Reader Redesign: The Frame Game
When we got a letter from Jacky all about her mantle makeover, we couldn’t wait to share the fun before and after pics. Here’s her letter:
I’m a BIG fan of your site. And I wanted to share my living room makeover with you. We didn’t know what to do with our oddly shaped concrete mantle, so we left it alone for two plus years. But after reading all your archives, I was really inspired to makeover the entire mantle wall! First, I picked up 2 pieces of reclaimed wood molding and 1×12 board (for $30) and began building a custom mantle top. Since my husband was busy at work, I decided to tackle the carpentry myself. Using a chop saw and some finish nails I eventually assembled all the pieces, and primed & painted everything with two coats of semi-gross white. Since our old concrete fireplace surround looked dirty with a freshly painted mantle top, I ended up painting the concrete the same white color and then just popped the mantle cap right on top of it! I love the curve of the crown moldings w/crisp white paint.
My next project was to deal with the huge mirror above the mantle. I originally wanted to buy a smaller framed one, but I couldn’t find a perfect mirror within our budget. So instead of taking down the large heavy mirror I left it on the wall and installed a wood frame right over it! I found salvaged 35 cent/foot molding, cut 45 degree angles for the corners, and painted them with two coats of rich ebony wood stain. Figuring out how to install the frame was a bit tricky, but I got a great idea from a local hardware store guy: double-sided tape! It worked perfectly and was so EASY to install! -Jacky
Here’s a before shot of Jacky’s curved concrete fireplace mantle and jumbo frameless mirror:
And the fabulously updated new mantle & posh “new” framed mirror:
That’s the DIY spirit Jacky! And done with your own two hands no less. Thanks a million for sharing!
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The mirror & fireplace are gorgeous- so chic! & I love the sofa & the photo arrangement to the left of it.
i can’t believe you built that mantle all by yourself — it’s great!! the mini-makeover makes a BIG change.
Wow, it looks fantastic! Great job!
Your new room looks fantastic, I almost couldn’t tell it was the same room!
i love the idea of creating a frame over the existing mirror!
i also notice the good taste in replacing the sofa and coffee table. most excellent choices! the room looks fantastic.
Wow! What a great job you did!
Thank you so much for all your comments, and thank Sherry & John for sharing my pictures!!
I love having the new mantle cap which gives us more depth to have decorations on top of it! I can’t wait for christmas this year! :)
Honestly, carpentry is really growing on me, only if it stays in small(er) project like this. ;) The satisfaction after you have done those projects really worth it!