGS.
Shonee says
Beautiful! Love the transformation! I like the white against the dark brick and it pairs beautifully with the gray walls! Thanks for sharing! Also, I did a dresser makeover not too long ago. Check out my Rast IKEA Hack. I hope it helps inspire you! http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/rast-ikea-hack/
Shonee
http://www.hawthorneandmain.com
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Shonee! Appreciate it. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xo.
Sandy Riggs says
Kelly, very nice reno of your mantel. As to the dresser, my first thought was charcoal gray and my second thought, in looking at your arrow below the sign, is a chevron design, which would tie things together on that wall. And then maybe one chevron pillow on a sofa or chair to “bounce” it around your room. 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Sandy! All your suggestions are great. 🙂 It’s always so fun to take on these projects and watch it all come together. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. HUGS.
Diane says
Snazzy upgrade! It’s amazing what a bit of elbow grease and creativity can do! Mantels make a lovely focal point for a room. Tell your hubby Nice work!