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Home Decorating

Want to help design a mantel and surround?

12 years ago

Hi everyone!

It's been ages since I've been here ... life gets in the way of decorating sometimes :)

I could use your keen eye(s) regarding our mantel. I've been designing it in my head since we moved into this house 2 1/2 years ago and it's time to just buck up and make a decision already. So where do I go??? Why, gardenweb of course.

Here it is in its current state:

Here is my primary inspiration:

There are going to be some alterations to the plan above because we have to build around what's currently there. Plus I want a nice thick mantel like this:

BUT, what I also want is the fireplace surround to go all the way to the ceiling like this:

We are planning in bricking over the tile surround with z-brick like we did in our kitchen:

And the wood surround will be the same green as our kitchen cabinets.

I'm also planning on using beadboard above the mantel to cover up that arch.

But the issue I'm having is -- what else to do above the mantel?

Do we match the columns of the federal that will be below the mantel and continue that up top?

I'm feeling paralyzed with indecision. And I hate that feeling.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

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Comments (3)

cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
12 years ago
I think it will look lovely. That green is wonderful (care to share color?) and will look perfect and quite colonial with the brick. I am not sure about the beadboard idea, though. I would go with a smooth look like the one in your inspiration picture. I imagine you could have someone build the entire surround to cover the alcove or incorporate that alcove into your plan. Also, you seem to want to combine several styles: the rustic heavy mantel and the very formal 18th c. style going to the ceiling. Once you decide which you really like, everything will fall into place. I am betting some others here will come up with great ideas and maybe even pictures that combine both looks!
megsy
Original Author
12 years ago
cyn, thank you so much for the food for thought. I hadn't even realized I was trying to combine styles. I guess I was thinking the rustic mantel would go well with the federal plan for the surround. But on second look I am rethinking!

Thanks for the compliment on the green :) It's BM HC-109 Sussex Green. It's one of my favorite choices we made for the house. This isn't our forever home so instead of replacing cabinets, we just had them painted.
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megsy
Original Author
12 years ago
I have limited PS skills but here's what I've come up with as a VERY rough mockup.

(The part touching the ceiling is supposed to be crown moulding. The bricks will continue onto the floor tile but in the interest of time, I skipped that part.)

I can't decide if I love the wooden mantel or hate it. I would love it without the wood at the top. The thing is, I really don't want to tear into the existing sheetrock so building a box around that current mantel is the easiest solution.

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