Faux Fireplace

As I've mentioned before, we didn't have a fireplace installed in our new home but it was always my intention to eventually add a mantle to give myself an area to decorate for holidays and to add character to our home. Aaron was so sweet to construct the shelf for Christmastime so I could hang the kiddos' stockings, but after Christmas he told me I could find an actual mantle for us to install. I'd been perusing online for months, so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted. Near New Year's Eve, we went to a local antiques/collected goods store and bought a weathered antique mantle that had sat outside on a covered porch for about a year. Most of the paint was chipped off, so we knew we had a project in front of us. 

Here's some pictures from the listing (when we got it, it hardly had any paint left and looked weathered & gray):

I was smitten with the star details! 

Here's our progress more than halfway through. It took a lot of sanding to get it to the point where Aaron could prime it. 

Eventually, I was able to paint it (Cavern Moss like I painted the shelf) and he installed it in our dining room! 

I added some artwork I already had, but I think eventually I'll hang a statement mirror above it or leaning on it. I also plan to do something in the blank space under the mantle (maybe add some peel & stick tile or something). 

 

Some tulips from Publix adds to the springtime color scheme! 

I'm super happy with how it turned out, and I'm excited for all of the decorating I'll get to do on it throughout the year! 

Until Next Time,

Much Love, Reba