FIREPLACE MANTLES: Are you seeking a little change without committing to an entire room renovation? If you have a fireplace mantle you are one step ahead of the game. The once plain basic white wood mantle is now becoming a more important focal point of the room. Working in so many tri-state area homes over the years has given me the opportunity to enhance the “white frame” into a unique and special piece of art. Any mantle can have embellishments applied such as rivets, appliques, wood trim and other decorative molding added for dimension and interest. These faux, decorative options give the illusion of dark wood grain, worn beach wood, antique paint and marble just to start.
The other part of fireplace mantles that can be given attention is the brick facing. Is your hearth surrounded by stone or brick that doesn’t work with your design concept? Instead of ripping it out these surfaces can be treated to offer a visual transformation. A color wash on dark red brick can give the look of antique French brick face. Old stone can be glazed to lighten up the feel and texture offering an entirely new energy to a room. So when looking at your space consider the idea of painting elements vs. removing them because the option and durability of paint treatments are endless.