Alright—if you’re new here, welcome! I’m glad you stopped by. Over the last few months I’ve been working on an entry makeover. Right now I’m focused on adding a faux fireplace mantel. Yesterday I shared ideas readers suggested and the inspiration photo for the mantel. Today I’ll explain how I plan to interpret that inspiration in my own way. It’s not finished yet, so there’s no big “after” reveal this time. It’s a process, and I’m hopeful it won’t take forever.
There are plenty of options that might seem easier, more elegant, or more authentic—an antique screen or decorative vent would be lovely—but those aren’t realistic for my budget or timeline. So bear with me while I make this work with what I have.
Inspiration image: Skonahem
I found white ventilated shelves at Lowe’s (you can see them in the top photo). My plan is to use two of these shelves placed lengthwise, side by side, to fill most of the mantel opening. Used this way they should roughly mimic the look of the lattice or screen in my inspiration photo, while staying affordable and quick to source.
When I told my husband about the idea of using shelves to create a screen, he thought I was a little crazy. “Shelves?” He’s not much into DIY projects—if I mention how other couples tackle projects together, his eyes glaze over. He’s mostly worried because I have very little DIY experience and almost no tools. I tend to want the finished project without enjoying the process, and that combination can be risky. Still, I’m determined to give it a try.
To be fair, I’m not a stranger to covering awkward black holes above fireplaces. The project I did before was straightforward and went smoothly.
That said, mistakes are possible on this makeover, and the result may not please everyone. I accept that risk—working on a budget means making compromises and learning from them. My goal is to complete the entry and be happy with the result.
If you missed what the other side of the entry looks like—the wall to the left of the mantel—you can see it in my painting stripes post.
Coming up:
Along with this fireplace project, here are a few posts I’ll be sharing soon:
- Paint Colors — where I’m headed, where I’ve been, and considerations I use when choosing wall colors.
- Before and After: My Front Door — I haven’t shared an official before-and-after photo yet, so I’ll remedy that as part of the entry makeover series.
- Upstairs Bathroom Makeover Reveal — finally wrapping this one up!
- The Start of My Office Makeover Project — I’m excited to get this underway.
Seattle is expecting a big snowstorm on Wednesday, so I’ve stocked up on comfort food and am ready to hibernate for a bit. I love a good snowstorm—as long as I’m safe and warm inside.