Earlier this week, I shared about the antique-style fireplace mantel we built to replace the simple mantel shelf. You can find more details about how we built that mantel in THIS POST. I really liked the foundation of this room, but I envisioned the fireplace with a more traditional mantel. The shelf, to me, felt more modern and the room as a whole felt more traditional. I felt like building out the mantel would give the fireplace more presence and make the room more cohesive. Here is how the fireplace and surrounding built-ins looked when we moved in…
…and here is how it looks now with the room painted in Card Room Green and the mantel we built!
Of course, it’s a little hidden because it’s all decorated for Christmas. In fact, as soon as the paint on the mantel was dry, I started decorating it! I realized after the fact that it really needs one more coat, but I can live with it until the holidays are over.
I also love the built-ins painted in Card Room Green and how they tie into the new mantel. This was a case when there wasn’t anything wrong with the built-ins and fireplace as they were, but I had a different vision for them.
I’m still working on decorating the room for Christmas, so I’ll share more of it once the tree is decorated and I’ve played a bit more with the pillows and such. I didn’t want to leave you hanging too long on the mantel, though!
|
The only downside to this room is that it’s a bit tricky to photograph, especially with green walls! It feels lovely in person, though. It’s snug and charming. It’s not a big room, but it gets a lot of use and has served us well so far. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s getting there.
And now, back to more Christmas decorating. Even though our dining room walls are still just wearing primer, I’m setting up a tree in there. I just can’t resist…
49 Responses
I just want to compliment you on your loveliness to previous owners. So many times blogs point out all of the things the past owners did “wrong”. Style is such a personal choice and you are so kind to always point out positives while making it your own. Thank you!
I totally agree, Marian is always so respectful towards others.
OMGosh…just blown away at the beauty you have of created! So charming and cozy and I adored the color. So well done Marian! Enjoy the holidays!
When I first saw the house that you chose when you moved I thought that the house sure did not look like you, but I have to admit that you have knocked it out of the ballpark with your renovation. Everything you have done looks amazing.
Marian, I love the new mantle. The mantle in our home is just like yours and has never been my favorite thing. I’d like to use your idea and change out to one similar to yours. Did you have a tutorial on how you made yours?
Yep, you can find the details in this post…
https://missmustardseed.com/building-our-new-antique-style-mantel/
I agree. She has so much grace.
That looks so good. It completely changes the look and feel of the room.
I love it and now want to paint everything in my house green.
I agree … I love that Marian took to so much green this time around. It is my favorite color in a home when you get the right tone and saturation …and her card room green is awesome! And she has mixed in her blue and white so perfectly …blue and white is becoming so overdone…. this is such a pleasant alternative. Card Room Green is going in my new home!
I think blue and white is still my favorite, but this house seems to really like green, so I’m going with it!
This mantel is fantastic! It was a project you made seem easy and yet it’s a huge wow factor! Bravo, Marian!!
Pretty but I wish you would have stained it like the inspiration photo.
Staining it would’ve been pretty, but it would’ve required a whole other level of woodworking ability and materials. It just wasn’t going to work for this project.
Well done, as always!
This is absolutely charming and the green makes the mantel and room so cozy and cohesive…just like in a storybook! Bravo!
So very pretty! I love your mantel design, as well as your color choice.
It is just lovely, and I like every bit of it. You have truly made it your home. Santa is going to have a good time in there!
Love it!!! It is so you! Glad you are making the home yours!
So cozy and beautiful. It looks like an English snug. I couldn’t love it more. And the blue and greens together are just perfection!
I agree with Deborah, there is nothing else to say🥰.
Your vision for this room *chef’s kiss*
Knocked this project out of the park my friend!!!
Such a lovely room, Marian! In the world of huge ‘open concept’ family rooms, this one tops them all. Coziness personified.
It. Looks. AMAZING!
I thought you bought an antique mantle to use on this fireplace. Did it not work for some reason?
Thank you for asking this, I appreciate thought maybe I had dreamed that!
Yes, it ended up not working out, so I sold it on Facebook Marketplace. There were a few things I missed in the measurements that would need more adjusting than I initially thought. It made the most sense to start fresh and build something perfect for this space instead of trying to make the other one work.
Beautiful – just beautiful
Hi Marian: Love the mantel with its “over skirt”. such a great detail. Farrow and Ball colors are perfection love the Card Room Green. Reminds me of my mom’s family room. Very similar color with Chicago Brick. They built their fireplace surround also. Williamsburg was their muse. 1963 ranch with beams like yours and the same paneling in Nebraska. They didn’t have book cases so my dad built the most gorgeous corner cupboard for it. Brings back fond memories. Thanks
MMS! It must be so satisfying to have your vision become a reality. Your handiwork on the mantel curves stands out beautifully painted with the Card Room Gray. I love how the symmetry of the cabinets, chairs, and mantel decorations creates such a relaxed traditional welcome. Can I come and sit and pick your marvelous creative mind?
Hugs from Mercer Island, Diney
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT ALL!!!
Omg Marian! It’s just Stunning! Your vision came to life, and it’s perfect. So well done! Enjoy nesting in this Christmas season.
How beautiful! Everything now feels cohesive and true to your vision and style. Very well done! Thanks for sharing yur process and outcome…
Marian, your fireplace looks beautiful. Great job, and design, on the mantle. I can’t get over the transformation of the fireplace. The room looks cozy and welcoming with the fireplace upgrade along with painting the bookshelves.
Beautiful!!
Completely charming!
WOW! You made it so cozy in a nice traditional way. Well done!!
Absolutely stunning! Takes my breath away.
Oh!!!! I LOVE IT!!!
It came out beautiful. I love the blue ginger jars, where did you find those? Are they another snag from a great antique shop? You have such a great eye! So cozy and welcoming.
They were from HomeGoods. I bet similar ones will show up again once the holiday items start clearing out.
The mantle is stunning. I love the way you style your rooms. It’s so pretty and always inspiring.
Enjoy the season.
Karen B.
Marian, it is perfection, as always! I am curious though, what happened to the antique mantel you purchased for that spot?
Beautifully designed fireplace, makes your room so warm and cozy. Love the bells on your Christmas stockings.
The room looks so cozy and inviting! Just where you’d want to read a book and snuggle. With all the lovely things to look at, no one is ever going to want to leave! The mantel looks great!
So pretty and cozy!
Everything looks perfect. Bravo!!
Any it looks like you’re knitting again?
It’s beautiful! I’m curious about the room size – it does look cozy, yet you’ve been able to comfortably place more furniture than I would have expected. Can you share the room dimensions and layout? And do you need to move the chairs to access the doors in the builtins?
I’m not sure of the exact dimensions of the room, but it is pretty small for a family room. I would guess it’s about 14 x 18 or so. The chairs flanking the fireplace are pulled up enough that you can access the built-ins without having to move them. I feel like the room reads a little smaller in the pictures than it does in person, but it is cozy!
Thanks so much! It always helps me understand the layout and what I might be able to take away for my own space when I know approximate dimensions.