Simple Fireplace Mantel

Our fireplace was built with nothing but a wood frame around it, and was sadly lacking a mantel! So, my father came up with a great idea of using a wide piece of molding for one. I stained it to match the existing wood frame, and polyurethaned it for long lasting durability and a slight shine.

The wide molding - stained and polyurethaned, then secured into place as a mantel.

A head on view that shows the mantel looking like a perfect fit!

We added some teacup hooks at evenly spaced intervals under the mantle for displaying holiday decorations, stockings, etc.

I removed the two end leaf plate decorations since they were clashing with the tall wall pictures. That made a nice difference. I just love the coziness the fireplace adds to our living room now!

~ Many thanks to my father for his expert help with this project ~

Melissa And The Plants

Melissa, the silly girl that she is, seems infatuated with the plants I've placed in my repurposed fireplace! For days now, we've caught her just sitting and staring at the plants.....So finally I took out my cellphone camera and got some pictures of her doing this! Did you ever wonder what goes through the minds of your pets? We sure do!

 How funny and cute is that?

Repurposed / Redesigned Fireplace

Over the winter, I decided to display lights and candles in my fireplace, which I could enjoy everyday, rather than a fire of which we've lit very few and far between lately. The candles gave a warm, cozy glow when lit; and when they weren't lit, the lights livened and brightened things up in true Christmas spirit. But......it's way past that time now, and I've been itching for a more natural, green and earthy change!

Here's what the fireplace looked like before:

(Ugh! Really in need of a facelift!)

I set about clearing everything out ~

Which sparked the interest of my curious critters.

These lights are all mine, Mom!

 Then I moved in some plants that I potted in simple containers.

(Not sure if I'm going to keep the little mirrors in for helping to reflect the light in the back.)

The plants are variegated vinca vine, lobelia and asparagus fern.

And here is the finished look, which I am very pleased with. My daughter said, "It looks so lush now, Mom!" I agree. When you walk into the room, your eyes are drawn right to the fireplace for how simply clean, green and lovely it is.

I chose some spike dracaena to accent the hearth, along with these lovely framed nature photographs from my sweet step-daughter. It's amazing how a change which was relatively simple and inexpensive, can bring about such a different feeling to the entire room! 

Isn't it such a nice change, too?