progress on the fireplace front

[shabbychick]

As you know, I've been working on the problem of replacing my mantel with a wider one that allows for more decorating options. My current mantle is a cute, but uselessly narrow conglomeration of moldings. My friend's husband, who does fine woodworking as an avocation, is designing a new mantel for me that will just be applied over the old one rather than having to pull the old one off the wall. He chose an arts and crafts design for the mantel (which I will paint white) and brought over the design for me last night. The A&C design is not one of my favorites (in fact, it's probably my least favorite) but I think it will make it easier to sell this place when I get ready to do so if it's not so girly. It's not an unattractive design by any means, and I think it will work well with the rest of the room. He's using a plywood base and covering it with poplar, which he tells me takes paint really well. He does excellent work, and I think it's going to make a huge impact on that wall. It's bigger in all dimensions but not so big that it'll make it hard to get around in my smallish living room. I gave him money for the materials last night. With materials, work, and even installation, the total is going to come to around $600, which sounds expensive but is really cheaper than the premade mantels you have to install yourself. I like that it's work from someone I trust who cares about craftsmanship, and I know he'll make sure it's done and installed right. Plus I would rather give money to someone I know in the area than to a faceless corporation that couldn't care less if the mantel looks good. I can hardly wait to paint it up and get it decorated!! No more lining up tiny things side by side to make them fit! I'll be able to place some of my big stuff on the mantel and layer things a bit. Yay!

[Lynzee]

You don't know how I envy you having even a small mantle. I have been begging my husband to put a fireplace in our house. I hate being without one--not so much for the fire, but for the mantle to decorate! :D You're going to love the new mantle and the endless decorating possibilities! Can't wait to see the pictures when he is finished.

[memmey]

That sounds really good. A&C is timeless and your right you don't want it too girly if you sell. Are you sure you are gonna paint it? Could you blonde it maybe or is white the best choice?

[memmey]

Look what I found on carigslist for $400 today. I wish Ihad $400 to spend!!!!!It's cypress!

[shabbychick]

Memmey,

Yes, I do plan to paint it. I want it to match the rest of the woodwork in the house, and I think the paint will minimize the Arts-and-Crafts-ness of the design. Once I get the lace on it, you won't hardly be able to tell what the design is. That's my plan, anyway. We'll see how it all works out.

[vintage girl]

Shabby I can hardly wait to see your fireplace mantel. I know it is just going to be beautiful.

Memmey that mantel is to die for!!! I have found some really beautiful ones on craigslist also. Unfortunately I just don't have the room for one. Someday I want a house with a fireplace in the dining room and the bedroom. Not sure why I like that so much, but when I see houses on House Hunters with fireplaces in those rooms, I just love it. It looks so elegant and cozy.:)

[farmgal67357]

I got some drool on my keyboard looking at that cypress mantlepiece. I wish I had $400 too!

Shabby, A&C equals clean lines and simplicity. And crisp white paint is a simple as you can get! It will look great. Once we get moved into our new cottage I hope I can find the room for a small electric fireplace. I just love relaxing by watching a fire.......